Reproductive Characteristics of Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) Maintained in Captivityand Receiving Madagascar Cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) Meal

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a Madagascar cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) meal in the feed of cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) in captivity and its influence on the reproductive characteristics of these birds. Twelve pairs of birds were used during two subsequent reproductive cycles of 130 days each, with time divided into four phases: laying, incubation, rearing of chicks until 30 days of age, and return to the new laying phase. The pairs were divided into two groups: a control group, which received a commercial diet for psittacines + a mixture of seeds, and a test group, which received the same diet as the control group except for the addition of a Madagascar cockroach meal in a ratio of 14 g of commercial food to 1 g of cockroach meal (6.6%). After hatching, chicks remained with their parents until 30 days of age. Subsequently, the chicks were transferred to another room and monitored until the 90th day of life. The inclusion of cockroach meal did not influence (p > 0.05) the intake of commercial food and mixture of seeds during the reproductive phases evaluated, except for feed intake, which was increased relative to control values (p = 0.02) in the return-to-laying phase. Yolk cholesterol content, egg width and egg shape index were increased with the inclusion of the cockroach meal, whereas the number of days to return to the new laying phase was reduced compared to the control (p = 0.02). The number of eggs laid decreased (p < 0.05) with the inclusion of the cockroach meal; however, the percentage of hatching was higher in the test group than in the control group (p < 0.05). No significant effect (p > 0.05) of dietary treatment was observed on the number of viable chicks at 1, 30 and 90 days of age or on the contents of most fatty acids present in the yolk. The findings of this study indicate that a Madagascar cockroach meal can be used as an alternative feedstuff in the diets for cockatiels and can lead to minor improvements in reproductive characteristics when replacing 6.6% of the commercial pelleted diet.

Which insect species and why?

“…Blattodean species include the cockroaches, which are known for being resilient, adaptable to a range of environmental conditions and quick population growth (Diehl et al, 2014). For instance, the Madagascar cockroach Gromphadorhina portentosa is reared at temperatures 23-26C and 30% humidity, at which nymphs mature in 3 months (de Carvalho et al, 2019). Meanwhile, the death's head cockroach Blaberus craniifer is reared at 25-30C and 65-80% humidity (Diehl et al, 2014).…”

“…G. portentosa contains approximately 67% (dry wt.) crude protein and cockroach meal has been found a suitable protein source for cockatiels when included in the diet at 6.6% (de Carvalho et al, 2019). Potential issues with industrial scale rearing and commercial use of cockroaches is their methane production and potential to transmit pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella species (Diehl et al, 2014).…”