IMPROVED FEED FOR SLOW-GROWING BROILER POULTRY REARING, COMPRISING INSECT OIL

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of feeding slow-growing meat poultry. It relates more particularly to the use of an improved feed comprising insect oil intended for the breeding of slow-growing meat poultry; this feed makes it possible to improve breeding performance, health and animal welfare.

Description

Title of the invention: IMPROVED FEED INTENDED FOR THE BREEDING OF SLOW-GROWING BROILER POULTRY COMPRISING INSECT OIL

[0001] The invention relates to the field of feeding slow-growing meat poultry. It relates more particularly to the use of an improved feed comprising insect oil intended for the breeding of slow-growing meat poultry; this feed makes it possible to improve breeding performance, health and animal welfare. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Global poultry production is constantly increasing, even surpassing global pork production for the first time in 2019 according to the USDA, due to the increase in the world population and changes in eating habits (including increasing urbanization leading households to opt for quick-to-prepare food). Major progress in the field of poultry nutrition has been made in recent years to optimize poultry feeding to improve yields and support this growth. Since the early 1960s, according to the FAO, the growth rate of broiler chickens has doubled and the feed conversion rate has halved.However, even according to the most optimistic FAO forecasts, the availability of traditional poultry feeds such as cereals and cereal by-products, fats, vitamin and mineral supplements, crystalline amino acids and feed additives will not be sufficient to support the expansion of poultry production.

[0003] Thus, for several years, manufacturers have been turning to alternative ingredients for poultry feed, particularly insect oil. Indeed, the production of insects and insect oil more specifically is more environmentally friendly and can be produced using a vertical farming model, which results in a requirement for less floor space compared to other types of farming.

[0004] The prior art reports examples of the use of insect oil as a substitute for soybean oil in the feed of fast-growing poultry. These studies, conducted on a small number of individuals (less than 150), do not highlight any particular zootechnical gains resulting from the introduction of insect oil into the feed of poultry, either on the GMQ (Average Daily Gain) or on the feed conversion index (Schiavone A. et al. (2017) Partial or total replacement of soybean oil by black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens L) fat in broiler diets: effect on growth performances, feed-choice, blood traits, carcass characteristics and méat quality, Italian Journal of Animal Science, 16:1, 93-10 ; Schiavone A. et al. (2018) lack soldier fly larva fat inclusion in finisher broiler chicken diet as an alternative fat source, Animal, 2018 Oct; 12(10):2032-2039 ; Cullere M. et al. Méat Quality and Sensory Traits of Finisher Broiler Chickens Fed with Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia i llucens L.) Larvae Fat as Alternative Fat Source. Animais (Basel). 2019 Apr 2;9(4): 140)

[0005] At the same time, in recent years there has been an increasingly strong and local demand for more sustainable production methods that respect animal welfare. While the efforts of researchers and manufacturers have until now focused on selecting breeds capable of growing as quickly as possible and optimizing their diet in this direction, in particular to maximize their Average Daily Gain (ADG), consumers and NGOs are now calling on all manufacturers to select slow-growing breeds that guarantee better animal welfare, better meat quality and a focus on sustainability, forcing manufacturers to take action. In the United States and Europe, more than 180 companies have publicly committed to respecting the Better Chicken Commitment.

[0006] This recent shift requires a rapid rethinking of poultry feed and in particular performance indicators with the study of strains - so-called slow-growing - which had previously been dismissed as not productive enough. Whereas previous research focused on the continual maximization of GMQ and consumption index, manufacturers are now seeking to integrate welfare and sustainability measures into the measurement of the performance of poultry feed, or even to limit GMQ, the very criterion that until recently they were seeking to maximize without constraint.

[0007] Generally speaking, the specific feeding of slow-growing poultry remains under-represented in poultry nutrition research, a legacy of industrial breeding practices focused on zootechnical performance that have been predominant until today.

[0008] There is a need for a specific feed intended for slow-growing meat poultry which takes into account the particular needs of these animals and which is adapted to the particular breeding conditions of this sector. Statement of the invention

[0009] The inventors have demonstrated the benefit of incorporating insect oil into feed intended for the breeding of slow-growing meat poultry. Indeed, such feed allows an improvement in breeding conditions, in particular in yield. breeding, health and welfare of poultry compared to an equivalent conventional feed based on vegetable oils.

[0010] Thus, the present invention relates to the use of a feed comprising from 0.2 to 5% of insect oil to improve the rearing conditions of slow-growing meat poultry.

