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Black Soldier Fly Larva Fat in Broiler Chicken Diets Affects Breast Meat Quality
This study aimed to evaluate the dose-dependent effect of black soldier fly (BFL) larvae fat inclusion in broiler chicken diets on breast meat quality. Four hundred 1-day-old male birds (Ross 308) were assigned to the following four treatments (10 replicates with 10 birds each): HI0, a basal diet without dietary fat inclusion, and HI03, HI06, and HI09, basal diets enriched with 30 g/kg, 60 g/kg, and 90 g/kg of BSF larvae fat, respectively. Principal component analysis showed noticeable differentiation between the selected plant, animal, and insect-origin dietary fats. The BSF fat exhibits a strong relationship with saturated fatty acids (SFAs), resulting in a high concentration of C12:0 and C14:0. The fatty acid (FA) profile in breast muscle obtained from broilers fed diets with increasing insect fat inclusion showed a significant linear effect in terms of C12:0, C15:0, C18:2, C18:3n6, and total FAs. The proportion of dietary insect fat had a quadratic effect on meat color. The water-holding capacity indices have stayed consistent with the meat color changes. Throughout the experiment, favorable growth performance results were noticed in HI06. The present study confirmed that BSF larvae fat negatively affects the n3 level in meat. However, the physicochemical indices related to consumer acceptance were not altered to negatively limit their final decision, even when a relatively high inclusion of insect fat was used.
The effects of a Bacillus licheniformis and phytase mixture added to broiler diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and cecal microecosystem
Abstract This study aims to evaluate the effects of Bacillus licheniformis and 6-phytase added alone or in combination to broiler chicken diets on the growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility coefficient (AID) of nutrients, microbial activity, and cecal bacterial communities. In total, 400 one-day-old female Ross 308 chicks were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments (10 replicate pens, 10 birds each). The following groups were defined: NC (negative control), basal diet without any feed additive supplementation; NC+Pro, basal diet with addition of the B. licheniformis preparation (500 g/t of diet); NC+Phy, basal diet with addition of phytase (200 g/t of diet); and NC+Pro+Phy, basal diet combined with both studied additives. B. licheniformis positively affected (P<0.05) the feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the first 10 d of bird rearing. Moreover, phytase supplementation elevated the FCR from 21 to 35 d. In the entire experiment, an interaction between phytase and probiotic was observed only in terms of decreasing the bird FI (P=0.005) without a negative effect on the FCR (P>0.05). Furthermore, the AID of ether extract was improved by phytase supplementation. In terms of the cecal microecology, both separately administered factors promoted Lactobacillaceae in the ceca. Interactions between probiotic preparation and phytase were noted that indicated a decreased Clostridiales population and favored Ruminococcaceae proliferation. It can be concluded that for the first time in the available literature, the favorable interactions between B. licheniformis and phytase resulted in improved performance and cecal microbiota changes in broilers.
The first insight into black soldier fly meal in brown trout nutrition as an environmentally sustainable fish meal replacement
How potentially sustainable solutions may be unsustainable in practice: carrot pomaces in common carp nutrition
Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of carrot pomaces dried at two temperatures as a feed component on growth performance, environmental sustainability, and meat quality in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Three diets were developed: a control without pomace (CON); CPL with 15.5% carrot pomace dried at 40°C and CPH with 23.6% carrot pomace dried at 120°C. A total of 240 two-year-old common carp (average body weight of individual: 1025 g) were randomly distributed into 12 tanks, four per treatment, including 20 fish per tank. The experiment was performed using an outdoor open flow aquaculture system. The growth trial lasted 60 days, after which fish samples were taken for analysis of meat quality parameters. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of the final body weight, protein efficiency ratio, or survival rate. However, in terms of weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio, fish fed the CPH diet exhibited significant worsening. Moreover, the fillets of fish from the CPH group exhibited a darker coloration compared to the CON diet. It is concluded that high temperature drying of carrot pomace added to carp diet negatively affected fish quality. It should be also emphasized that inclusion of the both carrot pomaces tested in this study significantly increased the usage of fish meal per kilogram of fish body weight gain. These results showed a reduced efficacy of using carrot pomace in practical and sustainable common carp nutrition.
