Use of Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) to recycle organic wastes and as feed for broiler chickens

Several dried waste materials from different origins were used as a substrate to grow Tenebrio molitor L. Nutrient/amino acid values differed depending on both larval size/weight and substrate. These larvae were experimentally used as a broiler feedstuff. Seven-day-old chicks of a commercially available strain with an average weight of 126 g were randomly distributed into nine six-broiler groups. Three levels of Tenebrio molitor larvae (0, 5, and 10% dry weight) were used in a 19% protein content sorghum-soybean meal basal diet, to evaluate feed intake, weight gain, and feed efficiency. Results after 15 d showed no significant differences among treatments. These data indicate that Tenebrio molitor has the potential to be used as protein source for raising broilers.