Abstract
Simple SummaryPoultry meat is considered to be an available and inexpensive protein source for humans. Poultry meat acceptability always depends on meat quality. As resources decrease, new protein sources are introduced to the market. Thus, insect meal has emerged as an alternative feed source for poultry diets. Insect meal achieved its status in the market due to providing superior meat quality. In this study, we explored the inclusion of dried and fresh yellow mealworm meal in poultry diets. Yellow mealworm meal is acceptable as a protein feedstuff in the broiler diet without any adverse effects on chicks’ performance, and resulted in improved and comparable meat quality.Yellow mealworm meal (MWM) as a protein feedstuff in the broiler diet was investigated based on the growth performance, hematological characteristics, carcass, and meat quality of broiler chicks. A total of 700 one-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were assigned to five dietary MWM treatments containing 0%, 2%, 4%, and 8% dried MWM or 10.48% fresh mealworm (corresponding to 4% dried MWM). For each treatment, there were seven pens with 20 chicks each. The nutritional profile of dried MWM is comparable to all conventional protein feedstuffs. MWM significantly increased BW and ADG (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05), and FCR was best at 4% MWM inclusion level (quadratic, p < 0.10) for broiler chicks during the starter phase. The predicted MWM levels for optimal starter BW and ADG were 4.13% and 3.84%. Hematological characteristics of broiler chicks fed on the MWM diet did not differ or showed small change within the physiological range. A fresh 10.48% mealworm diet significantly reduced the blood LZM for the grower. Broiler Chicks fed on fresh 10.48% mealworm had a significantly reduced abdominal fat percentage compared to the 4% dried MWM counterparts. MWM did not significantly affect meat quality. Taken together, MWM inclusion in broiler diet is acceptable as a protein feedstuff, and a 4% level could stimulate early growth in the starter phase.
Highlights
Soybean and fish meal are conventional protein sources
Feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to 10.48% fresh mealworm in the starter phase (p < 0.05)
The diet containing 4% mealworm meal (MWM) significantly improved the BW, average daily gain (ADG), and FCR compared to 10.48% fresh mealworm in the starter phase
Summary
Soybean and fish meal are conventional protein sources. Soybean is the most common vegetable protein source in feed formulation for broiler chicks and laying hens due to its protein quality and quantity and appropriate amino acid profile [1]; fishmeal is the most significant standard protein source of animal feed in some developing countries [2]. Soybean and fishmeal accessibility and price are the leading problem. Animals 2020, 10, 224 and fishmeal, severe environmental issues must be regarded. Increased soy cultivation leads to deforestation, elevated water consumption, and chemical usage [3]. Fishmeal qualitatively and quantitatively depends on fish catch, which is expected to decline in the coming years owing to the danger of depletion of marine assets [1]
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