BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF MAGGOT (LARVAE) MEAL ON THE GROWTH AND SEXUAL MATURITY OF IWPEACEMENT PULLETS

Abstract

The replacement value of maggot meaI for fish meal on the growth and sexual maturity of growing replacement pullets was evaluated for 11 weeks. One hundred and twenty 14 week-old growing pullets of the Nera strain were fed five diets. The control diets (grower
and layer) contained 3%) fish meal composition which was replaced at 25,50,75, and 100% of its equi-protein contribution by maggot meal. Maggot meal improved hen-day production, egg number and feed conversion ratio (feeckeggs) at 95'%1 replacement.
Weights of first eggs laid were heavier for maggot meal containing diets. Final Iiveweighf weights gain, age at first egg, age at sexual maturity (50%) hen-day production) and the axerage egg weight were similar in all the treatments. Cumulative feed intake was lowest in those birds fed the POO1%r maggot meal diet and highest in those fed the 75%) maggot meat diet. No mortality was recorded during the experimental period.