EP3986122A1

EP3986122A1 - Feeder arrangement

Info

Publication number: EP3986122A1
Application number: EP20735246.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Raymond Joseph LEUSHUIS; Aman PAUL
Original assignee: Protix BV
Current assignee: Protix BV
Priority date: 2019-06-24
Filing date: 2020-06-23
Publication date: 2022-04-27
Also published as: WO2020263085A1; KR20220041091A

Abstract

A feeder arrangement (100) for feeding livestock, e.g. poultry or birds in general, comprising a storage facility (110) for storing feed (109) for livestock and a distribution device (D) fluidly connected to the storage facility (110) to receive feed therefrom. The distribution device (D) 5 comprises a single feeder outlet (108) or comprises a plurality of spaced apart feeder outlets (108) for placement above a livestock feeding zone, and wherein the distribution device (D) is configured to spatially distribute feed through the plurality of feeder outlets (108) across the livestock feeding zone. The feed is for example live larvae. An aspect of the invention relates to the use of the feeder arrangement of the invention for providing larvae to poultry, such that the feather condition of the 10 poultry improves.

Description

FEEDER ARRANGEMENT

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a feeder arrangement for dosing feed to livestock, in particular a feeder arrangement for dosing feed, such as living insect larvae, in particular live black soldier fly larvae, to poultry and to birds in general.

Background art

Society demands high-quality and safe eggs and meat from cultured birds such as poultry. Society also demands sufficient and continuous supply of those eggs and said meat at lowest cost possible. In addition, society demands that such eggs and meat are derived from livestock that lives and has lived under high standards of animal welfare. Furthermore, society requests that the provision of the eggs and the meat for human consumption does not have a harmful impact, or a minimized impact at most, on the environment and on nature. All these requirements put pressure on the feasibility of poultry farming in a way acceptable to society. These combined demands thus put pressure on production of eggs and meat at economically feasible scale. Economically feasible both to society and to the farmers.

One of the drawbacks of fulfilling the need for mass production of for example eggs or broilers, for providing eggs and meat at reasonable costs, is that current feed ingredients comprise for example soy meal. Such soy meal is produced in agricultural areas of the world that are located such that bulk carrier transportation of soy beans to the locations of poultry farming is required. Feeding locally produced feed comprising locally agricultured feed ingredients lowers the pressure on nature and the environment. Carbon dioxide exhaustion is lowered, for example, if logistic lines are short.

In order to fill in the need for availability of constant and high volumes of eggs and meat, farming is often requiring large scale farms. Such farms comprise large coops, stables, and/or sheds for housing the e.g. poultry such as chicken. In said housing for livestock, the birds are often kept in numbers allowing only minimal movement of the animals and allowing only minimal animal behaviour, since the housing only provides for a limited surface area per animal. As a result, the birds suffer from boredom, stress, and as a consequence, from (self) mutilation, negatively impacting both the animals and the farmer.

Partial solutions to at least some of the current drawbacks encountered in attempts to find the best approach for fulfilling the demands and requests by society, are explored. For example, the surface area that is available per animal such as a broiler or laying hen, is enlarged to an extent that animals may express their natural behaviour. For example, broilers are fed for a longer period of time, at lower feed doses per day, before these animals reach a mass suitable for slaughtering.

Ancestors of modern poultry lived in social groups of 20 to 30 chickens. In current non-cage systems, the flock sizes are much larger. Laying hens are not able to remember or recognize all flock mates in such systems and there is complete absence of social hierarchy. This results in feather pecking, which is one of the greatest challenges in commercial laying hen husbandry. Furthermore, in future South American, Asian and African countries are also expected to adopt noncage poultry systems. Therefore, impact of severe feather pecking will further increase. Laying hens learn to peck at young age. Severe feather pecking is often evident in old layer hens. Provisioning of pecking substrate at young age may reduce the likelihood of sever feather pecking at maturity. However, such provision doesn’t completely eliminate the risk of severe feather pecking during adulthood. Some studies have indicated that pecking is more severe in old laying hens (>70 weeks of age) when compared to young hens (25 weeks of age). This makes ensuring the welfare of old laying hens more challenging. Inability of chicken to express their natural behavior often results in aggressive behavior and increased pecking. Presentation of live invertebrate to animals (natural carnivores or omnivores), provides them an opportunity to express their natural behavior. Expression of natural behavior is likely to be pleasurable for the animal. Chickens are effective foragers of live insects, as insects are part of the natural diet of chickens. Free range chickens spend about 37% of their time looking for and eating insects. Insects not only present a moving stimuli to attract the attention of chickens, but are also nutritious.

For example, poultry is fed living insects such as larvae, for example dosed once or twice per day. Feeding for example larvae serves at least two purposes: the larvae may at least in part replace the requirement for feeding feed products comprising e.g. soy meal, therewith lowering the environmental impact by long-distance transportation, and the larvae provide means for stimulating natural behaviour by the farmed birds, contributing to reduction of stress, boredom and (self)mutilation. Live insects, including black soldier fly larvae ( Hermetia illucens) are already approved for poultry feeding in Europe. Black soldier fly larvae have gained special status amongst insects due to their unique (a) ability to consume a wide range of organic side streams; and (b) nutritional profile, especially the protein composition.

However, approaches for (large-scale) poultry farming that allows for filling in most or even all the needs of society regarding the provision of eggs and poultry meat acceptable for buying and consuming, are still not available to the agricultural world. That is to say, lowering the use of faraway produced soy bean by replacing soy meal at least in part for larvae is per se a feasible partial solution. The same can be said with regard to the lowering of stress, boredom and (risk for) mutilation by feeding living larvae. However, current approaches for feeding living larvae to farmed birds requires a relatively high labour, requires the entering of the farm shed by the farmer at least once a day, introducing the risk for (microbial) contamination of the shed, puts stress on the animals induced by the repetitive entry of humans in the shed, and does not allow for controlling and monitoring the fed doses of larvae per time unit and per animal, to sum up a few of the drawbacks accompanied by these current and yet still cumbersome approaches to improve poultry farming. In addition, providing a batch of living larvae to a stock of poultry for example once or twice per day, only provides for an active feeding time in the order of magnitude of minutes once the batch is delivered in the shed. Outside these feeding events, lasting for a limited amount of time, again boredom and stress can easily reoccur, following current procedures. Therefore, a solution still needs to be found that allows for feasible means for providing dosed feed such as larvae to livestock such as poultry, when both small scale farming and large scale industrial farming is considered.

Summary of the invention

Feather pecking is a key welfare challenge in laying hen husbandry. In nature, hens spend considerable amounts of time eating live insects. This is considered as their natural behaviour and positively contributes to animal welfare. However, laying hens generally have limited access to insects in current intensive farming systems. Hermetia illucens ( H . illucens) larvae are nutritious and can be industrially produced using the principles of circular agriculture. In Europe, legislation allows the feeding of live insects to poultry.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved feeder arrangement for feeding livestock, wherein the feeder arrangement increases randomness to feeding cycles, such as randomness of feeding location and feeding duration. The feeder arrangement of the present invention can be readily scaled and adapted to meet any requirement of a particular feeding application and as such the feeder arrangement is cheap to manufacture and deploy. Furthermore, the feeder arrangement is suitable for indoor application, such as a barns, industrial buildings etc., but also for outdoor application. The feeder arrangement setup is suitable for use to feed a wide ranges of livestock such as poultry and swine.

According to the present invention, a feeder arrangement of the type mentioned in the preamble is provided, wherein the feeder arrangement comprises a storage facility for storing feed for livestock and a distribution device fluidly connected to the storage facility to receive feed therefrom. The distribution device comprises a single feeder outlet or a plurality of spaced apart feeder outlets for placement above a livestock feeding zone, wherein the distribution device is configured to spatially distribute feed through the plurality of feeder outlets across the livestock feeding zone.

Through the distribution device, increased randomness of feeding cycles is provided, such as randomness offeeding location of livestock when, for example, living insect larvae are distributed through the one or more feeder outlets. Since the feeder arrangement increases randomness as to where and when feed is provided in the livestock feeding zone, this allows fewer competitive animals to be fed more frequently, so not just dominant animals, thereby reducing stress and boredom of livestock.

The feeder arrangement of the present invention is advantageous for feed such as living insect larvae, preferably larvae of the species black soldier fly (BSF), which are typically 10 days to 15 days of age (post hatching). Alternatively, for example, the BSF larvae are first reared for 10-15 days, then stored or stock piled at a suitable temperature, such as for example at a temperature below ambient temperature or below room temperature, such as at between 3°C and 18°C, or between 5°C and 13°C.

By utilizing a feeder arrangement of the present invention for feeding living insect larvae, e.g. BSF larvae, to poultry such as chicken such as laying hen or mast hen or broiler, the inventors observed in a comparative study implying control chickens for which the feeder arrangement was not utilized, that the utilization of the feeder arrangement of the present invention reduces stress as well as boredom, apathy and aggressiveness of chickens.

An aspect of the invention relates to a method for improving the feather condition of birds, comprising the steps of: a) housing a flock of birds in a contained area wherein the area has a surface suitable for bearing larvae; b) providing the flock of birds of step a) with larvae in a random manner both with regard to time point of provision of the larvae and with regard to the position of delivery of the larvae on the surface of the contained area of step a), therewith improving the feather condition of the birds.

An embodiment is the method of the invention, wherein step b) of the method results in the birds displaying reduced extent of feather pecking compared to the flock of birds deprived of the random provision of the larvae, therewith improving the feather condition of the birds.

An embodiment is the method of the invention, wherein improving feather condition is any one or more of: reduced feather pecking, reduced loss of feathers due to feather pecking, less wounds due to feather pecking, less bleeding scratches due to feather pecking, less pain due to feather pecking, decreased risk for microbial infection of wounds and scratches, decreased microbial infection of wounds and scratches due to feather pecking.

