Effect of dietary inclusion of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae meal on productive performance, egg quality indices and blood parameters of laying hens

Context. Increasing demand for animal products, and scarcity and cost of conventional feed ingredients, drive the search for alternative energy and protein sources for poultry feed. Insects provide opportunities as a sustainable, high-quality and low-cost component of poultry feed. Aims. This study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of powdered Tenebrio molitor (yellow mealworm) larvae meal on productive performance, egg quality characteristics and blood parameters of laying hens. Methods. In total, 126 Bovans White laying hens, 63 weeks of age, were allocated to three dietary groups, each with seven replicate cages of six birds per cage. Treatments were: a basal diet, and two experimental diets comprising the basal diet plus T. molitor larvae meal at 2.5% or 5% inclusion rate. The duration of the study was 8 weeks. Key results. Egg production, egg mass and feed conversion ratio were all improved (P < 0.05) by inclusion of T. molitor meal in the diet. The lower rate of inclusion was more effective with respect to egg production and feed conversion ratio. Inclusion of larvae meal did not influence (P > 0.05) feed intake, egg weight or bodyweight gain. Furthermore, egg quality characteristics and blood parameters were not influenced (P > 0.05) by dietary treatment. Conclusions. The study showed that inclusion of T. molitor larvae meal in the diet of laying hens could improve productive performance, especially at the 2.5% level. Implications. Powdered meal of T. molitor larvae is an appropriate, unconventional feed ingredient for laying hens, and may have a role in improving socioeconomic and environmental outcomes, aligning with the United Nations' sustainable development goals.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the effects of powdered Tenebrio molitor larvae meal on laying hens' productive performance, finding that inclusion of the meal improved egg production, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio. The study suggested that the meal could be a beneficial and sustainable feed ingredient for laying hens, with potential positive socioeconomic and environmental impacts.