Insects in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) diets – comparison between full-fat, defatted, and de-chitinised meals, and oil and exoskeleton fractions
The present study investigated the effect of meals and fractions of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL; Hermetia illucens) in diets for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) on the physical quality of feed pellets, nutrient utilisation, and growth performance. Six extruded diets were produced: control diet (CD); full-fat BSFL meal diet (IM); defatted BSFL meal diet (DFIM); de-chitinised BSFL meal diet (DCIM); BSFL oil diet (IO) and BSFL exoskeleton diet (EX). The full-fat, defatted and de-chitinised meals replaced 15% of protein in the control diet. An eight-week study was conducted using salmon with average 28 g initial weight. The full-fat and de-chitinised meals in the diets numerically reduced pellet hardness, expansion, and water stability. The full-fat and de-chitinised meals improved growth rate of salmon, whilst defatted meal, oil and exoskeleton supported similar growth performance as the control. Feed intake and growth rate of fish fed full-fat meal diet were higher than those fed the other insect diets, but defatted meal gave a better feed conversion ratio than full-fat meal. Defatted meal, de-chitinised meal and exoskeleton reduced protein digestibility in fish, however; defatted meal increased the digested protein retention. In conclusion, use of full-fat BSFL meal improved feed intake and growth rate of salmon when replacing 15% of dietary protein. The present results suggest that less processed fullfat form of BSFL is more optimal in diets for salmon and further processing to remove lipid or exoskeleton fractions would only lead to an additional cost.
Establishing a Freshwater Turtle (Emydura subglobosa) Laboratory Line (FTLL) as a novel model species for research and education
<b>The Jardine River turtle (Emydura subglobosa) was selected as a potential model species for studies on freshwater turtles and general reptile physiology. Attempts to establish a freshwater turtle laboratory line were made when an adult pair of E. subglobosa was received in 2016 by the Laboratory of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture (Poznań University of Life Sciences). The first generation of offspring was obtained in 2017, and the second generation in 2023. In each generation, unrelated specimens were added to the animal cohort to avoid inbreeding. Husbandry regimes were established, and a basal diet for nutritional experiments was developed and manufactured by two methods, producing extruded feed and a gelatine-solidified variant. The establishment of the Freshwater Turtle Laboratory Line (FTLL) provides an opportunity to improve the development of husbandry techniques, increase knowledge of reptile physiology, and use laboratory-raised animals as model species for research and education.
Implementation of a metabolizable energy regression model for black soldier fly larvae fat in broiler chicken diets: effect on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and selected physiological indices
Dietary Fish Meal Replacement with Hermetia illucens and Tenebrio molitor Larval Meals Improves the Growth Performance and Nutriphysiological Status of Ide (Leuciscus idus) Juveniles
The ide (Leuciscus idus) is a native European species of rheophilic cyprinid fish whose wild population status is dependent on conservation efforts, particularly regular restocking. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of including insect meals as a component in the diet of ide juveniles on their growth performance, feed utilization, and nutriphysiological status. Four diets were formulated: three with insect meals, HI–with 20% Hermetia illucens meal, TM–with 20% Tenebrio molitor meal, and ZM–with 20% Zophobas morio meal, and the control group diet, CON–fish meal with no insect component. The effects of the various diets on the efficiency of rearing ide juveniles were assessed based on fish growth parameters, feed utilization parameters, somatic indices, and intestinal and hepatopancreatic histomorphology. The highest increase in fish weight gain and the protein efficiency ratio was observed in the HI and TM groups, while the lowest values were observed in the CON and ZM groups. Comparable results were noted for the feed conversion ratio, which was most favorable in the HI and TM groups and increased in the ZM group. The use of black soldier fly and mealworm larval meal in the diets of ide juveniles had a positive effect on rearing results and overall fish health.
