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Black soldier fly larvae meal as a cheap alternative to expensive conventional protein sources in poultry feeds

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7 years ago

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Farm Manager Mr. Tweyambe Chrysestom explains to the delegation from the Belgian Embassy the process of making feeds at the Feed Mill, MUARIK, Wakiso on 13th May 2019
Farm Manager Mr. Tweyambe Chrysestom explains to the delegation from the Belgian Embassy the process of making feeds at the Feed Mill, MUARIK, Wakiso on 13th May 2019

In the recent past, high poultry feed costs are driving many vulnerable communities involved in poultry production out of business. The high cost is mainly driven by the protein source, which represents the most expensive component in not only poultry feeds but generally, in animal feed. In conventional poultry feed, the main protein sources are soybean meal and fish meal. Exploring potential cheap alternative sources of proteins in poultry feeds is therefore paramount to sustainability of the poultry industry and profitability of the poultry business. The present study explored potential of partially replacing the conventional protein sources with black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal in broiler and layer chicken diets. A conventional diet (C) containing soybean and fishmeal was compared to three experimental diets formulated by inclusion of BSFL meal at 5 (B1), 10 (B2), and 15% (B3) for broiler diets and 5 (L1), 10 (L2), 15 (L3) and 20% (L4) for layer diets. Dietary effects on average daily feed intake, average daily body weight gain, egg production and the economic implication of their use in broiler and layer chicken production were evaluated. The results indicated that replacement of soybean meal and fishmeal with BSFL in the diets did not affect daily feed intake and daily body weight gain. However, egg production increased significantly (p<0.05) with the inclusion of BSFL meal in layer chicken diets. For both broiler and layer chicken, inclusion of BSFL in the diets resulted in increase in the Cost Benefit Ratio (CBR) and Return on Investment (RoI). The higher the inclusion of BSFL meal in the broiler and layer diets, the higher the CBR and RoI. The results of the study implies there is need for the promotion of insect mass production enterprises for animal feed protein as well as for income generation and job creation particularly in the developing countries.

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Mark Wamai

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CARTA Fellow Tamale on Building Systems, Shaping Policy and Transforming Lives beyond the PhD

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3 weeks ago

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October 6, 2026

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Dr. Andrew Tamale, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and BioSecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. Photo. CARTA.

A PhD can spark impact that extends far beyond academia. Meet CARTA graduate Andrew Tamale, whose journey demonstrates the multiplier effect of research capacity strengthening—from helping transform doctoral training and generating evidence that informed safer fish consumption practices, to strengthening One Health approaches for outbreak preparedness in Uganda and beyond. 

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Source: CARTA News & Updates Issue 105

Mark Wamai

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CARTA Fellow Anywar Appointed UTANA Subject Matter Expert, Talks Medicinal Plants

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3 weeks ago

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October 6, 2026

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Dr. Godwin Anywar, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Godwin Anywar, cohort 6, Makerere University, was appointed as a Subject Matter Expert on the Manuscript Technical Evaluators team of the Uganda Textbook Academic and Non-Fiction Authors Association (UTANA) on August 31, 2026. In this role, Godwin will contribute to the qualitative, academic, and pedagogical assessment of manuscripts submitted under the Capacity Building for School Books Project (CB-SP). The four-year project, implemented jointly with the Department of Teacher Education and Training Development (TETD) of Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), aims to strengthen authorship and support the development of school books in Uganda’s education sector.

He was also featured in Uganda’s New Vision on July 26, 2026, in a special report on Uganda’s medicinal plants.

Source: CARTA News & Updates Issue 105

Mark Wamai

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Makerere Hosts TERID Hub Early Career Researchers Grant Writing Workshop

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3 weeks ago

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October 6, 2026

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The Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (TERID) Hub continued its efforts to strengthen the capacity of 17 early career researchers (ECRs) (10 men, 7 women) on an institutional level by holding a grant writing workshop from September 8 - 11, 2026, at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (TERID) Hub continued its efforts to strengthen the capacity of early career researchers (ECRs) on an institutional level by holding a grant writing workshop from September 8 – 11, 2026, at Makerere University. The workshop, attended by 17 ECRs (10 men, 7 women), strengthened participating researchers’ capacity by equipping them with critical skills to secure competitive funding. The intensive sessions bridged the gap between innovative academic concepts and fundable proposals, focusing heavily on decoding complex funder criteria and structuring compelling narratives. Participants prioritized the CONNECT-VAX call, which closely aligns with the Hub’s core work, and formed two groups: one on vaccine research and development capacity, the other on public trust and demand for vaccines manufactured in Africa.

Through this call, the Hub engaged collaborators from West Africa (Sierra Leone) and East Africa (Kenya and Tanzania) in developing two of its grant applications. Individual concepts on leishmaniasis, leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and pharmaceutical inventory management were also advanced, bringing the total to eight proposals across four funding calls, including Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (MAK-RIF 8), Wellcome, and WHO/TDR.

To date, the Hub’s grant writing effort has attracted over USD 700,000. The workshop reinforced the Hub’s commitment to mentoring early-career researchers and championing research in emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.

Source: CARTA News & Updates Issue 105

Mark Wamai

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