According to Gram Research analysis, termite meal can replace up to 20% of fish meal in chicken feed, producing chickens that are 12-15% heavier by week 6 (1,344-1,417 grams versus 1,226 grams) and converting feed 8% more efficiently. A 2026 study of 100 broiler chickens found that 10-20% termite meal inclusion significantly improved growth performance, though the highest level also increased belly fat, suggesting a trade-off between growth speed and meat quality.
Researchers in Africa tested whether termite meal could replace expensive fish meal in chicken feed. They fed 100 baby chickens different amounts of termite powder (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20%) for six weeks. Chickens eating termite meal grew faster and converted feed more efficiently into body weight. The best results came at 10-20% termite inclusion, where chickens weighed about 150-190 grams more than those on regular feed. However, the highest termite level also increased belly fat. This research suggests termites could be a sustainable, affordable protein source for poultry farmers struggling with rising feed costs.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research article of 100 broiler chickens found that chickens fed 20% termite meal weighed 1,417 grams by week 6, compared to 1,226 grams for chickens on regular feed—a 15.6% improvement in growth.
According to a 2026 study in Tropical Animal Health and Production, termite meal improved feed conversion ratio from 2.64 to 2.42-2.46, meaning chickens needed 8% less feed to gain the same weight.
A 2026 trial of 100 broiler chickens showed that 20% termite meal inclusion increased breast muscle weight from 198 grams to 287 grams, a 45% improvement in meat yield.
Research published in 2026 found that termite meal at 20% inclusion increased abdominal fat from 42.0 grams to 66.0 grams in broiler chickens, a 57% increase that may affect carcass quality.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether ground-up termites could replace fish meal in chicken feed and how it affects how fast chickens grow and what their meat looks like
- Who participated: 100 one-day-old Cobb-500 broiler chickens (a common meat chicken breed) divided into five groups receiving different amounts of termite meal over six weeks
- Key finding: Chickens fed 10-20% termite meal grew 12-15% heavier by week 6 (1,344-1,417 grams vs. 1,226 grams) and used feed more efficiently, but the highest termite level increased belly fat
- What it means for you: If you raise chickens or buy chicken meat, termite-based feed could lower costs and improve sustainability in regions where fish meal is expensive or hard to get. However, producers should monitor fat content in meat quality
The Research Details
Scientists divided 100 baby chickens into five equal groups. Each group ate chicken feed with different amounts of termite meal mixed in: none (control), 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20%. The chickens ate this feed for 42 days (six weeks), going through three feeding phases: starter, grower, and finisher. Every week, researchers measured how much food each group ate, how much weight they gained, and how efficiently they converted feed into body weight. At the end, they killed the chickens and measured their meat, organs, and fat to see how the termite meal affected carcass quality.
This experimental design is called a ‘completely randomized design,’ which means each chicken was randomly assigned to a group to prevent bias. Having five copies of each treatment group (five replicates) helps ensure the results are reliable and not due to chance. The researchers collected data weekly rather than just at the end, allowing them to track growth patterns throughout the study.
This research approach matters because it tests a real-world solution to a genuine problem: fish meal and soybean prices are rising due to climate change and overfishing, making chicken farming expensive in Africa. By testing termites in a controlled experiment with proper measurements and replicate groups, the researchers could prove whether termites actually work as a replacement, not just guess. The six-week timeline matches how long commercial chickens are typically raised, making the findings directly applicable to farmers.
Strengths: The study used a standard chicken breed (Cobb-500) that’s widely used commercially, making results relevant to real farms. The completely randomized design with five replicates reduces the chance of biased results. Measurements were taken weekly, not just once, providing detailed growth curves. Statistical significance was reported (p-values), showing results weren’t due to chance. Limitations: The paper doesn’t specify the exact number of chickens per group (though 100 total suggests 20 per group). Only one chicken breed was tested, so results might differ with other breeds. The study was conducted in a controlled setting, which may not perfectly match farm conditions. Long-term health effects beyond six weeks weren’t assessed.
What the Results Show
Termite meal significantly improved chicken growth. By week 6, chickens fed 10%, 15%, and 20% termite meal weighed 1,344 grams, 1,370 grams, and 1,417 grams respectively, compared to just 1,226 grams for chickens on regular feed (p = 0.0001, meaning this difference is extremely unlikely to be due to chance). This represents a 9.6% to 15.6% weight advantage.
Feed efficiency also improved with termite meal. The feed conversion ratio (FCR)—how much feed is needed to gain one pound of weight—was 2.42 to 2.46 for chickens on termite meal versus 2.64 for the control group. Better FCR means chickens waste less feed and grow faster on the same amount of food, which saves money for farmers.
Meat quality showed mixed results. Breast muscle weight increased dramatically at the highest termite level: 287 grams versus 198 grams in the control group. This is good news for meat production. However, abdominal fat (belly fat) also increased significantly: 66.0 grams at 20% termite meal versus 42.0 grams in controls. This suggests that while termite meal promotes growth, it may shift some of that growth toward fat rather than lean muscle.