[0011] The present invention also relates to a method of raising slow-growing meat poultry comprising feeding said poultry for at least 40 days with a feed comprising from 0.2 to 5% insect oil. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The inventors have developed a feed intended for the breeding of slow-growing meat poultry comprising insect oil. The use of this feed makes it possible, quite surprisingly, to improve the breeding conditions evaluated on several key parameters in poultry farming. In fact, a breeding yield significantly higher than that observed for an equivalent feed containing a vegetable oil instead of insect oil is observed.

[0013] First, when this feed is used in the feeding of slow-growing broiler poultry, a significant improvement in weight gain is observed. Slow-growing broiler poultry fed with this feed have a higher average daily weight gain (ADG) than that of poultry fed with a conventional vegetable oil-based diet.

[0014] The use of this food also induces higher food consumption thanks to better palatability of the food and a lower proportion of waste.

[0015] The use of this feed also makes it possible to improve the feed conversion index. This parameter is economically essential for controlling the cost of production in poultry farming, since thanks to this feed, the poultry reach the same weight from a smaller quantity of feed.

[0016] Finally, the use of a feed as described in the present application makes it possible to improve animal health and welfare during breeding. The improvement in health is reflected in an improvement in the quality of feces, as well as a reduction in the risk of pododermatitis (a widespread condition in farmed poultry) thanks to a resulting better quality of the litter. Furthermore, an improvement in animal welfare is observed in poultry fed with this feed, resulting in particular in fewer displays of aggression and nervousness, less pecking behavior between individuals, but more exploratory behavior, and more individuals observed in situations of rest, grooming or stretching, all considered as markers of animal welfare in these species. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] A first object of the present invention relates to the use of a feed comprising from 0.2 to 5% of insect oil to improve the rearing conditions of slow-growing meat poultry.

[0018] Insect oil is introduced into the feed intended for the breeding of slow-growing meat poultry, as a partial or total replacement for the vegetable oil present in conventional feed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the replacement is total.

[0019] By "feed intended for the breeding of slow-growing meat poultry" is meant any feed used in poultry farming, in particular used as food in the diet of slow-growing meat poultry. In the context of the invention, this is a feed comprising between 0.2 and 5% insect oil.

[0020] By "insects" is meant in particular Diptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Orthoptera, Hymenoptera, Dictyoptera, or mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the insect oil is derived from Diptera such as the black soldier fly and house fly (Hermetia illucens and Musca domestica), the mealworm whose larva is better known as the mealworm and the small mat mealworm (Tenebrio molitor and Alphitobius diaperinus), and three crickets: the domestic, the tropical domestic and the steppe cricket (Acheta domestica, Gryllodes sigillatus and Gryllus assimilis). In an even more preferred embodiment, the insect oil is derived from Hermetia illucens (HI).

[0021] In another preferred embodiment, the insect oil represents between 0.2 and 5% of the feed intended for broiler poultry. In an even more preferred embodiment, the insect oil represents between 0.2 and 3% and most preferably between 0.2 and 2.0% of the feed. The percentage of oil in the feed is generally adapted during breeding, depending on the weight of the animal, or the growth phases. It is noted that feed intended for slow-growing poultry generally has a lower oil content (since it is an energy supply promoting growth) and that the percentage of oil is sometimes defined by the breeding sectors, in particular to comply with standards associated with labels recommending the choice of slow-growing poultry.This highlights the relevance of integrating an oil, such as insect oil, which even at low integration rates in the formula can have a positive impact on breeding conditions.

[0022] By "slow-growing meat poultry" is meant poultry whose growth time until slaughter is at least 40 days, preferably at least 45 days, or even at least 50 days, 60 days or 70 days depending on the species. Some labels or organic farming methods recommend a growth time of at least 81 days. This time is given for illustration purposes and may vary depending on the country and over time. We also speak of slow-growing poultry.

[0023] Examples of slow-growing poultry include chickens of the following breeds: Hubbard Norfolk Black, Sasso Hubbard, JA757, 787, 957 or 987, Rambler Ranger, Ranger Classic and Ranger Gold, Cobb, ROS / Aviagen, Kabir, or the 1657 strain (used in Label Rouge), or other breeds that meet the criteria of the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) chicken welfare assessment protocol.

[0024] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the insect oil is obtained via a mechanical preparation process, without chemical treatment, without extraction in a solvent. Such a mechanical process may be a mechanical extraction of the fatty matter from the insect larvae previously crushed and heated. Such a mechanical process may be an extraction of the fatty matter from the insect larvae previously crushed by three-phase separation.

