Abstract
Background:
The black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, has been widely investigated as an alternative protein source to soy and fish meal in laying hen diets. However, the fatty acid profile of BSF may influence chicken performance, egg production, and blood lipid levels, with inconsistent results reported.

Aim:
To resolve conflicting findings, this meta-analysis aimed to synthesize existing studies that indicate the effects of BSFL meal on the blood lipid profile levels of laying hens.

Methods:
Five databases (PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library) were searched using the keywords Hermetia illucens, black soldier fly, laying hens, and lipid profile. Study selection followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. All extracted data were calculated applying online software Review Manager (RevMan) (Cochrane Collaboration, UK) to estimate random effects, mean differences (MD), heterogeneity (I²), subgroup analysis, and visualize Forest and Funnel plots.

Results:
A total of 5 eligible investigations were retrieved in the quantitative meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy of BSFL meal on cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides in laying hens. All of the following parameters were not significantly altered by BSFL inclusion: cholesterol (MD = -2.42, 95% CI: -32.35–27.52, p = 0.83), HDL (MD = -6.43, 95% CI: -55.59–42.72, p = 0.34), LDL (MD = -0.79, 95% CI: -16.09–14.51, p = 0.63), and triglycerides (MD = 299.63, 95% CI: -466.70–1065.96, p = 0.30). According to the subgroup analysis, modifications in the BSFL meal ratio may only affect triglycerides; cholesterol, HDL, and LDL were not significant.

Conclusion:
According to this meta-analysis, BSFL meal represents a promising feed substitute for laying hens that has no detrimental effects on cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglyceride levels.

Key words: Black soldier fly, Blood lipid profile, Food production, Food safety, Meta-analysis