An embodiment is the method of the invention, wherein improving feather condition is any one or more of: reducing feather pecking, reducing loss of feathers due to feather pecking, less wounds due to feather pecking, less bleeding scratches due to feather pecking, less pain due to feather pecking, decreasing risk for microbial infection of wounds and scratches, decreasing microbial infection of wounds and scratches due to feather pecking, compared to any one or more of feather pecking, loss of feathers, occurrence of wounds due to feather pecking, bleeding scratches due to feather pecking, pain due to feather pecking, risk for microbial infection of wounds and scratches, microbial infection of wounds and scratches due to feather pecking as occurring and/or is apparent in the flock of birds deprived of the random provision of the larvae.

An embodiment is the method of the invention, wherein the larvae are live larvae and/or are black soldier fly larvae.

An embodiment is the method of the invention, wherein the birds is poultry, for example chicken, hen, laying hen.

An embodiment is the method of the invention, wherein in step b) of the method the larvae are provided with the use of a feeder arrangement according to the invention.

Feeding live insects to poultry can be used to replace soy in diets of laying hens as protein source. The majority of soy meal used in Europe originates from North and South American countries. Increasing soy plantations in South American countries is often linked to deforestation and social issues. The inventors showed that including live H. illucens larvae, as replacement of soy in the daily ration of older laying hens, improved behaviour and feather condition. According to embodiments of the invention, live H. illucens larvae are used in combination with local plant proteins to successfully replace soy in diets of older laying hens. Feeding hens live H. illucens larvae also had a positive effect on the feather condition of birds. Feeding of live Hermetia illucens larvae with the feeder arrangement of the invention also provides a solution to reduce feather pecking in hens, and improved chicken welfare. In particular, feeding of live Hermetia illucens larvae to hens with the feeder arrangement of the invention reduces feather pecking in hens with intact beaks.

Short description of drawings

The present invention will be discussed in more detail below, with reference to the attached drawings, in which

Figure 1 A, 2A each show a cross sectional view of a storage container with one or more conical guiding members as used in a feeder arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 1 B, 2B each show a top view of a storage container with one or more conical guiding members according to embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a top view of a transverse plate member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a cross sectional view of a conical feed spreader according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5A-5C each show a plurality of feed channels of a feeder arrangement according to embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 6 shows a feeder arrangement with a rotatable storage container according to an embodiment of the present invention; and wherein

Figure 7 shows a side view of a T-joint for one or more feed channels according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Description of embodiments

Ancestors of modern poultry lived in social groups of 20 to 30 chickens. In current non-cage systems, the flock sizes are much larger. Laying hens are not able to remember or recognize all flock mates in such systems and there is complete absence of social hierarchy. This results in feather pecking, which is one of the greatest challenges in commercial laying hen husbandry. Such pecking often not only results in loss of feathers, but in addition to wounds, bleeding scratches, etc., which induces adverse conditions and feeling for the picked chicken such as pain, and introduces the risk for microbial infection of wounds and scratches.

Feeding insects such as insect larvae, preferably living insect larvae, to chicken may induce natural behaviour amongst chicken. Spreading living larvae on the floor of the barn or cage, preferably in a way that the larvae are at least partly and preferably whole embedded in floor material and particles typical for a chicken barn, such as saw dust and the like, to some extent hide the larvae for direct visual observation by the chicken. This way, chicken will scratch and crawl through the floor material, searching for the living larvae. This natural behaviour of seeking for feed keeps the chicken from boredom and from picking each other. As an example, in the article by De Vries, H. (2000),“Observations on behaviour and feed intake of chickens kept on free range in muy muy, nicaragua," retrieved from //www. ringadvies.nl/uploads/engels_1 .pdf, it is described that free range chickens spend somewhere around 37% of their time looking for and eating insects.

However, several drawbacks are apparent with this aforementioned approach of feeding poultry such as laying hen living larvae. At first, spreading and (partly) hiding a daily portion of living larvae in a chicken barn is a time- and labour consuming activity. The more when the daily amount of larvae for a regular chicken farm comprising for example 10.000 laying hen has to be supplied manually each day. Second, for the spreading of for example tens to hundreds of kilos of larvae per day, each day a farmer has to enter the chicken barn or cage and work for a certain amount of time inside the barn. Apart from the inconvenience for the farmer, also the chickens experience stress on a daily basis by the presence of one or more workers. Moreover, a major disadvantage of manually providing a batch of larvae is the provision of all larvae at once. Although the batch may encompass a daily amount of feed or part of the feed, the chicken will search and find the living larvae in a much shorter time span than in 8-16 hours, i.e. the time of the day within which the chickens regularly take in feed. Batch wise provision of the whole daily portion of larvae may even result in the chicken consuming the larvae within a time span of as short as 15 minutes to 1 hour. After finishing the larvae, the chicken will stop searching and crawling, and as a result boredom will reoccur accompanied by stress and risk for picking each other.

A further drawback of an all at once approach for the provision of a daily batch of larvae to a herd of chicken such as laying hen, is that the strongest, relatively more dominant and aggressive animals are able to claim an above average portion of the living larvae, such that weaker and less dominant hen can eat less or hardly any larvae at all. Equal distribution of the larvae feed amongst all individual chicken is not possible by batch wise provision of the larvae e.g. once or twice or thrice per day.

In view of the above, the inventors experimented with random provisioning of a daily batch of living larvae per animal, such as a laying hen, during the whole time span of the day, wherein the random provision encompasses both random delivery of larvae per time unit, such as larvae per minute, and provision of larvae spatially in a random fashion within a certain surface area portion of the chicken barn floor. Even though at the end of the day a daily portion of living larvae will be provided for each animal, the number of larvae provided per minute and the location of the provided larvae will randomly vary during the day time. As such, chickens do not have any certainty as to where and when larvae are provided in the barn and the effect of this random provision of larvae is that the chicken will walk, search, scratching the surface and crawl during the whole day as long as their efforts are successful once in a while. Occupied with crawling and searching for the larvae, stress levels amongst the chicken in the herd is low. Chicken are not bored and are not irritated and the like by each other’s presence. Reduced picking and fighting results from the random distribution of larvae. In addition, since there is no hot spot in time and location, with regard to when and where larvae are provided, each laying hen as an equal chance of finding the daily amount of larvae per chicken. So in absence of such a spatial hotspot and time hotspot, dominant chickens do not have an advantage anymore by occupying the hotspot where in a short time many larvae are provided. Based on these findings, there is a need for a feeder arrangement for feeding livestock, wherein the feeder arrangement reduces feather pecking and aggressiveness in livestock, particularly in poultry, e.g. chickens.

Chickens such as laying hen are typically fed an amount of living larvae during the day that amounts to about 5% to 50% by weight of the total feed intake during day time, preferably 5%-25%, more preferably about 10%. For example, laying hen are fed about 10 grams or about 12 grams of living larvae per hen, provided randomly during 8 hours (e.g. of daytime), and are fed about 90 grams of conventional feed of plant ingredients to provide total nutrition, e.g. with soy as a main source of proteins. Conventionally, the herd of similar chicken is fed 100 grams of conventional feed per animal, comprising mainly soy bean meal. As a result, feeding poultry living larvae reduces the amount of soy bean meal fed to the chicken with about 10%. As a further example, poultry is fed about 12,5 grams of larvae per day for each individual animal. For example 8 grams - 15 grams of living larvae are fed to a chicken in a time period of between 7 hours and 16 hours, such as 8 hours - 12 hours. Typically, between 5% and 15%, preferably about 10% by weight of the soy meal that is conventionally fed daily to a bird such as a laying hen is replaced by living larvae such as black soldier fly living larvae, and are provided to the animals by applying the feeder arrangement according to the present invention.

The feeder arrangement as described herein can be used to feed living insect larvae to e.g. Guinea fowl, ostrich, peafowl, emu, goose, pheasant, swan, partridge, greater rhea, pigeons, turkey, quails, chicken, poultry, farmed birds, ducks, animals of the super order falloanserae, birds of the order Galliformes, laying hens, mast hen, flesh chicken, preferably domesticated birds such as chicken laying hen, and in general the feeder arrangement is suitable for use to feed a wide ranges of livestock in addition to poultry, such as swine.

Figure 1A and 1 B each show a cross sectional view and an upper view of a feeder arrangement 100, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown the feeder arrangement 100 comprises a storage facility 1 10, e.g. comprising a storage container 101 , for storing feed 109 for livestock. In an embodiment, the feed 109 comprise living insect larvae.

A distribution device or system D is provided and (fluidly) connects to the storage facility 1 10 for receiving feed 109 therefrom. The storage facility 1 10, e.g. the storage container 101 , may be adapted to specifically store live insect larvae by avoiding sharp internal protrusions, edges, ridges, surface transitions and the like that could come into contact with living insect larvae. Note that, in general, smooth internal surfaces and surface transitions of the storage facility 1 10, e.g. the storage container 101 , will also reduce internal clogging of larvae within the feeder arrangement 100 so that continuous uninterrupted operation of the feeder arrangement 100 is maximized.

The distribution device D comprises a single feeder outlet 108 or a plurality of spaced apart feeder outlets 108, e.g. a plurality of horizontally spaced feeder outlets, for placement above a livestock feeding zone, wherein the distribution device D is configured to spatially distribute feed 109 through the plurality of feeder outlets 108 across the livestock feeding zone.

