Production performance of kampung hens fed rations containing black soldier fly larvae powder

This research aimed to find a suitable formulation for rations containing Black soldier fly larvae powder to support the optimal kampung hen production performance. Four to five-month-old Kampung hens were given feed with different amounts of black soldier fly larvae powder (n = 4 hens/treatment) to adjust protein and energy levels: R0 (commercial feed only, 17.53% protein, 3067 kcal/kg), R1 (14% protein, 2600 kcal/kg energy), R2 (14% protein, 2800 kcal/kg energy), R3 (16% protein, 2600 kcal/kg energy), R4 (16% protein, 2800 kcal/kg energy), R5 (18% protein, 2600 kcal/kg energy), R6 (18% protein, 2800 kcal/kg energy), R7 (20% protein, 2600 kcal/kg energy), R8 (20% protein, 2800 kcal/kg energy), R9 (22% protein, 2600 kcal/kg energy), and R10 (22% protein, 2800 kcal/kg energy). We measured several performance parameters, including body weight, feed consumption, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, visceral index, intraperitoneal fat index, and tissue protein content. Results show that treatment R6 produced significantly better overall performance (p < 0.05) than all other treatments except R5. Feed containing black soldier fly larvae powder with 18% protein content and 2800 kcal/kg energy is an inexpensive and readily available way to support the maximum growth of Kampung hens.