The First Insight Into Full-Fat Superworm (Zophobas morio) Meal in Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) Diets: A Study on Multiple-Choice Feeding Preferences and Growth Performance
Abstract Insect meals are sustainable alternative protein sources in animal nutrition. However, the data on their application in petfood and ornamental fish nutrition are scarce. Thus the present study was undertaken to assess their usability in guppy (Poecilia reticulata) diets. The first experiment aimed to investigate the attractiveness of select insect meals for guppies, and the second evaluated superworm (Zophobas morio) meal monodiet effects. The first experiment (free-choice feeding test) lasted five days. Fish were given a choice between four attractants: fish meal, black soldier fly (Hermetia illuces) meal (HI), Madagascar cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) meal (MC), and superworm (Zophobas morio) meal (ZM). The preliminary part of the study showed that the most frequently chosen attractant throughout the entire free-choice feeding test period was ZM. Based on the obtained results, the second part of the study was designed as a growth test with the use of a ZM monodiet compared to commercial feed. The experiment lasted 90 days, and 150 guppy fry were used. The fish were randomly divided into two groups (CON – commercial feed, ZM – Zophobas morio meal). No effects of dietary treatment were found in terms of survival rate, fish body length, or fish body length gain. The present study shows that ZM was the most preferred attractant and that a monodiet based on insect meal can be successfully applied in guppy fry nutrition.
The First Insights on Trans-Galactooligosaccharide Effects on Fatty Acids Profile and Microstructure of Muscle in Common Carp
Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the effects of prebiotic GOS on muscle histomorphometry and the total lipid, total cholesterol content and fatty acids profile in the meat of common carp. The 60-day-long experiment was performed on one-year-old fish. Three diets were used in the experiment: control diet 1 (C) with no microbiota affecting feed additives, diet 2 (B1) with 1% of GOS, and diet 3 (B2) with 2% of GOS. At the end of the trial, 16 individuals from each treatment group were used for the analyses. Fish meat from the B1 group had significantly higher lipid content compared to B2, but neither B1 nor B2 groups were different from the control group. The percentages of SFA, MUFA, PUFA, indexes n-3/n-6, PUFA /SFA, AI and TI, and total cholesterol content were not affected, in contrast to C14:0, C16:1 n-7, C18:0, C18:2 n-6, C20:4 n-6, and total n-6 FA. GOS significantly increased the percentage of normal fibres, while the lower amount of fibre atrophy and splitting was observed. The results confirm that diet supplemented with 2% GOS may be recommended as feed additive in carp nutrition due to positive effects on some fatty acids profiles and muscle microstructure.
Hermetia illucens fat affects the gastrointestinal tract selected microbial populations, their activity, and the immune status of broiler chickens
Abstract The present study investigated the effect of Hermetia illucens larvae (BSFL) fat, derived using supercritical CO2 extraction and added to broiler chickens’ diets as a partial (50%) or total replacement for commonly used soybean oil, on the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbial population, its activity, and selected physiological and immune traits. A total of 576 one-day-old female Ross 308 chicks were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments with 16 replicates each. The following treatments were applied: SO – 100% soybean oil, BSFL50 – a mixture of BSFL and soybean oils in a 50:50 ratio, and BSFL100 – 100% BSFL fat. Digesta samples from the crop, jejunum and caeca were collected for further analyses, i.e., pH measurements, fluorescent in situ hybridization, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations. Additionally, the selected plasma biochemical parameters and immunological traits were assessed. In general, the implementation of BSFL fat in broilers’ diets resulted in increased proliferation of potentially pathogenic bacterial populations in the crop, such as Enterobacteriaceae, Bacteroides–Prevotella cluster, and Clostridium perfringens. Furthermore, BSFL100 enhanced microbial activity via total SCFA production and lowered the pH in this segment. However, no detrimental effects were observed in terms of other GIT segments, i.e., the jejunal and cecal microecosystems. The strongest impact on reduction of select components of the microbial population in the cecum was observed with the BSFL50 treatment for potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae, Bacteroides–Prevotella cluster, while commensal populations were also limited, i.e., Bacillus spp., C. leptum subgroup, and C. coccoides–Eubacterium rectale cluster. Additionally, BSFL100 reduced the cholesterol concentration in the blood, while both experimental treatments decreased the ALT level. In conclusion, due to the insufficient release of lauric acid from the BSFL fat in the crop, an adverse shift in the microbiota can be noted. However, a positive suppressive effect on the select components of the cecal microbiota, as well as improvement of liver health suggests implying the BSFL fat in broiler nutrition.
