Effect of dietary housefly maggot extract on egg production and egg quality in laying hens under a digital livestock system

A blood biomarker of immune function, IgG, was significantly higher in the HME and PC groups than the CON group (P < 0.05), but there were no differences between the HME and PC groups. Blood corticosterone and heterophil to lymphocyte ratio were significantly lower in the HME and PC groups than in the CON group (P < 0.05). Microbiota Lactobacillus in the faeces were significantly higher in the HME and PC groups than in the CON group (P < 0.05).

The faecal total aerobic bacteria, Escherichia coli, and coliform counts were significantly lower in the HME and PC groups than in the CON group (P < 0.05). Consequently, the HME showed the same significant effects as antibiotics on improving egg production and egg quality in laying hens. These results show that 100 ppm of HME can be used as a biofunctional material for an effective alternative to antibiotics in laying hens under a digital livestock system to improve egg production and quality by stimulating their immune functions and balancing the microbiota populations.