Gradual Provision of Live Black Soldier Fly () Larvae to Older Laying Hens: Effect on Production Performance, Egg Quality, Feather Condition and Behavior.

Feather pecking is a key welfare challenge in laying hen husbandry. Feeding of live Hermetia illucens larvae could provide a possible solution to reduce feather pecking in hens. This research investigates effects of dispensing live larvae to non-beak trimmed older laying hens on production performance, behavior and welfare.

New methods for high-accuracy insect chitin measurement.

Background: There is a growing interest in the use of insects in poultry, swine and aquaculture feed, as well as pet food applications. All insects produce chitin-based exoskeletons. With regard to chitin content, a precise determination in agricultural applications is crucial because it has favorable functional properties, although it is also difficult to digest for some species of livestock.