In an advantageous embodiment, the distribution device D is configured to guide the feed 109, e.g. larvae, toward the single feeder outlet 108 or toward the plurality of feeder outlets 108 When the feeder arrangement 100 is in use, one or more feed patches/spots 109a will develop in the livestock feeding zone. That is, the feed 109 drops intermittently from the feeder outlet 108 or from each of the feeder outlets 108, as the case may be, slowly and randomly, so that livestock, e.g. chickens and birds in general, will remain occupied over longer periods of time as they need to continuously search for feed, thereby reducing boredom, apathy, stress and/or aggressiveness toward one another. Depending on the spacing/distance between two or more individual feeder outlets 108 a substantially continuous spread out single feed patch may randomly develop for very closely spaced feeder outlets 108, or clearly disjoint feed patches may develop such as disjoint feed patches 109a shown in Figure 1A. Note that a larger randomly developing continuous feed patch will also allow livestock to remain occupied for longer periods for reducing stress, boredom etc.

Intermittent, random feed discharge through the one or more feeder outlet(s) 108 is conveniently achieved through the use of live insect larvae. That is, since live insect larvae move randomly by themselves, motion of the living insect larvae causes random feed flow/discharge from the storage facility 1 10 through the distribution system D and ultimately the plurality of feeder outlets 108.

Figure 1A further shows an embodiment wherein the storage facility 1 10 may comprise a storage container 101 for storing feed 109 and wherein the storage container 101 is (fluidly) connected to the distribution device D. As depicted, the distribution device D may comprise a transverse plate member 102, e.g. a flat transverse plate member, arranged in a bottom portion of the storage container 101 . The transverse plate member 102 comprises the single feeder outlet

108 or the plurality of spaced apart feeder outlets 108, e.g. in the form of through holes or apertures. From Figure 1A it is clear that the plate member 102 comprises a feed engaging side on which the feed 109 will rest, and as such the plate member 102 acts as a bottom plate for the storage container 101 . In an embodiment, the storage container 101 may be provided with a lid 103 for e.g. maintain climate conditions in the container 101 more constant and/or to avoid livestock, such as chickens, to reach into the container 101 . The lid 103 also prevents contamination of the feed 109, e.g. living larvae, such as living larvae of BSF.

In an advantageous embodiment, the distribution device D further comprises one or more conical guiding members 105 each of which comprises a base portion 105b arranged on the transverse plate member 102 between the plurality of feeder outlets 108. That is, each of the conical guiding member 105 stays clear of each of the feeder outlets 108 and a such the one or more conical guiding members 105 do not overlap the feeder outlets 108. In this embodiment, each conical guiding member 105 extends into the storage container 101 and as such engage the feed

109 when the feeder arrangement 100 is in use.

This embodiment allows each conical guiding member 105 to effectively converge feed 109 toward the plurality of feeder outlets 108. Furthermore, the one or more conical guiding members 105 also reduce pressure on feed 109 closest to the transverse plate member 102. For example, in case the feed 109 comprises live insect larvae, then these larvae can only withstand a particular amount of pressure. By arranging the one or more conical guiding members 105 on the plate member 102 yields tapered stacks of larvae in the storage container 101 reducing pressure on larvae closest to the plate member 102. That is, the one or more conical guiding members 105 reduce the average weight that living insect larvae located near the bottom of the storage container 101 , e.g. at the plate member 102, experience from larvae stacked on top of said larvae located lower in the stacked pile of larvae.

In a further embodiment, each conical guiding member 105 of the one or more conical guiding members 105 may be a hollow conical guiding member having an apex 105c connected to a tubular channel 106 that extends through the storage container 101 , wherein the transverse plate member 102 comprises one or more aeration apertures 107 each of which is covered by or arranged under a hollow conical guiding member 105. This embodiment allows aeration underneath the transverse plate member 102 through each tubular channel 106, conical guiding member 105 and aeration aperture 107. Furthermore, this embodiment also prevents stacked living larvae in the storage container 101 from heating up too much by cooling air passing through each tubular channel 106 and hollow conical guiding member 105. Such cooling air reduces the temperature of feed engaging outer surfaces of each tubular channel 106 and hollow conical guiding member 105. Note that air may flow passively or may be forced through each of the tubular channels 106 and hollow conical guiding members 105. In case the storage container 101 is provided with a lid 103, then one or more tubular channels 106 may extend through the lid 103.

Therefore, air flowing through each tubular channel 106, conical guiding member 105 and aeration aperture 107 serves as a coolant for e.g. living larvae feed 109 inside the storage container 101 . On average, a temperature in e.g. a chicken barn in the Netherlands is 20°C - 23°C. Larvae produce heat, especially when e.g. BSF larvae 10-15 days of age are contained in the storage container 101 . When left uncooled, the temperature of a batch of larvae in the storage container 101 may increases to above 30°C. At this temperature, larvae become more active and as a result spend more energy (i.e. lower fat content), and without feed they start pupating; but a higher number of larvae die during the day as well compared to larvae kept at a temperature below 30°C. By preventing such higher temperature, larvae activity can be limited as a result of which the feeder arrangement 100 is able to randomly discharge larvae over longer periods of time.

In an advantageous embodiment, the distribution system D comprises a support or suspension system 1 14 supporting the storage container 101 above the livestock feeding zone, wherein the support system 1 14 comprises three of more elongated support members 1 13, preferably three, e.g. cables or rods, that are connected to the storage container 101 and evenly arranged/distributed along an outer circumference thereof. The even circumferential distribution of elongated support members 1 13 allows for accurate vertical placement of the storage container 101 and prevents the storage container 101 from tilting to a particular side should livestock, e.g. chickens, sit on top of the storage container 101 , and/or should living larvae inside container 101 start crawling to and aiming to accumulate at a dominant position on plate member 102. By keeping the storage container 101 sufficiently vertical by the support system 13 also prevents feed 109, e.g. live insect larvae, from moving toward a particular side of the storage container 101 , thus maintaining even distribution over the plate member 102 and thus drop from the plurality of feeder outlets 108 randomly and equally. The support system 1 14 may be suspended above the livestock feeding zone by hanging on a ceiling of a chicken bar for example.

In an embodiment, the three or more elongated support members 1 13 are directly connected to the storage container 101 or to a lid 103 thereof, which can be securely fastened to the storage container 101 , for example, through the use of an attachment ring 1 15 when the elongate support members 1 13 are embodied as cables.

As further depicted in Figure 1A, in an embodiment the storage container 101 may comprise one or more ventilation apertures 1 12 in a side wall of the storage container 101 for providing air to the feed 109, e.g. living insect larvae.

Figure 1 B shows a top view of a storage facility 1 10, e.g. a storage container 101 , with a conical guiding member 105 as mentioned above. In the embodiment shown, the conical guiding member 105 is placed centrally with respect to the storage container 101 , i.e. the transverse plate member 102, so that the feed 109, e.g. living insect larvae, will converge evenly to the plurality of feeder outlets 108. Due to the central placement of the conical guiding member 105, an annular portion 102a of the plate member 102 is provided in which the plurality of feeder outlets 108 can be arranged. In an embodiment, the plurality of feeder outlets 108 may have a rectangular shape of length r1 and width r2. The length r1 and width r2 can be chosen so as to achieve a particular speed and quantity of feed 109 that will drop into the livestock feeding zone.

Figure 2A and 2B each show a cross sectional view and a top view, respectively, of a storage container 101 and a plurality of conical guiding members 105 arranged on the transverse plate member 102 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown, the distribution device D comprises a plurality of the aforementioned conical guiding members 105 each of which comprises a base portion 105b arranged on the transverse plate member 102 between the plurality of feeder outlets 108. That is, each of the conical guiding members 105 stays clear of each of the feeder outlets 108 and as such the one or more conical guiding members 105 do not overlap the feeder outlets 108.

From Figure 2B it follows that in the depicted embodiment the distribution device D comprises a plurality of the conical guiding members 105 one of which is arranged centrally on the transverse plate member 102 and remaining conical guiding members encircle the centrally placed cone shaped guiding member. It is clearly shown that the plurality of feeder outlets 108 are distributed between the plurality of guiding members 105, so that feed 109 stored in the storage container 101 converges to the plurality of feeder outlets 108.

As in Figure 1A, Figure 2A shows that each conical guiding member 105 may be a hollow conical guiding member having an apex 105c connected to a tubular channel 106 extending through the storage container 101 , wherein the transverse plate member 102 comprises a plurality of the aeration apertures 107 each of which is covered by a hollow conical guiding member 105. Each conical guiding member 105 and tubular channel 106 connected thereto prevent stacked larvae in the storage container 101 from heating up too much by cooling air passing through each tubular channel 106 and hollow conical guiding member 105. It will be appreciated that utilizing a plurality of the hollow conical guiding members 105 and tubular channels 106 is more efficient for cooling larvae compared to cooling larvae using a single hollow conical guiding member 105 and tubular channel 106 connected thereto as depicted in Figure 1A.

From Figure 2A and 2B it is evident that the plurality of feeder outlets 108 in the plate member 102 provide for a plurality of spatially separated feed patches 109a when the feeder arrangement 101 is in use.

In an alternative embodiment to the embodiment depicted in Figure 2A, each of the tubular channels 106 extending through the storage container 101 may exit the storage container 101 through a side wall 101 a thereof. This greatly simplifies the design of a releasable lid placed on the storage container 101 for preventing livestock reaching for feed 109 in the storage container 101 , but also to simplify providing the storage container 101 with further feed 109.

The feeder arrangement 100 outlined in figures 1 to 4 are typically used for providing living insect larvae to a herd of poultry such as laying hen, of between 1 and 60 animals such as 5-15 animals, typically about 12 animals. The feeder arrangement 100, or particular the storage facility 1 10, typically comprises 50 grams to 10 kg living insect larvae such as between about 100 grams and 7 kg, preferably 300 grams - 5 kg, more preferably 1 kg - 3 kg, depending on a surface area of the bottom portion of the storage container 101 , or surface area of the plate member 102, for example.

