Effects Of Combined Earthworm (Perionyx Excavatus) And Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens) Larvae Supplementation On Growth, Meat Quality, And Economic Efficiency Of Dong Tao Chickens

Abstract

Dong Tao chicken is a high-value Vietnamese breed limited by slow growth and low feed efficiency. This study assessed the impact of supplementing earthworm fluid and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae on the performance of intensively farmed Dong Tao chickens. Seven treatments were tested in a completely randomized design over 150 days. Combined supplementation (Treatments T5 and T6) yielded superior results: final body weight reached 3120.7–3250.5 g/bird (+17.8–22.6% vs. Control), while FCR decreased to 3.95–4.40 (-20.0–28.2%). Survival rates remained high (93.3–96.7%), and meat quality improved significantly in protein, lauric acid, and lysine levels. Economic analysis revealed that Treatment T5 (5ml earthworm fluid + 5g BSF larvae per 100g feed) maximized profitability at 588,000 VND/bird, achieving an 89.1% profit margin. Consequently, this combined supplementation is recommended to enhance the productivity and sustainability of Dong Tao chicken farming.