[0025] Whatever the process, the insect larvae used for the manufacture of the oil are preferably whole.

[0026] By "improving breeding conditions" is meant in particular improving breeding performance and improving the health and welfare of slow-growing broiler poultry.

[0027] Thus, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to the use of a feed comprising from 0.2 to 5% of insect oil in which the improvement of the breeding conditions consists of improving the breeding performance of slow-growing meat poultry.

[0028] By "improving poultry farming performance" is meant (i) an improvement in average daily weight gain, (ii) an increase in average daily feed consumption and a reduction in waste resulting from an improvement in the palatability of the feed and, and (iii) an improvement in the feed conversion index compared to the performance of poultry fed with an equivalent conventional (or so-called "conventional") feed containing vegetable oil instead of insect oil. The use of a feed according to the invention improves the average daily weight gain of said poultry. Poultry fed with the feed comprising 0.2 to 5% insect oil, gain weight faster and more than poultry fed with an equivalent feed containing vegetable oil instead of insect oil.

[0029] The use of a feed according to the invention increases the average daily feed consumption of said poultry. Poultry fed with the feed comprising 0.2 to 5% insect oil consumes more feed than poultry fed with an equivalent feed containing vegetable oil instead of insect oil.

[0030] The use of a feed according to the invention also improves the feed conversion index of said poultry. Poultry fed with the feed comprising 0.2 to 5% insect oil has a greater capacity to transform the feed into biomass than poultry fed with an equivalent feed containing vegetable oil instead of insect oil.

[0031] In a second embodiment, the invention relates to the use of a feed comprising from 0.2 to 5% of insect oil in which the improvement of the rearing conditions of slow-growing meat poultry consists of improving the health and animal welfare of the poultry during rearing.

[0032] By "health" we mean the good digestion of food reflected by the quality of the feces (less liquid, more crumbly) and therefore of the poultry litter, but also the absence of visible injuries or diseases such as pododermatitis.

[0033] The use of a feed according to the invention leads to an improvement in the quality of the feces of said poultry. Poultry fed with the feed comprising 0.2 to 5% insect oil have drier and more friable feces than poultry fed with an equivalent feed containing vegetable oil instead of insect oil, allowing an improvement in the quality of the litter.

[0034] The use of a feed according to the invention leads to resistance to diseases in said poultry. Poultry fed with the feed comprising 0.2 to 5% insect oil do not show cases of pododermatitis. It is assumed that this result is, at least in part, associated with better litter quality (see above).

[0035] By "animal welfare" is meant the presence of various behaviors considered to be characteristic of the animal's quality of life. In the context of the invention, the behaviors observed relate to grooming, stretching, exploration of the environment, interactions between animals, number of wing beats, rest time, and generally to manifestations of stress and aggression between individuals.

[0036] The use of a feed according to the invention leads to a reduction in the apparent injuries of said poultry. Poultry fed with the feed comprising 0.2 to 5% insect oil exhibits less pecking behavior between individuals responsible for injuries than poultry fed with an equivalent feed containing vegetable oil instead of insect oil.

[0037] The use of a food according to the invention leads to an increase in resting, stretching, grooming, wing flapping, exploration behaviors and an increase in interactions between individuals of said poultry.

[0038] A second object according to the invention relates to a method of raising slow-growing meat poultry consisting of feeding said poultry for at least 40 days with a feed comprising from 0.2 to 5% insect oil.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the duration of rearing based on a feed comprising insect oil is at least 45 days, even more preferably at least 50 days, at least 60 days, at least 70 days or most preferably at least 80 days. For example, currently, the duration of rearing organic chickens is set at 81 days, as well as that of chickens from sectors that respect the quality of life of chickens which produce slow-growing broiler chickens.

[0040] Preferably, the oil used in the breeding method comes from the species Hermetia illucens.

[0041] The present invention will be better understood from reading the following examples, provided for illustration purposes and in no way to be considered as limiting the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0042] [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1]: Average daily indoor temperature and light intensity in TEST and CTRL livestock buildings.

[0043] [Fig.2] [Fig.2]: Granulometric analysis on the feeding formulas of the 2nd age and the 3rd age; comparison between the TEST and CTRL formulas.