Preferably, an average height of a batch of larvae in a storage container 101 does not exceed about 5 cm - 12 cm, and preferably about 6 cm - 8 cm, such as on average 7 cm. Herewith, an average pressure exerted on living larvae located at or near the bottom portion of the container of a larvae feeder, by the stack of larvae on top of these larvae, is sufficiently low such that larvae are not suppressed to death and are not damaged or wounded by too high pressure. Preferably, the storage container 101 comprises between 10.000 black soldier fly (BSF) larvae and 100.000, such as between 25.000 and 75.000 BSF larvae, preferably 35.000 - 50.000 larvae, wherein the larvae are for example 10-15 days of age.

Figure 3 shows a top view of a transverse plate member 102 as used in a distribution device D according to an embodiment of the present embodiment. In the embodiment shown, the plurality of feeder outlets 108 may, in principle, have any shape. However, in an advantageous embodiment each of the feeder outlets 108 may have a triangular shape, which optimizes the space between bases 105b of adjacent conical guiding members 105. For example, in Figure 2B it is shown that a centrally arranged conical guiding member encircled by a plurality, e.g. seven, of conical guiding members may yield triangular shaped areas of the plate member 102 between the plurality of conical guiding members 105. Consequently, triangular shaped feeder outlets 108 as depicted in Figure 3 will maximize the size of the feeder outlets 108. In addition, the size and surface area of the feeder outlet(s) 108 is adapted to the size of the feed particulates exiting the feeder outlets, e.g. living larvae such as living larvae of BSF, for example 8-14 days post-hatching or 10-12 days posthatching. Figure 4 shows a cross section of another embodiment of the feeder arrangement 100 of the present invention. In the embodiment shown, the distribution device D further comprises a conical feed spreader 104 arranged below the single feeder outlet 108 or the plurality of feeder outlets 108 in the transverse plate member 102, and wherein the conical feed spreader 104 comprises a spreader apex 104c extending toward the single feeder outlet 108 or toward the plurality of feeder outlets 108. In this embodiment randomness of feed location in the livestock feeding zone is further increased as the conical spreader member 104 allows for feed 109 to be randomly spread by a conical circumference of the conical feed spreader 104 such that a feed patch 109a may develop over time having an annular shape. The increase of randomness as to where and when feed 109 drops from the feeder arrangement 100 into the livestock feeding zone further reduces boredom, apathy and aggressiveness of livestock, e.g. chickens.

More particular, for feed 109 comprising living insect larvae, the larvae exit the storage container 101 through the one or more feeder outlet(s) 108 in random fashion due to active motion of the larvae. Below the feeder outlets 108, the larvae drop onto the conical feed spreader 104, which guides the larvae along the conical circumference/surface, thereby creating an annular or ring shaped feed patch 109a. The skilled person understands that a surface area of the livestock feeding zone covered by falling larvae depends amongst others on e.g. the diameter of a base 104b of the conical feed spreader 104 as well as the height of the base 104b above the surface area.

In a further embodiment, the distribution device D comprises a funnel shaped outlet member 1 16 which is arranged below the single feeder outlet 108 or below the plurality of feeder outlets 108 of the transverse plate member 102. As depicted, the funnel shaped outlet member 1 16 comprises a funnel base 1 16b proximal to the single feeder outlet 108 or to the plurality of feeder outlets 108 and a funnel apex 1 16c provided with a funnel outlet 1 16d distal to the single feeder outlet 108 or to the plurality of feeder outlets 108. The spreader apex 104c of the conical feed spreader 104 then extends into the funnel outlet 1 16d. This embodiment provides for convergence of feed 109 dropping from the single feeder outlet 108 or from the plurality of outlets 108 toward the spreader apex 104c as the feed 109 passes through the funnel outlet 1 16d. Through the funnel shaped outlet member 1 16 it is possible to provide for a annularly distributed, single feed patch 109a in the livestock feeding zone, which also keeps livestock occupied and reduce boredom.

With regard to Figures 5A-5C, these figures show various other embodiments of a feeder arrangement 100 according to the present invention. In Figure 5A a feeder arrangement 100 is shown, comprising the storage facility 1 10, e.g. the storage container 101 , for storing feed (not shown) for livestock and the distribution device/system D which is connected to the storage facility 1 10 to receive feed therefrom. The distribution device D comprises the plurality of spaced apart feeder outlets 108 for placement above a livestock feeding zone, and wherein the distribution device D is configured to spatially distribute feed through the plurality of feeder outlets 108 across the livestock feeding zone. When the feeder arrangement 100 is in use, one or more feed patches 109a slowly and randomly develop underneath the feeder outlets 108.

In the depicted embodiment, the distribution device D comprises a plurality of feed channels 1 17 each of which fluidly connects a feeder outlet of the plurality of feeder outlets 108 to the storage facility 1 10, e.g. the storage container 101 . The feed channels 1 17 may be shaped and distributed according to specifications for defining a livestock feeding zone in which one or more feed patches 109a may develop randomly over time, thereby keeping the livestock occupied and as a result in better shape.

In a further embodiment, the distribution device D comprises a funnel shaped feed receiver 1 18 having a receiving base 1 18b for receiving feed from the storage facility 1 10, e.g. the storage container 101 , and a funnel apex 1 18c for discharging feed, wherein each of the feed channels 107 is connected to the funnel apex 1 18c. This embodiment allows feed to be distributed from the storage facility 1 10, e.g. the storage container 101 , through the plurality of feed channels 107 which share a common connection 120 at the funnel apex 1 18c. The feed channels 1 17 then spread out to various locations of the livestock feeding zone according to specification. Since feed converges to the common connection 120, it cannot be predicted through which feed channel 1 17 a particular portion of feed will be transported toward a specific feeder outlet 108. However, with respect to the particular embodiment of Figure 5A with four feeder outlets 108, it is expected that approx. 25% of a total daily amount of larvae would exit through each of the feeder outlets 108.

As a result the one or more feed patches 109a develop randomly over time allowing livestock to remain occupied searching for feed across the livestock feeding zone. As mentioned above, using live insect larvae increases random flow/discharge thereof thought the plurality of channels due to random movements of the live insect larvae. However, care must be taken that higher temperature in the storage facility 1 10, or specifically the storage container 101 , will result in more larvae exiting the storage container 101 in a shorter time period than, say, an intended 8-12 hours. As a result, chickens may not be provided with larvae with sufficient randomness during the intended time period spanning the normal day time forthe chicken in which the chicken are foraging. As such, cooling larvae in the storage container 101 as outlined above is advantageous to further ensure improved randomness of larvae being discharged from the feeder arrangement 100 of the present invention.

An example of how the plurality of feed channels 1 17 can be arranged is depicted in Figure 5B, showing a top view of an embodiment of the feeder arrangement of 100 wherein a plurality of feed channels 1 17, e.g. four feed channels 1 17, are arranged orthogonally/ perpendicularly. When the feeder arrangement 100 is in use, a plurality of feed patches 109a randomly develops over time according to respective locations of each of the feeder outlets 108.

Note that various channel configurations are possible, wherein, for example, the feed channels 1 17 are not perpendicular to one another but at acute angles. Nor is it required that the feed channels 1 17 are straight, i.e. each of the plurality of feed channels 1 17 may be have curves depending on routing requirements, shape of the livestock feeding zone etc.

An exemplary embodiment of a plurality of feed channels 1 17 is shown in Figure 5C. In the depicted embodiment, a first feed channel 1 17a of the plurality of feed channels 1 17a, 1 17b is a branched feed channel of a second feed channel 1 17b of the plurality of feed channels 1 17a, 1 17b. That is, instead of a common connection 120 to the funnel shaped feed receiver 1 18 for all feed channels 1 17 as shown in Figure 5A, one or more feed channels 1 17 may branch from another feed channel. This allows greater flexibility for routing and reduces the total length needed for all feed channels 1 17.

As further shown, the first feed channel 1 17a may be shorter than the second feed channel 1 17b, so that, for example, a feeder outlet 108 of the first feed channel 117a can be arranged higher above the livestock feeding zone than a feeder outlet 108 of the second feeder channel 1 17b. In case the livestock feeding zone comprises different height levels at which livestock may search for feed, then the shorter first feed channel 1 17a may serve a higher positioned part of the livestock feed zone than a lower positioned part of the livestock feed zone served by the longer second feed channel 1 17b.

In light of Figures 5A-5C, a (floor) surface area of the livestock feeding zone underneath the plurality of feeder outlets 108 covered during the day with dispensed larvae, e.g. BSF larvae, is dependent on e.g. the distance between the feeder outlets 108 and the surface area. Typically, when each of the feeder outlets 108 have outlet openings of about 7 cm, and these outlet openings are positioned about 30 cm above the surface area, an substantially circular feed patches 109a of larvae are obtained having a diameter of about 30 cm.

Figures 6 shows exemplary embodiment of a feeder arrangement 100 utilizing a rotating storage container according to the present invention, wherein the storage facility 1 10 for storing feed for livestock comprises a storage container 101 which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis L. Like before, the distribution device/system D is fluidly connected to the storage facility 1 10 to receive feed therefrom, and the distribution device D comprises a plurality of spaced apart feeder outlets 108 for placement above a livestock feeding zone, wherein the distribution device D is configured to spatially distribute feed through the plurality of feeder outlets 108 across the livestock feeding zone.

In this embodiment the storage container 101 is rotatable for storing feed (not shown), such as live insect larvae, e.g. BSF larvae. An opening 101 b is provided for filling and discharging the storage container 101 . The storage container 101 may be climate controlled, so that optimal storage conditions of the feed, e.g. living larvae, are achieved. In an embodiment the storage container is pivotally arranged so as to pitch/pivot over a pitch angle a, e.g. pivoting upward for filling the container 101 through the opening 101 b and to pitch downward for discharging the storage container 101 .

