Journal
INSECTS
Volume 14, Issue 10, Pages -Publisher
MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/insects14100824
Keywords
insect larvae; insect; protein source; bioconversion; grape pomace; tigernut pulp; broccoli
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The study assessed the bioconversion ability of Tenebrio molitor larvae using three types of agricultural by-products as feed. The results showed that the by-products can be used as part of the diet for T. molitor rearing, but not as the exclusive ingredients. This suggests promising opportunities for utilizing agricultural by-products in T. molitor rearing and production.
Humanity's growing demand for animal protein exceeds the capacity of traditional protein sources to support growing livestock production. Insects offer promising partial substitutes, converting low-nutritional quality materials into high-value biomass. Hence, the bioconversion ability of Tenebrio molitor larvae was assessed by using three types of agricultural by-products (broccoli by-product, tigernut pulp, and grape pomace) at different inclusion levels (0%, 25%, 50%, and 100%) in a carbohydrate-based diet. Ten diets were formulated to assess their impact on the growth, diet digestibility, and nutritional composition of the larvae. For each treatment, eight replicates were employed: five for the growth-performance-digestibility trial and three for the complementary test of uric acid determination. The growth was influenced by the type of diet administered. The broccoli by-product resulted in higher larvae weight and a better feed conversion ratio. However, diets based solely on a single by-product (100%) compromised the productivity and diet digestibility. The larvae changed their nutritional composition depending on the rearing substrate, although the amino acid profile remained consistent. In conclusion, the studied by-products have the potential for use in T. molitor rearing as part of the diet but not as the exclusive ingredients, indicating promising opportunities for using agricultural by-products in T. molitor rearing and production.
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