[0044] [Fig.3] [Fig.3]: Graph representing the progression of the average weight individual (in kg) in the TEST and CTRL groups

[0045] [Fig.4] [Fig.4]: Behavioral evaluation of poultry according to the protocol EBENE®. Left: behaviors recorded inside the buildings on an average of 5 observations (30 / 4, 22 / 5, 27 / 5, 5 / 6, 11 / 6; Right: behaviors recorded on the outdoor course on an average of 4 observations (22 / 5, 27 / 5, 5 / 6, 11 / 6). Source: observations Camille Crepelle, Quentin Leturc and Adrien Lagrive. EXAMPLES

[0046] EXAMPLE 1: Improving the performance of a 1657 Label Rouge strain poultry farm by providing an improved feed comprising BSFL insect oil (Hermetia illucens)

[0047] Materials and methods

[0048] Experimental conditions This experiment was carried out on 8800 day-old broiler chicks (male / female ratio of 50:50) (1657 Label Rouge breed), all from the same hatchery and the same breeding flock; all with the same vaccination profile. They were randomly divided into two groups ("TEST" and "CTRL"). Each group was raised under the same sanitary and breeding conditions (location, type and surface area of ​​the building; access to a fenced and sheltered outdoor run from the 42nd day). The CTRL group was fed according to the requirements of the Label Rouge (LA 13 / 88), the TEST group was fed according to the same Label Rouge requirements, the only exception being the complete substitution of soybean oil with oil from Black Soldier Fly Larvae ("BSFL"), a species also known as Hermetia illucens. Both CTRL and TEST feed formulas were iso-protein and iso-energetic at all stages of the study. Feed and water were provided ad libitum throughout the trial. The study duration was 84 days to comply with the minimum slaughter age of 81 days defined in the French "Label Rouge" specifications. All chickens were slaughtered on day 85.

[0049]

[0050] Preparation of Hermetia illucens oil

[0051] Insect oil is obtained from Hermetia i llucens larvae. The larvae are killed by immersion in water heated to about 70°C. The devitalized larvae are crushed and then heated to at least 90°C. The product thus obtained is mechanically separated (mechanical extraction, without the use of solvents) into 3 phases: the solid part (cake), a liquid part containing water-soluble nutrients (glue water) and the oil. The oil is recovered for the preparation of poultry feed.

[0052] Preparation and characteristics of the target experimental feeds: The feeds prepared for this experiment correspond to 4 phases depending on the age of the chicks (Table 1): phase I from 0 to 28 days (chickens fed with a 1st age feed) with a TEST feed containing 0.2% BSFL oil as a replacement for soybean oil; phase II from 29 to 48 days (chickens fed with a 2nd age feed) with a TEST feed containing 0.275% BSFL oil as a replacement for soybean oil; phase III from 49 to 70 days (chickens fed with a 3rd age feed) with a TEST feed containing 0.7% BSFL oil as a replacement for soybean oil; Phase IV from 71 days until slaughter (chickens fed with 4th age feed) with a TEST feed containing 1.9% BSFL oil as a replacement for soybean oil.

[0053]

[0054] [Tables 1] Phase Chicken age (years) CTRL feed TEST feed Aspect of feed % soybean oil infusion ffhiglg of BSFL Phase i 0-28 0.2 0.2 Fine pellets Phase H 29 4S 0.275 0.275 Large pieces Phase III 49-70 0.7 0.7 Large pieces Phase IV 70-slaughter ]> 81) 1.9 1.9 Pellets

[0055] Table 1: Description of the study phases and the corresponding oil inclusion rate and appearance of the food.

[0056] Control Plan: The environmental conditions of the CTRL and TEST groups were monitored daily and corrected if necessary, in order to remain identical in both groups. Specifically, the building ventilation, indoor and outdoor temperature, light intensity, and litter appearance were monitored. The average indoor temperature and average light intensity were recorded and showed no significant difference between the TEST and CTRL buildings ([Fig.l]).

[0057] The appearance and shape of the feed were identical between the CTRL and TEST groups throughout the study. Particle size analysis was performed on the 2nd age feed and the 3rd age feed (large chunk appearance). Particle size analysis was not performed for phase I due to the presentation of the feed in the form of very fine crumbs. 10 samples (100 g each) of these different feed formulas were successively sieved through a series of mesh sizes (3150; 2000; 1600; 1000; 500; 250 μm). The weight of the feed obtained after each sieving was recorded and expressed as a percentage of the total mass of the sample. Durability and rigidity were evaluated on the 4th age feed (granules). Durability (abrasion effect) was measured on SABE distribution equipment (Chauché, France) on a 0.5 kg sample sieved for 30 seconds.The result was expressed as a percentage ratio between the weight of the sample after abrasion and the weight of the initial sample. The stiffness was measured on a KAHL granule hardness meter (Reinbek, Germany), and reported as the average value of 10 measurements. The granules are considered "compliant" if the durability exceeds 60% and the stiffness value remains below 5. The particle size analysis of Phase II and Phase III did not reveal any major differences between the TEST and CTRL groups ([Fig. 2]). The TEST and CTRL stiffness (3.6 vs. 3.0 respectively) and durability (89.8% vs. 82.9% respectively) analyses of the Phase IV granules also did not show any substantial differences. The Phase IV TEST and CTRL granules were declared "compliant" because the stiffness and durability values ​​are within the defined limits.