The study measured organ weights but didn’t report major differences, suggesting termite meal doesn’t negatively affect internal organs. The improvement in growth performance appeared consistent across the 10%, 15%, and 20% termite levels, with no dramatic differences between them, suggesting a plateau effect around 10% inclusion. The starter, grower, and finisher phases all showed improved performance with termite meal, indicating the benefit works throughout the chicken’s life.
This research adds to growing evidence that insects can replace conventional protein sources in animal feed. Previous studies have tested other insects like black soldier fly larvae and crickets with mixed results. This is one of the first studies specifically examining large termites (Macrotermes subhyalinus) in broiler chicken diets. The growth improvements align with other insect-protein studies, but the increased abdominal fat is a new concern that warrants further investigation. The finding that 10-20% inclusion works well is practical because it doesn’t require completely replacing fish meal, making the transition easier for farmers.
The study only tested one chicken breed, so results may not apply to other breeds. It lasted only six weeks, so long-term effects on health or meat quality over a chicken’s entire life aren’t known. The study was conducted in a controlled research setting, not on actual farms, so real-world conditions (temperature, disease, stress) might affect results differently. The paper doesn’t specify exact group sizes, making it harder to assess statistical power. Nutritional analysis of the termite meal itself wasn’t detailed, so we don’t know exactly what nutrients made the difference. The increased abdominal fat is concerning but wasn’t deeply investigated—researchers didn’t measure total body fat or analyze fat composition.
The Bottom Line
Termite meal can replace up to 20% of fish meal in broiler chicken feed with confidence (strong evidence). Start with 10% inclusion to balance growth benefits with fat concerns (moderate confidence). Monitor meat quality and fat content if using 15-20% inclusion (moderate confidence). This approach is most suitable for regions where fish meal is expensive or unavailable (strong evidence). Further research is needed before using termite meal as a complete fish meal replacement (low confidence for 100% replacement).
Chicken farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and other regions with rising fish meal costs should care most about this research. Consumers interested in sustainable, locally-sourced animal protein may benefit from lower-cost chicken production. Feed manufacturers developing affordable poultry diets should consider termite meal as an ingredient. Environmental advocates should care because termites are a renewable, locally-available protein that doesn’t require overfishing. People concerned about climate change and food security should care because this offers an adaptation strategy for African agriculture. Producers focused on premium meat quality should be cautious due to increased fat content.
Growth improvements appeared by week 2-3 (not specified in detail but implied by weekly measurements). Maximum weight difference was visible by week 6. Farmers could see cost savings immediately by switching feed. Long-term sustainability benefits would accumulate over multiple flocks. However, effects on meat quality and consumer acceptance would need to be assessed over months to years of production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can termite meal completely replace fish meal in chicken feed?
Termite meal can replace up to 20% of fish meal based on this research, but complete replacement wasn’t tested. Partial replacement (10-20%) showed the best results for growth and feed efficiency without excessive fat gain.
How much faster do chickens grow on termite meal?
Chickens fed 10-20% termite meal grew 12-15% heavier by week 6 (1,344-1,417 grams versus 1,226 grams). They also converted feed 8% more efficiently, meaning farmers need less feed to reach market weight.
Does termite meal affect meat quality?
Termite meal increased breast muscle weight by up to 45%, which is positive. However, it also increased abdominal fat by 57% at the highest level, which may reduce meat quality and appeal to consumers preferring leaner chicken.
Is termite meal sustainable and affordable?
Yes, termites are locally available in sub-Saharan Africa, renewable, and don’t require overfishing like fish meal. This makes termite meal a sustainable, cost-effective alternative as fish meal prices rise due to climate change and overexploitation.
What percentage of termite meal should farmers use?
Research suggests 10-15% termite meal inclusion offers the best balance of growth improvement and acceptable meat quality. The 20% level maximizes growth but increases fat content, which some producers may want to avoid.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly chicken weight gain and feed conversion ratio (feed eaten ÷ weight gained). Set targets: 10-15% weight improvement by week 6 and FCR improvement from 2.64 to 2.45 or better. Compare batches fed different termite meal percentages to find your farm’s optimal level.
- If you raise chickens, gradually replace 10-15% of your fish meal with termite meal in your feed mix. Start with one batch to test results before switching your entire operation. Monitor your chickens’ growth weekly and track feed costs to calculate savings.
- Measure and log chicken weight every 7 days from day 1 to day 42. Calculate weekly feed conversion ratio. At day 42, weigh breast muscle and measure abdominal fat to track meat quality changes. Compare these metrics across different termite meal percentages to find your farm’s sweet spot between growth and meat quality.
This research is specific to broiler chickens (meat chickens) and may not apply to egg-laying hens or other poultry. Results were obtained in a controlled research setting and may differ on commercial farms with varying conditions. The study lasted only six weeks; long-term health effects are unknown. Termite meal quality and nutritional content may vary by source and processing method. Before switching feed ingredients, consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist familiar with your local conditions. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional agricultural or veterinary advice. Individual results may vary based on chicken breed, farm management, climate, and other factors.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.