Black soldier fly larvae meal effects on broiler performance, carcass, and meat traits: A meta-analysis of rearing substrates

Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) is a sustainable alternative to conventional protein sources in poultry nutrition. However, the influence of rearing substrate type on broiler performance, carcass traits, and meat quality, and the factors that moderate this relationship, remains poorly understood. This meta-analysis quantified the effects of dietary BSFLM on broiler performance, carcass traits, and meat quality. A systematic search of four databases identified 15 studies published between 2015 and 2025. Random-effects models were used to calculate Hedges’ g standardized mean differences (SMD). Pooled analysis showed that BSFLM did not significantly influence average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily weight gain (ADG), or feed conversion ratio (FCR). However, meta-regression identified a negative relationship between higher inclusion levels and ADFI (slope = -0.0337; P = 0.0290), while growth-promoting effects were more evident during shorter-term feeding periods. Subgroup analysis further revealed that larvae reared on non-halal substrates had a significantly higher ADG (SMD = 2.22; P = 0.0055), whereas halal-reared larvae showed a slight reduction (SMD = -0.24). Carcass traits were unaffected, though strain-specific improvements in thigh and wing weights were observed in Cobb 500 broilers, which also exhibited pronounced increases in meat redness. BSFLM significantly increased muscle fat (SMD = 0.99; P = 0.0001), redness (SMD = 0.64; P = 0.0029), and ultimate pH (SMD = 0.52; P = 0.0035). Processing methods influenced water-holding capacity: oven-drying significantly reduced drip loss (SMD = -1.24), whereas sun-drying reduced thaw loss (SMD = -3.01). Both oven-drying and sun-drying also preserved nutrient integrity and improved FCR in broilers. However, yellowness tends to decline at higher inclusion levels (P = 0.0068). BSFLM supports broiler growth, carcass traits, and meat quality, with its efficacy moderated by rearing substrate, processing method, strain, inclusion level, and feeding duration. These findings provide guidance for optimizing BSFLM use at a recommended 28% inclusion level within a 37-day phase-feeding duration, with careful consideration of substrate choice, bird genetics, and processing techniques to meet both nutritional and market requirements.

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