[0058] Formulas for calculating the parameters studied in this study: - Food intake was recorded. A preliminary estimate of food consumption could be calculated from the amount of food distributed during the different phases of the study, and was then adjusted at the end of each phase by measuring the exact amount of food remaining. - Food palatability was estimated from food consumption and food waste. To determine food waste, One square meter of litter was sampled under a feeding tray and sieved to measure the amount of feed wasted. This percentage of waste can be extrapolated to the entire building based on the number of trays provided. - Regular body weight measurements were documented: an automated daily weighing was performed each day of the study. - Average daily weight gain was calculated at the end of the study from the weight of the chicken on the last day and the length of the rearing period. - The feed conversion ratio was also determined on the last day of the study by calculating the ratio between feed consumption and final weight. This figure corresponds to the weight of feed required to obtain 1 kg of live weight.

[0059] Results

[0060]

[0061] [Tables2] TEST CTRL â[TESTvs. CTRL) Total feed intake 28,580 kg 28,392 kg + ü;56% Total individual feed intake 6,50 kg S .46 kg >0.56% Average body weight 2.433 kg 2.387 kg +1.33% Average daily weight gain 28.62 g 28.08 ga 1.33% Feed conversion ratio 2.76 2.79 -1.08%

[0062] Table 2: Comparison of study performance results for TEST and CTRL chickens (feed intake, average weight, feed conversion ratio); % difference between TEST and CTRL groups

[0063] Performance parameters were monitored throughout the study.

[0064] With regard to food intake, higher ingested quantities were observed than those observed for the control food, which reflects a higher palatability. Indeed, total food consumption was recorded and found to be higher in the TEST group than in the CTRL group (+0.66%, Table 2). In addition, it was found that food waste was lower in the TEST group than in the CTRL group. Thus, 270.8 kg of food was found to be wasted in the TEST building compared to 281.2 kg in the CTRL building. As a proportion of total food consumption, the waste share for the TEST building and the CTRL building is 0.95% and 0.99% respectively.

[0065] Regarding weight gain, the average final body weight of TEST chickens was 1.93% higher than that of CTRL chickens. It is interesting to note that while the individual weight evolution is very similar for the TEST and CTRL groups during phase I and phase II, the respective weight curves deviate from each other after phase III. A trend can be noted regarding the difference in body weight during the last 5 days of the study (ANOVA, p-value = 0.099 a = 0.10). Observations on day 82 corroborate this difference in weight between the TEST and CTRL groups: a higher number of small animals in the CTRL group was indeed reported. Therefore, at the slaughterhouse, the average body weight measurement of TEST broilers was higher than that of CTRL animals (2.43 kg vs. 2.39 kg).Based on these results, it appears that replacing soybean oil with BSFL oil in the diet of slow-growing chickens results in higher daily weight gain during the later phase of the study and higher total animal weight at slaughter.

[0066] Based on these values, the feed conversion index was calculated. The conversion index provides an objective measurement that combines both feed intake and growth data. The IC therefore provides information on the animals' ability to transform feed into biomass. The results showed a numerical reduction of 1.08% in the T IC value for TEST chickens compared to CTRL chickens (Table 2).

[0067] Conclusion: Several performance indicators relating to the growth of slow-growing broiler chickens show a favorable impact of BSFL oil. More specifically, indicators that have a direct impact on the economic performance of breeders: an improvement in palatability (more feed ingested, less feed wasted), a greater average daily weight gain, a lower feed conversion index.

[0068] EXAMPLE 2: Improvement of animal welfare and health of a 1657 Label Rouge strain poultry farm by providing an improved feed comprising BSFL oil (Hermetia illucens) Materials and methods

[0069] Experimental conditions; same experimental conditions as Example 1.

[0070] Control plan j. same control plan as Example 1.

