Voluntary Feed Intake and Egg Quality Traits of Caged vs Cage-free Layers as Affected by Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens L.) Larvae Supplementation
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The study examined the impact of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) supplementation on the voluntary feed intake (VFI) and egg quality traits of Dekalb White layers in a caged and cage-free housing system. Ninety-six (96) hens were experimentally manipulated according to a 2x3 factorial design, examining the effects of two independent variables: housing system (caged or cage-free) and the proportion of BSFL in the diet (0%, 10%, 20%). Uncaged birds with 0% BSFL showed significantly higher VFI (p<0.05). Analysis of egg quality revealed a significant interaction effect (p < 0.05) for egg shape index (ESI) only, where caged hens on a 0% BSFL diet attained the maximum value. Yolk weight and yolk color were significantly higher in uncaged hens receiving 20% BSFL (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the uncaged housing system independently exhibited significant effects on egg weight, egg height, egg width, shell weight, shell thickness, and albumen weight (p < 0.05). The yolk-albumen ratio, however, did not differ significantly across treatments (p > 0.05). It was concluded that both housing systems and BSFL levels exert significant effects on the VFI and egg quality traits of layer chickens.
Institution: Visayas State University
Language: English
Subfield: Insect Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4409696128