Insect fat influences broiler performance, meat quality, and the cecal microbiota similarly to plant oils rather than animal fats
Abstract We evaluated the addition of Hermetia illucens larvae (BSFL) fat to broiler diets compared to that of soybean oil (SO), rapeseed oil (RO), palm oil (PO), palm kernel fatty acid distillate (PKFD), poultry fat (PF), pig lard (PL), and beef tallow (BT) on performance, meat quality, and cecal microbiota abundance. BSFL addition reduced the feed conversion ratio compared to PO, PF, and BT addition and improved nutrient digestibility at 14 days and 28 days of age. BSFL addition enhanced broiler immune responses compared with SO, PO, and PL by increasing IgA levels; compared to PO by increasing IgG levels; and compared to PL by increasing IgY and IL-6 levels. Moreover, broiler free triiodothyronine levels increased when BSFL was added. Reduced drip loss after 7 days was observed in the RO, PO, PF, PL, and BT groups, while the salt-induced water uptake in the PL group was greater than that in the BSFL group. Compared with the SO group, BSFL addition increased C18:3 and overall n-3 FAs in breast meat. BSFL fat in broiler diets leads to outcomes that are more similar to those of plant oils than to those of animal fats, particularly regarding nutrient digestiblity and immune response.
Evaluation of the application and environmental sustainability of alternative feed materials in sturgeon nutrition. A review
Effect of two insect meals on the gut commensal microbiome of healthy sea trout (Salmo trutta vr. trutta)
Abstract Background The balance of the intestinal commensal microbiome of fish and other animals plays an important role in the physiological processes of healthy animals, contributes to the defense against pathogens, stimulates the immune system and facilitates nutrient metabolism. In the last decade, the interest in the application of the insects in fish nutrition increased, although little is known regarding the effects of insect meals on the gastrointenstinal tract microbiome of the sea trout fingerlings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two diets containing mealworm (MW) and superworm (SW) on the microbiome of the digesta of sea trout fingerlings and the relative abundances of different taxa among communities under controlled conditions. Results The insect meals produced a similar weight gain and survival rate to sea trout fed fishmeal. The most abundant bacterial phylum in all the treatment groups was Firmicutes followed by Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, and significant differences in the amount of Cyanobacteria were observed in the SW group. Conclusions The insect meals did not produce differences in the three most abundant phyla in the sea trout digesta. However, the effect of each type of meal on the lower taxonomic levels was evident, particularly in the case of the superworm meal. These microbiome differences indicated that mealworm meal was more related to fishmeal than superworm meal. Our results highlight the potential effects of insect meals, such as mealworm and superworm meals, on the microbiota of sea trout.
The first case report of the Florida cooter (Pseudemys floridana) in Poland, along with an market analysis and comments on the online pet trade as a source of potential biological invasions
The threat posed by invasive alien turtle species to aquatic ecosystems in Poland increases annually. The spectrum of species recorded in the wild evolves and follows trends observed in the pet market. After the ban on the trade of slider turtles (Trachemys scripta), Pseudemys spp. dominated the market of pet turtles in Poland. Currently, released specimens are more and more frequently recorded in the wild, and the scale of their invasion may be similar or even higher than what is currently recorded for T. scripta. In 2025, the first report of a released Pseudemys floridana was recorded in Poznań, which is probably the first record of this species in Poland. The analysis of online offers of freshwater turtles present on the market shows that Pseudemys spp. represents almost 50% of all offers. Thus, a risk assessment for potential invasion should be evaluated, and probably the list of invasive species of concern for Poland should be reviewed, including Pseudemys spp.. However, no action against keeping it in private hands should be taken. The main preventive action should be a ban on the import of Pseudemys spp. to Poland.
