Impact of large termites (Macrotermes subhyalinus) meal on growth performance and carcass attributes of broiler chickens.

The rising cost of conventional protein sources including soybean and fishmeal, driven by climate change and overexploitation, threatens the economic sustainability of poultry production in sub-Saharan Africa. Insects, for eample, the large termite (Macrotermes subhyalinus) provide a promising, locally available, nutrient-dense alternative. This study evaluated graded levels of large termite meal on growth performance and carcass traits of broiler chickens. One hundred day-old Cobb-500 chicks were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% termite meal) in a completely randomized design with five replicates. The 42-day trial covered starter, grower, and finisher phases. Weekly data were collected on feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR). At day 42, birds were slaughtered to assess carcass characteristics and organ weights. Termite meal significantly influenced performance. By week 6, birds fed 10%, 15%, and 20% termite meal achieved higher body weights (1344 g, 1370 g, and 1417 g, respectively) than the control (1226 g; p = 0.0001). Mean FCR improved at higher inclusion levels (2.42-2.46) compared to the control (2.64; p < 0.0001). Dressing percentage was unaffected (p > 0.05). However, 20% inclusion produced heavier breast muscle (287 g vs. 198 g) and greater abdominal fat (66.0 g vs. 42.0 g) than the control (p < 0.05). Macrotermes subhyalinus meal can replace fishmeal in broiler diets up to 20%, though increased abdominal fat suggests possible effects on carcass lipid composition.