In an advantageous embodiment the feeder arrangement 100 comprises a filter/sieve element 123, so that an incoming feed flow F1 is sieved to an outgoing feed flow F2 for being received by the distribution system D through a distribution inlet 124 thereof. In an embodiment, the distribution device/system D may comprise an air source 120, e.g. blower, configured to push air flow A into the distribution device D for forcing feed toward the plurality of feeder outlets 108 as the (optionally sieved) feed flow F2 enters the distribution device D through the distribution inlet 124. The advantage of having the distribution inlet 124 provided as an opening in the distribution system D is that a pressure drop in the channel portion of feed channel 1 17 comprising said opening 124 may develop according to the Venturi effect or Venturi principle. That is, the opening 124 in feed channel 1 17, i.e. the distribution inlet 124, induces a Venturi effect allowing outside air carrying living larvae disposed from the rotatable storage container 101 (outgoing feed flow F2) to be drawn/sucked into the feed channel 1 17 via the distribution inlet 124 when an air stream“A” provided by the air source 120 flows through the feed channel 1 17. As a result, suction at the opening 124 allows live larvae to be taken up in air stream“A” and to be disposed through feeder outlet(s) 108.

In an embodiment, the rotatable storage container 101 rotates for example at 1 -3 rpm, preferably 1 rpm. In a further embodiment, the temperature of living insect larvae stored for 8 hours - 2 days in the rotatable storage container 101 is ambient temperature, or 20-30°C. For a herd of about 10.000 chicken, such as laying hen, a daily supply of living larvae such as BSF larvae 10-12 days of age is about 80 kg - 150 kg, such as about 125 kg. Typically, the storage container 101 is rotating when the larvae are stored therein and may be air cooled. Periodically, the storage container 101 is pitched/pivoted over angle a downwardly, such that larvae fall on the sieve element 123 and enter the distribution system D through the distribution inlet 124

In Figure 6, in an embodiment the plurality of feeder outlets 108 are 3 to 4 meter spaced apart, for example. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more feed channels 1 17 may have lengths between 30 and 100 meter for spanning a conventional chicken barn comprising for example about 10.000 laying hen.

As mentioned before, by choosing living insect larvae as feed 109 for livestock, e.g. chickens, provides particular advantages. The larvae may at least in part replace feed products comprising e.g. soy meal and living larvae provide means for stimulating natural behaviour by the livestock, such as farmed birds, contributing to reduction of stress, boredom and (self)mutilation.

In order to achieve optimal quality of living insect larvae as feed to be provided by the feeder arrangement 100, it is advantageous to provide good climate condition for living insect larvae. To that end an embodiment is provided wherein the feeder arrangement 100, or specifically the storage facility 101 , comprises a first enclosure E1 and wherein the (rotatable) storage container 101 is arranged in the first enclosure E1 . The feeder arrangement 100, or specifically the storage facility 1 10, further comprises a climate control system for controlling environmental conditions in the first enclosure E1 . The first enclosure E1 allows for tightly controlled climate/environmental conditions to be maintained so that the storage container 101 is provided with optimal environment conditions for storing living insect larvae for any desired length of time.

In a further embodiment, the feeder arrangement 100 may comprise a second enclosure (E2) enclosing at least one or more feeder outlets 108, or specifically a part of the livestock feeding zone with one or more feeder outlets 108 arranged there above. Optionally, the climate control system is configured to control environmental conditions in the second enclosure (E2). Typically, the second enclosure is for example a cage or a barn for farming poultry such as mast hen or laying chickens to be fed with the living larvae. In this embodiment, the feed patches 109a that randomly develop below the one or more feeder outlets 108 will also be kept in an optimal environmental condition and as such will be attractive for e.g. chickens. Note that the climate control system mentioned above need not be a single system but could conceivable comprise separate climate control systems for the first and second enclosure E1 , E2 each. In an even further embodiment, the feeder arrangement 100 may comprise a third, a fourth, a fifth, etc., enclosure E3 for one or more feeder outlets 108 and feed patches 109a produced by them which are not enclosed by the second enclosure E2. Such a third, etc., enclosure E3 may be advantageous when environmental conditions are needed different from environmental conditions in the second enclosure E2. Furthermore, provision of such further enclosure(s) E3 is advantageous when at a farm multiple barns are used for farming multiple herds or flocks of the same or different species of poultry, such as a barn comprising young chickens, a barn comprising mast hen, a barn comprising laying hen, multiple separate barns each comprising a certain number of e.g. laying hen, etc., etc., wherein each of the multiple barns is to be provided with at least one feed channel 1 17 for provision of living larvae supplied from the rotatable storage container 101 .

In figure 6 it is further shown that embodiments are conceivable wherein the distribution device D comprises one or more valves 122 upstream from the plurality of feeder outlets 108, wherein the one or more valve 122 are configured to control feed flow toward the one or more feeder outlets 108. For example, in the embodiment shown, the distribution device D comprises a plurality of feed channels 1 17 each of which fluidly connects a feeder outlet of the plurality of feeder outlets 108 to the storage facility 1 10, i.e. the storage container 101 . In particular, the plurality of feed channels 1 17 receive feed from the storage facility 1 10 through a rotatable storage container 101 thereof, which can pitch/pivot forward so as to drop feed toward the distribution inlet 124. As the feed enters the distribution device/system D at the distribution inlet 124, the air source 120 forces the feed into the network formed by the plurality of feed channels 1 17. Since this network may comprise feed channels 1 17 of various diameters, lengths and branches etc., it is advantageous to control volumetric flow rates of feed entering each branch of the network, where the volumetric flow rate may also be dependent on how much feed needs to be discharged by each of the feeder outlets 108. In embodiments each valve 122 may be controlled separately according to specifications.

As the feed may comprise, preferably living insect larvae, it is advantageous to minimize clogging of the distribution system D, particular at places in the distribution network D where sharp bends may be needed because for routing requirements. Then to minimize turbulence, areas in the distribution network of the plurality of feed channels 1 17 should provide smooth, arched channels and smooth arched branches.

To that end an embodiment is provided as depicted in Figure 6 and 7, wherein one or more feed channels of the plurality of feed channels 1 17 each comprise one or more T-joints 1 19, wherein each T-joint 1 19 comprises an inlet sleeve 1 19a upstream from an opposing outlet sleeve 1 19b and a side outlet sleeve 1 19c. The T-joint 1 19 further comprises a smooth arched shaped section 1 19d, e.g. a smooth bend 1 19d, extending from the inlet sleeve 1 19a toward the sideways outlet sleeve 1 19c. The smooth arched shaped section/bend 1 19d allow a portion of feed of live insect larvae to follow a smooth arched path a-a” from the inlet sleeve 1 19a toward the side outlet sleeve 1 19c. Another portion of live insect larvae follow a straight path a-a’ from the inlet sleeve 1 19a toward the outlet sleeve 1 19b. In an embodiment, the side outlet sleeve 1 19c may act as a feeder outlet 108, or, alternatively, a further feed channel 1 17 may be connected to the side outlet sleeve 1 19c. An aspect of the invention relates to a method for improving the feather condition of birds, comprising the steps of: a) housing a flock of birds in a contained area wherein the area has a surface suitable for bearing larvae; b) providing the flock of birds of step a) with larvae in a random manner both with regard to time point of provision of the larvae and with regard to the position of delivery of the larvae on the surface of the contained area of step a), therewith improving the feather condition of the birds.

Exemplifying embodiments demonstrating the beneficial effects of applying a feeder arrangement of the invention Materials and Methods

Laying hens and housing management

Older laying hens (Dekalb White; 65 weeks of age) were included in a test set-up for assessing the effects of using the feeder arrangement of the invention on feather picking (key welfare indicator), behavior, egg quality, etc. These hens were allocated to aviary pens with wood shavings on the floor and allowed to adapt (acclimatize) for a period of 2 weeks. Hens were 67 weeks of age during the initiation of the trial. Before arriving at the experimental facilities hens were housed in an aviary system (Vencomatic, Eersel, the Netherlands) with 330 birds per pen.

Only hens that were active and showed no clinical signs at 67 weeks age were included in the trial. Hens were not identified by a separate individual code, rather they were grouped and identified using unique pen number. After initiation of the trial, hens were excluded if they got sick or met humane end-points. Humane end-points are defined as situations in which laying hens were clinically sick without prospects of recovery, severely injured, or when hens were unable to stand upright. All birds in the trial had intact beaks.

Feeding trials were realized in two identical houses that were windowless, artificially lighted, and centrally heated (target temperature: 20 ± 2°C). Laying hens were accommodated in aviary pens of 1 .5 m length (including laying nest), 2 m wide and 2.3 m in height. Hens were accommodated at a density of 22 hens/pen. Pens were equipped with perches (approx. 18 cm/hen), a feeder bin (ad libitum feed, approx. 5 cm/hen feeder space) and six nipple drinkers per pen (ad libitum water). Bedding consisted of fresh wood shavings.

Pens were inspected every day during the trials for specific observations (e.g. health of the birds). The hens were not vaccinated during the trial.

Black soldier fly larvae and feeder arrangement

Live black soldier fly larvae were supplied by Protix B.V. (Dongen, the Netherlands). Larvae were produced in GMP+ and SecureFeed certified facility under HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) conditions. Fresh and live larvae were supplied on a weekly basis, and were stored in a cool and dry place until consumed. The nutritional composition of the live larvae is indicated in Table 1 .

Table 1. Nutritional composition of live larvae

The applied feeder arrangement of the invention in this test was a larvae dispenser according to Figure 5C. The larvae dispenser was designed such that approximately 275 g of live larvae could be dispensed from the four exits, i.e. the feeder outlets 108 of the feeder arrangement (equally and randomly) during a 6 h period. The dispenser consisted of a buffer (funnel shaped feed receiver 1 18) that stored required amounts of larvae for one day of feeding. Larvae gradually fell from the buffer into the dispenser unit (plurality of branched feed channels 1 17a, 1 17b) which further bifurcated the larvae into one of the four discharge points (feeder outlets 108). The size and volume of the feeder arrangement was designed relating to the number of hens (so that every chicken get the same proportion of larvae) and relating to the dimensions of the pen.