Cecal microbiota of broilers responds similarly to black soldier fly larvae fat and conventional dietary fat sources
This study aimed to compare the effects of black soldier fly ( Hermetia illucens ) larvae (BSFL) fat with those of dietary fats commonly used in broiler chicken nutrition on gut pH and cecal microbiome. A total of 800 one-day-old male Ross 308 chicks were randomly assigned to eight dietary groups, with each group consisting of 10 replicate pens of 10 birds each fed for 35 days. The study design was as follows: the basal diet was enriched with various dietary fats as the sole source of fat, including BSFL fat (as the reference group), soybean oil (SO), rapeseed oil (RO), palm oil (PO), palm kernel fatty acid distillate (PKFD), poultry fat (PF), pig lard (PL), and beef tallow (BT). At the end of the experiment (35 days), the digesta from the crop, gizzard, jejunum, and ceca were sampled for further analyses, including pH determination and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Compared with PKFD, PF, and BT, BSFL significantly reduced the crop pH (P = 0.005). Additionally, BSFL increased the gizzard pH (P = 0.006) relative to PKFD. No differences in alpha diversity were detected among the diets; however, beta diversity differed significantly between the BSFL and PKFD groups (P = 0.034). BSFL fat was associated with a significant reduction in the abundances of Proteobacteria (P = 0.011), Enterobacteriaceae (P = 0.009), and Escherichia-Shigella (P = 0.009) compared with PKFD fat. LEfSe analysis revealed the following microbial markers responsive to BSFL treatment: total bacteria (P < 0.001), Rikenellaceae (P = 0.025), Peptococcaceae [uncultured genus] (P = 0.003), Rhodospirillales (P = 0.048), Alistipes (P = 0.025), the Eubacterium coprostanoligenes group (P = 0.018), the Clostridia vadin BB60 group (P = 0.032), and Alistipes sp. (P = 0.023). These findings suggest that BSFL positively affects the pH in the upper part of a bird’s gut compared with selected animal fats. Furthermore, BSFL enriched beneficial bacteria while inhibiting opportunistic pathogens in the cecal environment of broiler chickens.
Effect of chitosan on common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fry growth performance, feed utilization and nutriphysiological status
Morphomigrational description as a new approach connecting cell's migration with its morphology
AbstractThe examination of morphology and migration of cells plays substantial role in understanding the cellular behaviour, being described by plethora of quantitative parameters and models. These descriptions, however, treat cell migration and morphology as independent properties of temporal cell state, while not taking into account their strong interdependence in adherent cells. Here we present the new and simple mathematical parameter called signed morphomigrational angle (sMM angle) that links cell geometry with translocation of cell centroid, considering them as one morphomigrational behaviour. The sMM angle combined with pre-existing quantitative parameters enabled us to build a new tool called morphomigrational description, used to assign the numerical values to several cellular behaviours. Thus, the cellular activities that until now were characterized using verbal description or by complex mathematical models, are described here by a set of numbers. Our tool can be further used in automatic analysis of cell populations as well as in studies focused on cellular response to environmental directional signals.
The First Report of The Growth Performance and Environmental Sustainability Effects of Dietary Insect Meal Application on The Jardine River Turtle (Emydura Subglobosa)
Abstract This study provides empirical data on the balancing, production, and quality of freshwater turtle diets containing partially defatted black soldier fly larvae Hermetia illucens meal (BSFL) as a fish meal (FM) replacement. A 70-day experiment was performed using 27 Jardine river turtle (Emydura subglobosa) juveniles (6 months old). Three dietary treatments were applied, namely, CON with 30% fish meal and no BSFL as the control, H75 with 22.5% fish meal and 7.5% BSFL, and H150 with 15% fish meal and 15% BSFL, with 3 replicates per treatment, 3 animals per replicate, and 9 specimens in total per treatment. Post-extrusion tests showed that feed technological parameters are dependent on the BSFL meal proportion in terms of the pellet length expansion rate, volume increase, and water binding capacity. The obtained experimental feeds were well accepted by the animals. During the entire experimental period, no turtle mortality, diet-related issues, or differences in shell development or growth performance were recorded among the treatments. However, the feed intake increased in comparison to CON when 7.5% BSFL meal was used (42.30 g vs. 50.40 g), and a lower feed conversion ratio was observed in the 15% BSFL treatment (1.51 vs. 1.38). For the first time, it was empirically proven that E. subglobosa can efficiently utilize BSFL meal for up to 15% of their diet. Moreover, the possibility of an increase in environmental sustainability during turtle husbandry due to a decrease in total marine resource use of 55.8% and a 57.4% decrease in the use of fish meal per kg of body weight gain were recorded.
