Effects of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae hydrolysate on nutrient ileal digestibility in growing pigs compared to those of defatted mealworm larvae meal, fermented poultry by-product, and hydrolyzed fish soluble

Abstract

Objective: To investigate effect of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae hydrolysate on nutrient ileal digestibility compared to those of dried mealworm larvae meal, fermented poultry by-product, and hydrolyzed fish soluble in growing pigs.Methods: A total of 12 crossbred ([Landrace×Yorkshire]×Duroc) growing pigs with average body weight of 28.70±0.32 kg were surgically equipped with simple T-cannulas. A total of 12 pigs were assigned to individual metabolic crates and allotted to one of four treatments with 3 replicates in a fully randomized design.Results: Apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of dry matter (DM) was the highest in pigs fed HML diet. AIDs of crude protein (CP) were higher in pigs fed HML and DMLM diets than those in pigs fed the other two diets. AID of total amino acid was higher (p = 0.06) in pigs fed HML diet. AIDs of lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), and threonine (Thr) were similar in pigs fed DMLM and HML diets, but were higher (p = 0.05, p<0.05, and p = 0.05, respectively) than those in pigs fed FPBM or HFS diet. Pigs fed HML diet had higher standardized ileal digestibilities (SIDs) of DM and CP (p<0.05 and p<0.05, respectively) compared to pigs fed the other FPBM and HFS diets. SIDs of total amino acid were not different (p = 0.06) between treatments. For SIDs of Lys, Met, and Thr, pigs fed HML and DMLM diets showed higher SIDs (p = 0.05, p<0.05, and p<0.05, respectively) than pigs fed FPBM and HFS diets. SIDs of non-essential amino acids (aspartic acid, glycine, and alanine) were higher (p<0.05, p< 0.05, and p<0.05, respectively) in pigs fed HML, FPBM, and DMLM diets than those in pigs fed the HFS diet. AID and SID of glutamic acid were higher in pigs fed HML and FPBM diets.Conclusion: In conclusion, dietary supplementation of mealworm larvae hydrolysate had higher digestibility in DM, CP, Lys, Met, and Thr compared to dietary supplementation with fermented poultry by-product and hydrolyzed fish soluble.

Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor Larvae) as an Alternative Protein Source for Monogastric Animal: A Review

“…Among insect sources, T. molitor larvae are known to have a good nutritional value, such as protein and fat content [7,14,15,21,22], digestibility [19,20], flavor [18,23], and functional ability (e.g., chitin and antimicrobial peptides, i.e., AMPs) [24][25][26][27][28]. They are easy to breed and raise and have a stable protein content, regardless of their diets [29], which implies that T. molitor larvae can be produced stably.…”

“…defatted ground [20,[51][52][53], or hydrolyzed ground [20] feed ingredients. Defatting is important for ensuring longer storage and processing.…”

“…With regard to the application of kp 5.41 Before grinding, T. molitor larvae may undergo additional processing steps such as defatting or hydrolysis (Figure 1). T. molitor larvae have been supplemented as whole (full-fat) ground [14,18,50], defatted ground [20,[51][52][53], or hydrolyzed ground [20] feed ingredients. Defatting is important for ensuring longer storage and processing.…”

“…Edible insects as animal feed ingredients have been studied by many researchers. In particular, insects as an alternative protein source in broiler chicken [14][15][16][17] and pig [18][19][20] diets have been widely investigated. It seems that the demand for edible insects for feed ingredients will increase in the near future.…”

Gastric canthariasis caused by invasion of mealworm beetle larvae in weaned pigs in large-scale farming

“…Ao and Kim demonstrated, that dried mealworm powder can replace fish meal in weaning pigs' diet without any negative effect on growth performance or nutrient digestibility [18]. Mealworm larvae hydrolysate had higher digestibility compared fermented poultry by-product or hydrolyzed fish soluble meal [19]. Our results warn against using live larvae, in particular for weaned pigs, since weaning immunosuppression could facilitate the infestation.…”