Experimental diets

Commercial laying mash diet (containing soy) and a special soy-free diet were supplied by ABZ Diervoeding (Leusden, the Netherlands). The ingredients and calculated composition of diets are listed in Table 2 and Table 3, respectively. Both diets were formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of older laying hens.

Table 2. Ingredient composition of experimental diets.

1 Containing: Cu (CUSO4.5H2O) 1 ,000 mg/kg; Fe (FeSC . H2O) 4,000 mg/kg; Mn (MnO)

10,000 mg/kg; Zn (ZnSC .FbO) 4,400 mg/kg; I (Ca(IC>3)₂ anhydrous) 100 mg/kg; Se (Na₂Se0₃) 15 mg/kg; vit. A 750,000 lU/kg, vit. D₃ 150,000 lU/kg; vit. E 1 ,250 lU/kg; pantothenic acid 500 mg/kg; niacin 1 ,000 mg/kg; vit. B6 100 mg/kg; vit. B12 2,000 pg/kg; biotin 4,000 pg/kg; vit. K3 200 mg/kg; choline 20,000 mg/kg; DL-methionine 100 g/kg. Table 3. Calculated -nutrient composition of experimental diets (as in basis).

¹ Based on apparent fecal digestibility.

Study design and feeding regime

A randomized complete block design was used for the experiment with two treatments (control and larvae-fed) and eight replicates (22 hens/replicate at the start of the trial). Blocking was applied to the position of pens in the experimental facility. The trial was conducted for a duration of 12 weeks.

Control groups (group A) were provided with soy containing commercial laying mash diet. The larvae fed group (group B) were provided with a soy-free diet. Both groups were provided ad libitum feed and water. On the top of soy-free diet, group B hens were also provided with 12 g live larvae per hen per day (10% of daily feed intake) using as the feeder arrangement of the invention the larvae dispenser displayed in Figure 5C and described here above. Larvae were provided at 1 1 .30 h each day, and the dispenser (Figure 5C) self-emptied at approximately 17.30 h.

Production performance and mortality

The following production parameters were measured during the study: (1) body weight gain from initiation until the end of the feeding trial; (2) weekly feed intake/pen; (3) weekly number of eggs/pen and egg weight/pen; (4) laying rate, egg mass and feed conversion ratio were calculated from the above data. Mortality was recorded daily. Hens that were sick, severely wounded, or could not stand upright were euthanized.

Egg quality

Quality parameters, i.e. egg shell breaking strength, elasticity of shell and Haugh unit were evaluated for ten eggs/pen during initiation and termination of the trial. These parameters were evaluated by Institute of Quality Measurement in Eggs (Amersfoort, the Netherlands).

Feather condition

Laying hens (5 birds/pen) were randomly chosen and evaluated for feather condition during initiation and termination of the feeding trial. Feather condition was scored between 0 (intact feathers with no injuries or scratches) to 5 (completely denuded area). Neck, back, rump and belly were taken into account for scoring, because of their association with feather pecking behavior.

Bird behavior

Video observations were made in 2 pens (1 from group A and 1 from group B) to record and analyse hen behavior. The scheme used for video observation is outlined in Table 4. Video recordings were made to have undisturbed observations. Behavior was scored by counting the number of birds on the floor at an interval of every 5 minutes during the observation period. Video observations were recorded to determine the influence of larvae provisioning on birds behavior.

Table 4. Video observation regime.

1 30 min before and after provision of larvae; ² No interruption time. Data exclusion parameters and statistical analysis

A specific observation was marked outlier and excluded from the dataset before statistical analysis, if the residual (fitted - observed value) was greater than 2.5 times standard error of the residuals of the data set (ANOVA). If a specific observation on feed intake, laying rate, or egg weight was considered outlier, it was not used for the calculation of corresponding feed conversion ratio and egg mass (were excluded).

Experimental data were analysed using GenStat® version 19.1 (VSN International Ltd, UK). Feed intake, laying rate, egg mass and weight, feed conversion ratio, mortality, egg quality parameters and feather scores were compared between two treatments using ANOVA. Pen was the experiment unit. The general model was:

Yu = m + Block, + Treatment; + ey

With:

Yij = response parameter

m = overall mean

Blocki = block effect (i = 1 to 8)

Treatment] = effect of treament group (j = 1 , 2)

ey = residual error

Values with P < 0.05 were considered statistically different.

Animal Ethics

The trial was realized according to the guidelines of the Animal and Human Welfare Codes/Laboratory practice codes in the Netherlands. Trial protocol was approved by the Schothorst Feed Research Institute Ethics Review Committee.

Production performance

Results corresponding to feed intake, laying rate, egg weight, egg mass and mortality rate are presented in Table 5 and Table 6. Group B (larvae fed hens) had a significantly lower ( P = 0.029) feed intake in comparison to group A (control). Feed intake indicated in Table 5 is based on intake of mash diets (larvae intake by group B not taken into account). Group B hens received approximately 12 g of larvae per hen per day (g/h/d). Therefore total feed intake for group B was about 135 g/h/d, which was not different from group A. Larvae consist of approximately 70% moisture, so on dry matter basis, feed intake of group B was 127 g/h/d, which is numerically lower than the control treatment (significant differences were not calculated). Laying rate, egg weight, egg mass and mortality rate did not differ between treatments.

Feed conversion ratios of both treatments are also indicated in Table 5. In line with a lower feed intake, group B also showed a significantly lower feed conversion ratio (P = 0.004). If larvae intake by group B hens is taken into account on a dry matter basis, feed conversion ratio of group B is estimated to be 2.452. This value is numerically lower than the feed conversion ratio of group A is only significant at the 10% level of confidence (P = 0.071). Table 5. Production performance and mortality rate of laying hens fed a commercial diet (group A) or a soy-free diet + live larvae (group B) from 67 to 78 weeks of age.

a^b Values without a common superscript in a column differ significantly (P< 0.05). ¹ SEM= Standard error of means. ² Intake of larvae by group B was not taken into account.

Table 6. Total crude protein and fat intake by laying hens fed with a commercial diet (group A) or a soy-free diet + live larvae (group B) from 67 to 78 weeks of age (as in basis).

¹ Value provided by the supplier of mash feed and live larvae. ² Nutrient composition of the larvae based on provided information of larvae supplier.

Body weight of laying hens was determined during the initiation (67 weeks of age) and termination (78 weeks of age) of the trial. Body weight of hens during the trial is indicated in Table 7. Group A hens showed an average weight loss during the trial, while group B hens showed an average weight increase.

Table 7. Body weight (g) of laying hens fed a commercial diet (group A) or a soy-free diet + live larvae (group B) from 67 to 78 weeks of age.

a^b Values without a common superscript in a column differ significantly (P < 0.05). ¹ SEM= Standard error of means.

Egg quality

Egg quality parameters were determined during the initiation and termination of the trial. Values obtained for quality parameters are mentioned in Table 8. There were no differences between egg shell strength, elasticity and Haugh unit between eggs from group A and B hens.

Feather condition

The feather condition score of the laying hens determined during the initiation and termination of the trial are indicated in Table 9. Older laying hens already had feather damage during the initiation of the trial. Initial feather damage of group B was numerically higher than group A (no significant differences, P = 0.06). At the end of the trial, feather damage of group B was significantly less compared to group A hens (P = 0.004). Some hens in both groups started to molt during the trial, which is marked by renewing of feathers. During the initiation, all the scored hens had a bald belly (corresponding to score 4 or 5). However, during termination 5 laying hens were scored < 2 for belly. If these molted hens are taken into account, feather condition score for group A and B could be adjusted to 3.3 and 2.6, respectively. Even after adjustment of the score, feather damage of hens from group B was significantly less compared to hens from group A (P < 0.05).

Table 8. Quality parameters of eggs from 67 and 78 weeks age laying hens fed a commercial diet (group A) or a soy-free diet + live larvae (group B).

¹ SEM= Standard error of means. ² Egg weight determined only for eggs used for quality measurement.

Table 9. Feather condition score of laying hens fed a commercial diet (group A) or a soy-free diet + live larvae (group B) from 67 to 78 weeks of age.

a^b Values without a common superscript in a column differ significantly (P < 0.05). ¹ SEM= Standard error of means. ² Feather condition score from 0 (intact feathers, no injuries or scratches) to 5 (completely denuded area) were scored for neck, back, rump and belly per hen. Average feather condition score was calculated and analyzed.

Bird behavior

Video observations of bird behavior were made during the initiation and termination of the trial. Analytical data revealed higher counts of hens on floor during morning hours in group B (when larvae were loaded in dispenser) when compared to group A . Whereas, for group A higher counts of hens on floor were observed during afternoon hours when compared to group B.

Effect on production performance Group A and B hens had a feed intake of 133 and 123 g/h/d, respectively (without accounting larvae intake by group B). The reduction in mash feed is linked to the nutritional quality of live larvae, which are able to complete the proportion of protein and fat in diets (Table 6). Live larvae used during the current study originated from GMP+ and Securefeed certified factory and were grown using HACCP principles, indicating high nutritional quality.

After adjusting the larvae intake by laying hens, the feed conversion ratio of larvae fed hens was numerically lower than control hens.

There were no differences in the laying rate and egg weight between group A and B. Live larvae inclusion in soy-free diets made from local ingredients (in this case rapeseed meal) had no adverse effect on egg production. In Europe, soy is the major source of protein used in poultry diet formulations. Approximately 32 g soy meal is consumed by hens to lay every single egg. Insects are grown using a wide range of agro-food industry by-products, serving as an important pillar of local circular economy. From the outcomes of this study applying the feeder arrangement of the invention, it is shown that live Hermetia illucens larvae (in addition to other plant protein sources) is successfully used for the replacement of soy in European poultry diets without detrimental effects on production performance, behavior and welfare of older layer hens.

