Zinc (Zn) is an important nutrient in poultry and its deficiency has been linked with various disorders, in addition to depressed growth and performance. It is now recognised that Zn has a major role in antioxidation, growth and development, production, immunity and stress related issues. Supplementation of Zn can improve growth, augment immunity, enhance antioxidant capacity, increase endocrine secretion and interact with other minerals in the gut. In this review, some of the basic information regarding the importance and activity of Zn within the body and the addition of Zn in poultry diets is discussed.

Protein is the main limiting factor and the second most expensive feed component of poultry ration after energy. In many developing countries, poultry feed prices are consistently increasing because of the dependency on imported soybean meal. In order to decrease the dependency of the poultry feed sector on soybean meal it is necessary to find sustainable alternative protein sources. This review summarises recent findings on the nutritive value of maggot meal, earth worm meal, meal worms and silkworm meal and discusses their potential as an alternative protein source for poultry feed sector.