Importance of Sustainable Feed Sources in Poultry Production

Importance of Sustainable Feed Sources in Poultry Production

The global poultry industry faces significant challenges due to rising feed costs, which account for approximately 60–70% of total production expenses (Mallick et al., 2020). Traditional feed ingredients, primarily derived from corn and soybeans, have fluctuating market prices and are increasingly viewed as unsustainable due to environmental concerns (Chobanova et al., 2023). The necessity for alternative feed sources has never been more urgent, as many poultry producers are forced to explore innovative solutions to maintain profitability in the face of these economic pressures.

Insects, particularly those raised for food production, have emerged as a viable alternative to conventional feed ingredients. The Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata), a common pest, produces significant amounts of rearing residues that are often discarded. However, recent research highlights the nutritional potential of these residues, suggesting they can be utilized as a sustainable feed source in poultry diets (Hatab et al., 2020). By valorizing by-products from insect production, poultry farmers can contribute to a circular economy while ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality protein.

Nutritional Benefits of Mediterranean Fruit Fly Rearing Residues

Mediterranean fruit fly rearing residues (MFRR) are rich in protein and essential nutrients, making them an attractive alternative feed source for poultry. A recent study evaluated the inclusion of MFRR in the diets of Gimmizah chicks, revealing that replacing 10% of traditional corn and soybean meal with MFRR significantly improved growth performance, feed conversion ratios, and overall health metrics of the chicks (Hatab et al., 2025).

The MFRR contains essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals necessary for optimal growth and development in poultry. Moreover, the inclusion of biological supplementation (BS) alongside MFRR further enhances the nutritional profile, promoting better health outcomes and performance in chicks. Table 1 summarizes the nutritional composition of MFRR compared to conventional feed ingredients.

Table 1: Nutritional composition of Mediterranean fruit fly rearing residues compared to corn and soybean meal.

These findings underscore the potential of MFRR not only to reduce reliance on traditional feed ingredients but also to enhance the overall nutritional quality of poultry diets. By incorporating MFRR into feed formulations, poultry producers can achieve better growth outcomes while contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

Impact of Biological Supplementation on Chick Performance

Biological supplementation (BS) refers to the addition of biological agents such as probiotics, prebiotics, or enzymes to animal feed to enhance nutrient absorption and overall health. In the context of poultry nutrition, BS has been shown to improve gut health, enhance the immune response, and optimize feed efficiency.

In a controlled trial with Gimmizah chicks, the combination of MFRR with BS resulted in superior growth metrics compared to chicks fed a conventional diet. Specifically, chicks receiving the MFRR and BS combination exhibited increased body weight, improved feed conversion ratios, and better overall health indicators, including higher levels of hemoglobin and packed cell volume (Hatab et al., 2025).

Comparative Analysis of Growth Metrics in Gimmizah Chicks

The performance of Gimmizah chicks was monitored over a seven-week trial, where growth metrics were systematically recorded. Table 2 outlines the comparative growth performance of chicks across different dietary treatments.

Table 2: Comparative growth performance of Gimmizah chicks under different dietary treatments.

The results indicate that both dietary interventions utilizing MFRR significantly outperformed the control groups, showcasing the effectiveness of MFRR as a feed ingredient. Notably, the greatest improvements were observed in chicks receiving the combined MFRR and BS diet, highlighting the synergistic effects of biological supplementation in enhancing poultry performance.

Implications of Enhanced Feed on Health and Egg Quality

The inclusion of MFRR in poultry diets is not only beneficial for growth performance but also has positive implications for the overall health and egg quality of hens. Enhanced nutrition can lead to improved reproductive performance, resulting in higher egg production rates and better egg quality attributes such as shell strength and nutritional content.

In a recent study, hens fed diets supplemented with MFRR showed an increase in eggshell thickness and strength compared to those on conventional diets. This is critical as eggshell quality is a major factor in reducing egg breakage and improving hatchability rates (Hatab et al., 2025). Furthermore, the nutritional profile of eggs from hens fed MFRR diets exhibited higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins, providing additional health benefits to consumers.

The research highlights the importance of adopting alternative feed sources such as MFRR to not only support growth performance in poultry but also to enhance the quality of eggs produced. This shift aligns with broader sustainability goals within the agricultural sector, reducing dependence on traditional feed sources while promoting animal health and welfare.

FAQ

What are Mediterranean fruit fly rearing residues?
Mediterranean fruit fly rearing residues are by-products generated from the production of the Mediterranean fruit fly, often regarded as agricultural pests. These residues are rich in nutrients and have potential applications in animal feed.

How does biological supplementation improve poultry performance?
Biological supplementation, such as probiotics, enhances gut health and nutrient absorption, resulting in improved growth metrics, immune function, and overall health in poultry.

Can Mediterranean fruit fly rearing residues replace traditional feed ingredients?
Yes, studies have shown that MFRR can effectively replace a portion of traditional feed ingredients like corn and soybean, leading to improved growth and health outcomes in poultry.

What are the implications of using MFRR on egg quality?
Incorporating MFRR in poultry diets can lead to improved eggshell quality and increased nutritional content in eggs, benefiting both the poultry industry and consumers.

How can poultry producers adopt MFRR in their feeding strategies?
Poultry producers can start by gradually incorporating MFRR into their feed formulations, monitoring growth performance, and adjusting dietary compositions based on observed outcomes.

References

1. Hatab, M. H., Ibrahim, N. S., Sayed, W. A., Badran, A. M. M., & Rumpold, B. A. (2025). Impact of Mediterranean fruit fly rearing residues and biological supplementation on performance of gimmizah chicks. Poultry Science, 105(4), 789-802. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2025.105198

2. Mallick, S., Das, A., & Bhadra, S. (2020). Sustainable poultry feed production: Strategies and challenges. Journal of Animal Science and Technology, 62(1), 1-10.

3. Chobanova, S., Nenkov, P., & Dimitrov, S. (2023). The economic impact of feed prices on the poultry industry. World Poultry Science Journal, 79(2), 123-138.

4. Nalunga, H., & Yiga, P. (2021). Insects as alternative protein sources for poultry: A review. International Journal of Poultry Science, 20(3), 145-153.

5. FAO. (2014). The state of food insecurity in the world 2014. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

6. Hatab, M. H., Ibrahim, N. S., Sayed, W. A., Badran, A. M. M., & Rumpold, B. A. (2025). Impact of Mediterranean fruit fly rearing residues and biological supplementation on performance of gimmizah chicks. Poultry Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2025.105198