SynthesisBMC veterinary research2026
Can black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) be utilized by ruminants? a meta-analysis of performance, digestibility, and rumen fermentation responses.
Synthesis in BMC veterinary research, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Low n-3/High n-6 Flaxseed andInternational journal of molecular sciences · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundThis meta-analysis examined the effects of dietary black soldier fly (BSF) on ruminant production, digestibility, and rumen fermentation parameters, and key moderating variables that influenced the animal responses. In ruminants, a total of 12 studies were identified through Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed and were analyzed using mixed model meta-analysis using the metafor package in R software.
resultsThe results indicated that BSF inclusion did not affect dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (FCR), and digestibility outcomes. However, crude protein intake decreased (RMD = - 3.54%; P = 0.006) with BSF inclusion. While milk yield and dairy efficiency were unaffected, BSF inclusion exhibited a positive effect on milk fat percentage (+ 3.16%; P = 0.001). Rumen fermentation was enhanced by BSF inclusion, as indicated by higher total VFA production (+ 7.69%; P = 0.024). Animal species and inclusion levels were significant moderators of DMI and DMD, in which BSF inclusion in goats resulted in improved ADG (P = 0.019) and DMI (P < 0.01), while no effect was found on sheep. Beef and dairy cattle displayed improved DM digestibility (P = 0.04). No major effects were detected for BSF type or country of study, and publication bias was not evident for the main production outcomes.
conclusionsOur meta-analysis suggests that BSF-derived ingredients can be incorporated into ruminant diets as a partial replacement for soybean meal without compromising overall animal performance while providing specific benefits for milk quality and rumen fermentation. However, additional studies on growing ruminants, particularly steers and lambs, are warranted, as current evidence on these classes is limited.
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