The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementing
Hermetia illucens larval meal in pheasant diets on selected hatchability
parameters and physicochemical properties of eggs. A total of 72 pheasants
(63 females and 9 males) were randomly allocated to three groups: BSFL0,
a basal diet without H. illucens, and BSFL10 and BSFL20 diets, with 100 and
200 g/kg H. illucens larval meal, respectively. The evaluation of selected egg
production indices was based on 1200 properly developed eggs. The BSFL20
group exhibited the highest number of eggs and a reduced percentage of
culled eggs compared to the control treatment. The lowest albumen height
was determined in BSFL0, and the highest in BSFL20. In addition, the highest
Haugh index values were also recorded for the BSFL20 group. Tendencies
towards improved survival of chicks were observed up to day 7 and day 14
after hatching, connecting with the incrementing BSFL dose. Egg yolk dry matter
and crude protein levels were increased in the BSFL20 group, accompanied
by tendencies towards elevated crude ash and reduced cholesterol levels.
A significant increase in C12:0 and C14:0 fatty acids in both experimental
groups, and a decrease in C18:0 fatty acid levels in the BSFL20 group were
observed. A reduction in C16:1 and monounsaturated fatty acid levels was noted
in the experimental groups. The atherogenicity index was higher in the BSFL20
group, while the n-6/n-3 ratio was lower compared to the control. In conclusion,
H. illucens can be implemented in pheasant diets with beneficial effects on the
number of eggs and positive trends for selected survival indices. Furthermore,
H. illucens full-fat meal positively modified the chemical composition of the eggs.