An average increase in body weight was observed for group B hens (on contrary to group A hens). Body weight gain is significant for broiler industry.

Effect on egg quality

Egg quality parameters (i.e. shell strength, eleasticity and Haugh unit) were unchanged with or without inclusion of larvae in diets. This finding adds to the observation that black soldier fly larvae together with a local plant protein source can replace soy in poultry diets.

A previous research already investigated the impact of black soldier fly larvae protein meal based diets on quality of eggs produced by laying hens. At 5% inclusion levels, better egg shell strength was observed in comparison to zero inclusion levels. In the current study, 12 g larvae together with 123.3 g mash feed, corresponds to 1 .3% black soldier fly larvae protein inclusion. Therefore, it is part of the invention to provide the hens with more than 12 g larvae per day, e.g. between 12 and 40 g/day, such that the increased larvae inclusion rates further improves egg quality. Previous studies have also indicated the beneficial effect of black soldier fly protein meal inclusion on yolk color, y-tocopherol content, lutein content, b-carotene content and cholesterol content. Accordingly, it is thus also part of the invention that inclusion of live larvae in the diet by providing live larvae using the feeder arrangement of the invention, has a beneficial influence on the concentration of these molecules.

Effect on feather condition

During the initiation of the trial, feather damage of larvae fed hens was numerically higher than control hens (no significant differences). The p-value was 0.06, indicating difference near significant trend. Outcomes of the current test applying the feeder arrangement of the invention shows that provision of live black soldier fly larvae in a random and controlled manner resulted in reduction of feather damage in older laying hens. Even though larvae fed hens started with a relatively bad feather score (in comparison to control hens), these larvae fed hens ended up having significantly better feather score during the termination of trials.

Gentle pecking is normal in laying hens and results in little or no feather damage. Feather pecking is affected by: (a) internal factors: genetic strain, age, hormonal state, fearfulness and social motivations; and (b) external factors: floor substrate, flock size/density, light intensity and diets. Amongst these factors, relation between age and feather pecking is particularly important for egg producers and consumers. Laying hens are commonly used for egg production until 86 weeks and in the Netherlands it is even more and more common to keep white laying hens until 95 to 100 weeks of age (without molting). In laying hens of age above 65 weeks, severe feather pecking is extremely common. Some widely used commercial solutions to restrict pecking involve either trimming of the beaks or keep hens in small and confined groups. However, these techniques have welfare issues. The first solution, i.e. trimming of the beaks, is for example not allowed in the Netherlands, where the currently outlined test applying the feeder arrangement of the invention, was performed. Therefore, all laying hens used had intact beaks, contributing to the poor feather condition of the older laying hen at the start of the trial. Other pathways to reduce feather pecking include: offering enrichments (natural substrate to peck at), lower stocking density (facilitating hens to remember flock mates), and adapted feed formulation (increasing proteins levels in diet). However, all these systems still include usage of soy-based diets. By applying the feeder arrangement of the invention, at least part of the soy in the hen diet is successfully replaced by live black soldier fly larvae, when e.g. reduced feather pecking and unaltered egg quality are considered.

Alternatives to trimming of the beaks of the hens, such as free range systems, could perhaps be effective in reducing feather pecking. A study indicated that free range chickens spend about one-third of their time eating insects, which provides them with a natural substrate to peck at. However, recent findings have indicated that high mortality in free range system is negative in relation to animal welfare. Normally, laying hens in closed systems have little access to live insects (besides pest insects). Providing a sufficient amount of larvae, e.g. live larvae of black soldier fly (through a specially designed larvae dispenser, i.e. the feeder arrangement of the invention) to each hen offered a natural substrate to peck at and distract the laying hens from pecking at each other. Similar effects were also observed in young turkey poults. Feeding live black soldier fly larvae resulted in reduced feather pecking on back and tail base. The provision of live black soldier fly larvae to laying pullets by applying the feeder arrangement of the invention will also positively influence the extent of development of pecking behaviour.

Effect on bird behaviour

Live larvae fed hens (group B) counts on the floor were higher during the morning then the afternoon. Group A hens (control) counts on the floor were lower in the morning compared to group B hens. However, group A hens counts on the floor were higher in the afternoon compared to group B hens. The supply of larvae in the morning fulfilled the need of laying hens to show feed searching behaviour (i.e. their behaviour was rewarded). Results from the current test with the feeder arrangement of the invention show that provision of live black soldier fly larvae facilitates hens in expressing their natural behaviour. Expression of natural behaviour is also linked to reduced feather pecking in case of laying hens and thus contributes to a better welfare of the birds.

It is known that in general higher pecking activity occurs in laying hens during morning hours. These birds spend a more quite time, sitting and resting during the afternoon. Video observations for larvae fed hens indeed showed higher bird counts on the floor during morning hours. Besides, these birds had a better feather condition at the end of the trial, when compared to the feather condition of hens in the control group A. The larvae fed birds spend more time pecking at larvae then at each other. Additionally, larvae availability in the morning was satisfying, providing them an opportunity to rest during the afternoon. It is part of the invention that the live larvae provision time is optimized by adjusting the feeder arrangement of the invention, to sufficiently satisfy the hens. Live insects, particularly black soldier fly larvae, are already approved for poultry feeding in Europe. The inventors demonstrate the successful inclusion of live black soldier fly larvae in diets of older laying hens, by applying the feeder arrangement of the invention. Similarly, the feeder arrangement in combination with live black soldier fly larvae is applied for (a) improving performance and reducing feather pecking development in young laying hens; (b) improving nutritional egg quality; (c) improving other welfare traits. Furthermore, similarly, the feeder arrangement in combination with live black soldier fly larvae is applied for feeding live larvae to broilers, breeder flocks and turkeys.

There is a growing interest in utilization of live black soldier fly larvae for feeding poultry. These insects are nutritious and farming of black soldier flies facilitates a circular economy. Moreover, (providing with the feeder arrangement of the invention) these insects improves welfare issues related to poultry farming, e.g. reduced feather pecking. The current inventors showed that by feeding live black soldier fly larvae with the use of the feeder arrangement of the invention: (a) feeding soy-free diets containing combination of local plant proteins and black soldier fly larvae to older laying hens maintained production performance and egg quality, compared to a soy-rich and larvae-free diet (Group A); and (b) the effect of dispensing live black soldier larvae to older laying hens was an improved feather condition and hen behavior, when compared to feather condition and hen behavior of hens in control Group A.

Thus, the current test results obtained during the study with applying the feeder arrangement of the invention shows that replacing soy with live black soldier fly larvae and local protein sources has no adverse effect on production performance and egg quality. Additionally, random and steady provision of larvae by the use of the feeder arrangement of the invention, to laying hens with intact beaks, had a positive effect on feather condition.

In view of the above disclosure, the present invention can now be summarized by the following embodiments: Embodiment 1 . A feeder arrangement (100) for feeding livestock, e.g. poultry or birds in general, comprising a storage facility (1 10) for storing feed (109) for livestock and a distribution device (D) fluidly connected to the storage facility (1 10) to receive feed therefrom, wherein the distribution device (D) comprises a single feeder outlet (108) or comprises a plurality of spaced apart feeder outlets (108) for placement above a livestock feeding zone, and wherein the distribution device (D) is configured to spatially distribute feed through the plurality of feeder outlets (108) across the livestock feeding zone.

Embodiment 2. The feeder arrangement according to embodiment 1 , wherein the distribution device (D) comprises a plurality of feed channels (1 17) each of which fluidly connects a feeder outlet of the plurality of feeder outlets (108) to the storage facility (1 10).

Embodiment 3. The feeder arrangement according to embodiment 2, the distribution device (D) comprises a funnel shaped feed receiver (1 18) having a receiving base (1 18b) for receiving feed from the storage facility (1 10) and a funnel apex (1 18c) for discharging feed, wherein each of the feed channels (1 17) is connected to the funnel apex (1 18c).

Embodiment 4. The feeder arrangement according to embodiment 2 or 3, wherein a first feed channel (1 17a) of the plurality of feed channels (1 17a, 177b) is a branched feed channel of a second feed channel (1 17b) of the plurality of feed channels (1 17a,1 17b).

Embodiment 5. The feeder arrangement according to embodiment 4, wherein the first feed channel (1 17a) is shorter than the second feed channel (1 17b).

Embodiment 6. The feeder arrangement according to any of embodiments 2-5, wherein one or more feed channels of the plurality of feed channels (1 17) each comprise one or more T-joints (1 19), wherein each T-joint (1 19) comprises an inlet sleeve (1 19a) upstream from an opposing outlet sleeve (1 19b) and a side outlet sleeve (1 19c), wherein the T-joint (1 19) further comprises a smooth arched shaped section (1 19d) extending from the inlet sleeve (1 19a) toward the sideways outlet sleeve (1 19c).

Embodiment 7. The feeder arrangement according to any of embodiments 1 -6, wherein the storage facility (1 10) comprises a storage container (101) fluidly connected to the distribution system (D), and a first enclosure (E1) in which the storage container (101) is arranged, the storage facility (1 10) further comprises a climate control system for controlling environmental conditions in the first enclosure (E1).

Embodiment 8. The feeder arrangement according to embodiment 7, the feeder arrangement 100 may comprise a second enclosure (E2) enclosing at least one or more feeder outlets 108 of the plurality of feeder outlets, wherein optionally the climate control system is configured to control environmental conditions in the second enclosure (E2).

Embodiment 9. The feeder arrangement according to any of embodiments 1 -8, wherein the distribution device (D) comprises one or more valves (122) upstream from the plurality of feeder outlets (108), wherein the one or more valves (122) are configured to control feed flow toward the one or more feeder outlets (108).

