Alternative protein sources for practical use

Selective trials

Dual-purpose chicken -adapted rations, alternative protein sources, effects and adaptation options

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Foto: J.Hankel

Prof. Dr. Julia Hankel

Junior Professor of Sustainability in the Context of Animal Nutrition and Animal Health

Institute of Animal Nutrition - University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover

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Workpackage II

Selective trials

Work package II investigates the feed intake behavior of dual-purpose chickens and laying hybrids in feeding trials with different feed choices. In three experimental runs, six groups with six replicates each are planned with sexual separation. One run extends from the 4th to the 14th week of life. Experimental and control groups receive conventional compound feed and a protein-reduced compound feed. Both compound feeds are offered ad libitum but in separate troughs. The experimental groups also receive one of four alternative protein sources, which are offered in a third trough. The animals in the control groups and the four experimental groups thus have the free choice to eat from the two or three troughs and to allocate the quantities from the feeds in such a way that these quantities could be almost optimal for their growth in terms of total protein content. Within the consortium, various alternative protein sources (insects and macroalgae) were analyzed and discussed with regard to availability, methionine and cysteine content as well as nutritional advantages and disadvantages. 

  • Housefly (Musca domestica),
  • Adult black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), 
  • Adult crickets (Acheta domesticus
  • Sugar kelp (Laminaria saccharina),
  • Lappet seaweedPalmeria palmata)
  • Sea lettuce (Ulva lactua)

The following four alternative protein sources were finally selected for the selective trials: Palmaria palmata, Ulva lactuca, Acheta domesticus and the adult Hermetia illucens.

The acceptance and preference of the alternative protein sources determined in the digestibility trials and the amount of protein ingested form the basis for the performance and practical trials (work packages III and IV). 

Foto: J.Hankel
Foto: J.Hankel

Workpackage II

Digestibility trials

Following the selection trials, the favored protein source(s) is/are used in isolation or in combination in the laying and fattening trials as a supplement to the determined reduction diets. In parallel, the precaecal digestibility of the protein/amino acids of the selected alternative protein sources is determined in digestion trials using the regressive substitution method. The animals are kept separately according to their sex so that the sex factor can also be taken into account. Three replicates per group are planned within one run.