Use of insect powder as a source of dietary protein in early-weaned piglets

In the present study, 5% powders of Tenebrio molitor (TM), Musca domestica larvae (MDL), or Zophobas morio (ZM) were used as a source of dietary protein in piglets weaned at 14 +/- 2 d of age instead of 5% plasma protein powder in the basal diet (4 groups with 6 replicates of 6 piglets). Growth performance, diarrhea rate, plasma biochemical parameters, and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) were determined on Days 28 and 56 after the initiation of treatment. The ADFI in the TM and MDL groups on Day 7 were decreased (P < 0.05) whereas the ADFI in the ZM group on Days 28 and 56 were increased (P < 0.05) compared with the respective values in the control group. Diarrhea rates in all of the insect groups from Days 15 through 28 were decreased (P < 0.05) compared with those in the control group. On Day 28, the plasma ammonia concentration in all of the insect groups was decreased (P < 0.05) compared with that in the control group. On Day 56, plasma concentrations of total protein and albumin were decreased (P < 0.05) in the ZM group whereas the Met AID in all of the insect groups was increased (P < 0.05) compared with those in the control group. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in nutrient AID on Day 28 compared with the control group, except for Ile and Met. Collectively, these findings indicate that the use of insect powder as a source of dietary protein is associated with apparent good bioavailability of several AA and a reduced diarrhea rate in early-weaned piglets without affecting growth performance.