Improvements in Performance of Nursery Pigs Provided with Supplemental Oil Derived from Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Black soldier flies are a non-nuisance insect species, and their larvae can be used to efficiently convert low quality byproduct ingredients into valuable nutrient-rich biomass. The lipid fraction obtained from black soldier fly larvae contains high concentrations of lauric acid, which is highly digestible and has antimicrobial properties. The objective of the present study was to determine if black soldier fly larvae oil could improve the growth and efficiency of newly weaned pigs, which are especially compromised due to the stress associated with the weaning process. We conclude that supplemental black soldier fly larvae oil, replacing equal amounts of corn oil, increased average daily gain and improved feed efficiency, resulting in increased final pig body weight after the 40-day test period ABSTRACT: The current study evaluated the impact of increasing levels of supplemental black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) oil, a novel and sustainable feed ingredient, on growth performance and blood chemistry indices in nursery pigs. Pigs were weaned at 21 days of age (n = 192; body weight = 6.9 ± 0.15 kg) and randomly allotted within sex and body weight to 1 of 4 dietary treatments, using 48 pens (4 pigs/pen). Treatments contained 0, 2, 4, or 6% supplemental BSFL oil, replacing equivalent quantities of corn oil. A 3-phase feeding program was used with 14, 11, and 15 days for phase 1 to 3, respectively. Supplementation of BSFL oil linearly (p ≤ 0.052) improved pig body weight and daily gain throughout the study and overall. No differences were observed in feed intake; however, feed efficiency was linearly improved with BSFL oil supplementation for phase 1 and 2 (p < 0.05). Serum cholesterol increased linearly (p = 0.002) and platelet count tended to increase linearly (p = 0.082) with increasing BSFL oil. No other differences were detected in blood chemistry and all results were within normal ranges. In conclusion, BSFL oil is a valuable, energy-dense feed ingredient that can promote growth performance of nursery pigs.