Effectiveness of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) as meal or whole larvae in feeding pheasants on production outcomes, chemical composition, and fatty acid profile of eggs

The diet of pheasants containing plant and/or animal components may influence the production characteristics, chemical composition and hatchability of eggs. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of replacing 50 % or 100 % of post-extraction soybean meal in pheasant diets with black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) products in the form of meal or whole dried larvae on the production outcomes and chemical composition of pheasant eggs (Phasianus colchicus). The study was conducted on pheasants placed in aviaries (10 females and one rooster), treated as a research group. Five groups (aviaries) were distinguished: a control (basal diet) and four experimental groups. The experimental factor was the proportion of products from black soldier fly (BSF) larvae instead of soybean meal in pheasant diets. Pheasants from groups II and IV received a diet with 50 % soybean meal supplementation, while groups III and V were fed 100 % soybean meal supplementation, with BSF meal used in groups II and III, and whole Hermetia illucens larvae in groups IV and V. From each group of collected eggs, 100 were selected for hatching twice, and 30 eggs were chosen for laboratory tests. All collected eggs were weighed, and the morphological features were determined, as well as the hatchability and survival of chicks up to 14 days of age. The nutrient and cholesterol contents were determined in whole eggs and yolk, as well as the fatty acid profile in egg yolk.The most effective feeding option was a diet that included whole Hermetia illucens larvae supplemented with 100 % soybean meal. This diet positively impacted laying and the quality of eggs. A diet with 50 % soybean meal supplementation was also beneficial for the hatchability and survivability of chicks up to 14 days of age. The addition of both sources of Hermetia illucens products had no significant effect on the content of nutrients or cholesterol levels in pheasant egg yolks. Supplementation of soybean meal with Hermetia illucens products contributed to an increase in the share of SFA and the ratio of n-6/n-3 acids without a significant effect on AI, TI and h/H.