[0071] Preparation and characteristics of the target experimental foods Same food composition than Example 1.

[0072] Formulas for calculating the parameters studied in this study:

[0073] Health status was assessed by: - mortality of chickens during the study; - the quality of feces via the analysis of chicken litter - The appearance of the legs, lameness and recording of any signs of paw dermatitis Feather density #

[0074] Animal welfare was monitored throughout the trial with three observations once a week for 5 minutes each to record animal behavior indicators such as dispersal / herding, pecking, range use, and human-animal interactions. A single observer focused on a 5 square meter area in the barn and another 5 square meter area in the outdoor run when the chickens could access it.

[0075] Animal health and welfare indicators were also independently assessed by the French Technical Institute for Poultry (ITAVI) using the EBENE® method described by Bignon et al. during the 82nd day of rearing. The EBENE® indicators were validated by several poultry professionals (breeding, animal feed industry, breeder organizations, veterinarians, breeders), after a literature review. Discussions also took place with other stakeholders (animal protection associations, scientists specialized in animal welfare, distributors, caterers, administrations). A trained observer assessed the animals. The following indicators were collected. The observer defined three different zones and stood in front of each zone to count the proportion of birds lying down without any activity and the proportion of panting birds.The number of broilers exhibiting the following behaviors was counted for 5 minutes: foraging, leg / wing stretching or wing flapping, dust bathing, preening, aggressive pecking, and social interactions. The proportion of birds lying down without activity and the proportion of panting birds were then re-estimated. The birds' reaction to the assessor was also assessed. Following behavioral observations, the observer assessed indicators related to broiler health with the transect walk defined by Marchewka et al. Two transects were observed, and for each transect, the assessor encouraged the birds to walk to detect each problem: small, injured, immobile, lame, dead animal, or other abnormality. Finally, the proportion of dirty birds and the quality of the litter were assessed, as well as the presence of panic movements.

[0076] Results

[0077] Regarding health indicators, the quality of the litter was described as superior in the TEST building (drier and more crumbly appearance) compared to the CTRL group. Since the quality of the litter is directly linked to the quality of the feces, From these observations, it can be assumed that fecal quality was improved in the TEST group compared to the CTRL group. Litter quality is an essential parameter to ensure the health of chickens, as litter moisture could promote the development of foot dermatitis. No cases of foot dermatitis were documented in any of the individuals in the two study groups. Finally, mortality was less than 5% in both groups.

[0078] The ITAVI report based on the EBENE® evaluation at day 82 indicates more exploratory behaviors and more resting chickens were reported in the TEST group compared to the CTRL group. This is in good agreement with observations collected throughout the study in the farm ([Fig.4]), which showed more resting chickens, stretching, grooming and exploratory behaviors in the TEST group compared to the CTRL group. Specifically, the TEST chickens appeared less nervous than the CTRL chickens. Aggression also appeared reduced in the TEST group: less pecking was recorded during the study in this group compared to the CTRL group.

[0079] Conclusion: According to these observations, BSFL oil in the diet of slow-growing poultry has a positive impact on health observed through the improvement of feces. The resulting litter quality was also improved, which directly reduces the risk of footpad dermatitis (no signs of the disease were observed). According to the observations made, chickens fed with BSFL oil also appeared less nervous and aggressive, and exhibited more resting, grooming and exploratory behaviors, which are well-known signs of improved animal welfare.

Claims

Claims

1. Feed comprising from 0.2 to 3% insect oil for use in improving the rearing conditions of slow-growing meat poultry.

2. Feed according to claim 1 for its use according to claim 1 for improving the breeding performance of slow-growing meat poultry.

3. Feed according to claim 2 for its use according to claim 2 for improving the weight gain of said poultry and / or the feed conversion index and / or the average daily feed consumption.

4. Food according to claim 1 for its use according to claim 1, for improving the quality of feces.

5. Food according to claim 4 for its use according to claim 4, to reduce the risk of pododermatitis.

6. Food according to claim 1 for its use according to claim 1, for improving the welfare of said poultry.

7. Food according to one of claims 1 to 6, for its use according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which said slow-growing poultry are chosen from the strains Hubbard Norfolk Black, Sasso Hubbard, JA757, 787, 957 or 987, Rambler Ranger, Ranger Classic and Ranger Gold, Cobb, ROS / Aviagen, Kabir.

8. Food according to one of claims 1 to 7 for its use according to one of claims 1 to 7 in which the insect oil comes from the species Hermetia illucens.

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