LARVAE AS AN ALTERNATIVE PROTEIN SOURCE FOR SMALL SCALE POULTRY PRODUCERS IN NIGERIA: A REVIEW

Abstract

This paper reviews information and studies that have been conducted to determine how larvae could be used as a source of protein in the diets of poultry. Larvae potentialities, nutritional value, production systems and cost effectiveness were outlined. The review justified the replacement of conventional protein sources with larvae. It is concluded from this literature review that larvae which was regarded as protein from the air, show greater potentialities as an alternative renewable protein source that can replace conventional protein sources used by small-scale poultry producers in formulating poultry diets. There is a need for more research on the safety of using larvae in poultry nutrition. Furthermore, economic assessments of using larvae meal need to be carried out and compared to the conventional protein sources used by the small-scale poultry producers.