Embodiment 10. The feeder arrangement according to embodiment 1 , wherein the storage facility (1 10) comprises a storage container (101 ) for storing feed (109) and wherein the storage container (101) is connected to the distribution device (D), wherein the distribution device (D) comprises a transverse plate member (102) in a bottom portion of the storage container (101), wherein the plate member (102) comprises the plurality of feeder outlets (108),

wherein the distribution device (D) comprises one or more conical guiding members (105) extending into the storage container (101 ), wherein each of the conical guiding members (105) comprises a base portion (105b) arranged on the transverse plate member (102) between the plurality of feeder outlets (108).

Embodiment 1 1 . The feeder arrangement according to embodiment 10, wherein each conical guiding member (105) is a hollow conical guiding member having an apex (105c) connected to a tubular channel (106) extending through the storage container (101 ), wherein the transverse plate member (102) comprises one or more aeration apertures (107) each of which is covered by a hollow conical guiding member (105).

Embodiment 12. The feeder arrangement according to embodiment 10 or 1 1 , wherein the distribution device (D) comprises a plurality of the conical guiding members (105) one of which is arranged centrally on the transverse plate member (102) and wherein remaining conical guiding members encircle the centrally placed conical guiding member.

Embodiment 13. The feeder arrangement according to any of embodiments 10-12, wherein the distribution device (D) further comprises a conical feed spreader (104) arranged below the plurality of feeder outlets (108) of the transverse plate member (102), and wherein the conical feed spreader (104) comprises a spreader apex (104c) extending toward the plurality of feeder outlets (108).

Embodiment 14. The feeder arrangement according to embodiment 13, wherein the distribution device (D) comprises a funnel shaped outlet member (1 16) arranged below the plurality of feeder outlets (108), wherein the funnel shaped outlet member (1 16) comprises a funnel base (1 16b) proximal to the plurality of feeder outlets (108) and a funnel apex (1 16c) provided with a funnel outlet (1 16d) distal to the plurality of feeder outlets (108), and wherein the spreader apex (104c) of the conical feed spreader (104) extends into the funnel outlet (1 16d).

Embodiment 15. The feeder arrangement according to any of embodiments 10-14, wherein the distribution system (D) comprises a support system (1 14) supporting the storage container (101) above the livestock feeding zone, and wherein the support system (1 14) comprises three of more elongated support members 1 13) connected to the storage container (101) and are evenly arranged along an outer circumference thereof.

Embodiment 16. The feeder arrangement according to any of embodiments 1 -15, wherein the feed (109) comprises living insect larvae, e.g. living insect larvae of the species black soldier fly.

An embodiment is the method of the invention, wherein the larvae are live larvae and/or are black soldier fly larvae. An embodiment is the method of the invention, wherein the birds is poultry, for example chicken, hen, laying hen.

An embodiment is the method of the invention, wherein in step b) of the method the larvae are provided with the use of a feeder arrangement according to any one of the embodiments 1 -16, outlined here above.

The present invention has been described above with reference to a number of exemplary embodiments as shown in the drawings and as outlined in the description. Modifications and alternative implementations of some parts or elements are possible, and are included in the scope of protection as defined in the appended claims. The embodiments of the invention described herein can operate in combination and cooperation, unless specified otherwise.

Claims

1 . A feeder arrangement (100) for feeding livestock, e.g. poultry or birds in general, comprising a storage facility (1 10) for storing feed (109) for livestock and a distribution device (D) fluidly connected to the storage facility (1 10) to receive feed therefrom, wherein the distribution device (D) comprises a single feeder outlet (108) or comprises a plurality of spaced apart feeder outlets (108) for placement above a livestock feeding zone, and wherein the distribution device (D) is configured to spatially distribute feed through the plurality of feeder outlets (108) across the livestock feeding zone.

2. The feeder arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the distribution device (D) comprises a plurality of feed channels (1 17) each of which fluidly connects a feeder outlet of the plurality of feeder outlets (108) to the storage facility (1 10).

3. The feeder arrangement according to claim 2, the distribution device (D) comprises a funnel shaped feed receiver (1 18) having a receiving base (1 18b) for receiving feed from the storage facility (1 10) and a funnel apex (1 18c) for discharging feed, wherein each of the feed channels (1 17) is connected to the funnel apex (1 18c).

4. The feeder arrangement according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a first feed channel (1 17a) of the plurality of feed channels (1 17a, 177b) is a branched feed channel of a second feed channel (1 17b) of the plurality of feed channels (1 17a, 1 17b).

5. The feeder arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the first feed channel (1 17a) is shorter than the second feed channel (1 17b).

6. The feeder arrangement according to any of claims 2-5, wherein one or more feed channels of the plurality of feed channels (1 17) each comprise one or more T-joints (1 19), wherein each T-joint (1 19) comprises an inlet sleeve (1 19a) upstream from an opposing outlet sleeve (1 19b) and a side outlet sleeve (1 19c), wherein the T-joint (1 19) further comprises a smooth arched shaped section (1 19d) extending from the inlet sleeve (1 19a) toward the sideways outlet sleeve (1 19c).

7. The feeder arrangement according to any of claims 1 -6, wherein the storage facility (1 10) comprises a storage container (101) fluidly connected to the distribution system (D), and a first enclosure (E1) in which the storage container (101) is arranged, the storage facility (1 10) further comprises a climate control system for controlling environmental conditions in the first enclosure (E1).

8. The feeder arrangement according to claim 7, the feeder arrangement 100 may comprise a second enclosure (E2) enclosing at least one or more feeder outlets 108 of the plurality of feeder outlets, wherein optionally the climate control system is configured to control environmental conditions in the second enclosure (E2).

9. The feeder arrangement according to any of claims 1 -8, wherein the distribution device (D) comprises one or more valves (122) upstream from the plurality of feeder outlets (108), wherein the one or more valves (122) are configured to control feed flow toward the one or more feeder outlets (108).

10. The feeder arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the storage facility (1 10) comprises a storage container (101) for storing feed (109) and wherein the storage container (101) is connected to the distribution device (D), wherein the distribution device (D) comprises a transverse plate member (102) in a bottom portion of the storage container (101), wherein the plate member (102) comprises the plurality of feeder outlets (108),

wherein the distribution device (D) comprises one or more conical guiding members (105) extending into the storage container (101), wherein each of the conical guiding members (105) comprises a base portion (105b) arranged on the transverse plate member (102) between the plurality of feeder outlets (108).

1 1 . The feeder arrangement according to claim 10, wherein each conical guiding member (105) is a hollow conical guiding member having an apex (105c) connected to a tubular channel (106) extending through the storage container (101), wherein the transverse plate member (102) comprises one or more aeration apertures (107) each of which is covered by a hollow conical guiding member (105).

12. The feeder arrangement according to claim 10 or 1 1 , wherein the distribution device (D) comprises a plurality of the conical guiding members (105) one of which is arranged centrally on the transverse plate member (102) and wherein remaining conical guiding members encircle the centrally placed conical guiding member.

13. The feeder arrangement according to any of claims 10-12, wherein the distribution device (D) further comprises a conical feed spreader (104) arranged below the plurality of feeder outlets (108) of the transverse plate member (102), and wherein the conical feed spreader (104) comprises a spreader apex (104c) extending toward the plurality of feeder outlets (108).

14. The feeder arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the distribution device (D) comprises a funnel shaped outlet member (1 16) arranged below the plurality of feeder outlets (108), wherein the funnel shaped outlet member (1 16) comprises a funnel base (1 16b) proximal to the plurality of feeder outlets (108) and a funnel apex (1 16c) provided with a funnel outlet (1 16d) distal to the plurality of feeder outlets (108), and wherein the spreader apex (104c) of the conical feed spreader (104) extends into the funnel outlet (1 16d).

15. The feeder arrangement according to any of claims 10-14, wherein the distribution system (D) comprises a support system (1 14) supporting the storage container (101) above the livestock feeding zone, and wherein the support system (1 14) comprises three of more elongated support members 1 13) connected to the storage container (101) and are evenly arranged along an outer circumference thereof.

16. The feeder arrangement according to any of claims 1 -15, wherein the feed (109) comprises living insect larvae, e.g. living insect larvae of the species black soldier fly.

17. Method for improving the feather condition of birds, comprising the steps of:

a) housing a flock of birds in a contained area wherein the area has a surface suitable for bearing larvae;

b) providing the flock of birds of step a) with larvae in a random manner both with regard to time point of provision of the larvae and with regard to the position of delivery of the larvae on the surface of the contained area of step a),

therewith improving the feather condition of the birds.

18. Method of claim 17, wherein step b) of the method results in the birds displaying reduced extent of feather pecking compared to the flock of birds deprived of the random provision of the larvae, therewith improving the feather condition of the birds.

19. Method of claim 17 or 18, wherein improving feather condition is any one or more of: reducing feather pecking, reducing loss of feathers due to feather pecking, less wounds due to feather pecking, less bleeding scratches due to feather pecking, less pain due to feather pecking, decreasing risk for microbial infection of wounds and scratches, decreasing microbial infection of wounds and scratches due to feather pecking, compared to any one or more of feather pecking, loss of feathers, occurrence of wounds due to feather pecking, bleeding scratches due to feather pecking, pain due to feather pecking, risk for microbial infection of wounds and scratches, microbial infection of wounds and scratches due to feather pecking as occurring in the flock of birds deprived of the random provision of the larvae.

20. Method according to any one of the claims 17-19, wherein the larvae are live larvae and/or are black soldier fly larvae.

21 . Method according to any one of the claims 17-20, wherein the birds is poultry, for example chicken, hen, laying hen.

22. Method according to any one of the claims 17-21 , wherein in step b) of the method the larvae are provided with the use of a feeder arrangement according to any one of the claims 1 -16.