EFFECT OF VARYING LEVELS OF PARTIALLY DEHYDRATED BLACK SOLDIER FLY (Hermetia illucens) LARVAE ON THE CARCASS YIELD OF BENGUET NATIVE PIGS
Authors: Simon, Mineralito F. and Garcia, Mary Arnel D.
Simon, Mineralito F.: Department of Animal Science, Nueva Vizcaya State University, Philippines.
Garcia, Mary Arnel D.: Department of Animal Science, Benguet State University, Philippines.
ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the effects of partially dehydrated Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL) on the carcass yield of Benguet native pigs. Nine pigs with an average initial body weight of 18.51±0.48kg were assigned to three dietary treatments containing 0%, 5%, and 10% partially dehydrated BSFL as partial replacement for soybean meal. The feeding trial lasted for 35 days, during which pigs reached an average slaughter weight of 30.45±0.84kg.
Results indicated that slaughter and dressed weights were not significantly affected by the inclusion of BSFL. However, dressing percentage significantly increased (p<0.05) with increasing BSFL inclusion. Pigs fed 10% BSFL obtained the highest dressing percentage (61.09 ± 2.37%), compared with 59.24 ± 2.36% for 5% BSFL and 56.47 ± 1.25% in the control group. Backfat thickness and abdominal fat showed no significant differences. The relative percentage of internal organs, including the heart, liver, spleen, kidney, and lungs were not significantly affected by the inclusion of partially dehydrated BSFL. Other observations suggest that partially dehydrated BSFL inclusion did not impose renal or hepatic burden, as kidney and liver weight remained within stable ranges, reflecting improved metabolic efficiency. Similarly, digestive organs and abdominal fat deposition remained statistically comparable across treatments. Primal cuts showed no significant differences among treatments. These findings suggest that a 10% inclusion of partially dehydrated BSFL can effectively replace soybean meal, optimizing carcass yield and nutrient utilization in native pigs’ production.
Keywords: Native Pigs, Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL), Protein Source, Carcass Evaluation, Partial Dehydration