Nutrient ileal digestibility evaluation of dried mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae compared to three animal protein by-products in growing pigs

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study was to investigate the nutrient ileal digestibility of dried mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae and compare with those of three animal protein by-products in growing pigs.MethodsA total of 12 crossbred ([Landrace×Yorkshire]×Duroc) growing pigs with average body weights of 24.12±0.68 kg were surgically equipped with simple T-cannulas after being deprived of feed for 24 h according to published surgical procedures. These pigs had a recovery period of two weeks. 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. Dietary treatments included the following: i) Fish meal, corn-vegetable by-product basal diet+9.95% fish meal; ii) Meat meal, corn-vegetable by-product basal diet+9.95% meat meal; iii) Poultry meal, corn-vegetable by-product basal diet+9.95% poultry meal; iv) Tenebrio molitor, corn-vegetable by-product basal diet+9.95% dried Tenebrio molitor larvae.ResultsResults showed that the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of Lys was higher (p<0.05) in pigs fed Tenebrio molitor diet than that in pigs fed fish meal diet. Pigs fed Tenebrio molitor diet showed increased (p<0.05) AID of His and Arg compared to pigs fed Fish meal or Meat meal diet. The AID of Cys was increased (p<0.05) in pigs fed poultry meal and Tenebrio molitor diets compared to that in pigs fish meal diet. Pigs fed meat meal, poultry meal, and Tenebrio molitor diets showed higher (p<0.05) standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of total energy compared to pigs fed fish meal diet. The SID of Arg was higher (p<0.05) in pigs fed Tenebrio molitor diet than that in pigs fed fish meal or meat meal diet. Furthermore, pigs fed poultry meal or Tenebrio molitor diets showed increased (p<0.05) SID of Cys compared to pigs fed fish meal diet.ConclusionIn conclusion, providing pigs with diets that contained Tenebrio molitor larvae meal improved AID and SID of nutrients as well as essential and non-essential amino acids. The digestibility of dried mealworm larvae protein and its utilization in vivo are also good. Therefore, dried mealworm larvae protein can be used as protein source at 10% level in growing pigs.

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

“…The acceptance barrier may be lower for insects as food and feed. This is also reflected in the large number of trials on insects as sustainable proteinrich sources for aquaculture and livestock all over the world [1,2], including trials on the common housefly (Musca domestica), the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), locusts (Locusta migratoria, Schistocerca gregaria, Oxya spec., etc. ), and silkworms (Bombyx mori).…”

“…In addition, insects are rich in proteins, energy, fats, minerals, and vitamins [3,4]. In general, proteins contents in insects are 40% to 65%, similar to protein contents of fish meal, poultry meal, and meat meal [1,3]. However, insect proteins have higher utilization rates than proteins of these animal by-products [1].…”

“…In general, proteins contents in insects are 40% to 65%, similar to protein contents of fish meal, poultry meal, and meat meal [1,3]. However, insect proteins have higher utilization rates than proteins of these animal by-products [1]. Thus, insects are attracting attention as a substitute for fish meal, poultry meal, meat meal, and soybean meal [1,3,5].…”

“…However, insect proteins have higher utilization rates than proteins of these animal by-products [1]. Thus, insects are attracting attention as a substitute for fish meal, poultry meal, meat meal, and soybean meal [1,3,5].…”

“…Dried mealworm larvae contain high amounts of crude protein (CP, 46% to 52%) and fat (25% to 35%) which contains abundant essential fatty acids with superior oxidative stability [1,6]. Studies on the feed value of mealworm larvae for swine production have been done [1,7,8]. Results have indicated that dried mealworm larvae powder is a potentially promising protein source.…”