Performance of Slow-Growing Chickens Fed with Tenebrio molitor Larval Meal as a Full Replacement for Soybean Meal.

Jaime Nieto,José-Alfonso Abecia,Javier Lara,Isabel Revilla,Javier Plaza,Carlos Palacios

doi:10.3390/vetsci9030131

Jaime Nieto, José-Alfonso Abecia + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9030131

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Abstract

Insect larval meal is an increasingly common protein source in poultry systems. In this study, the effect of replacing soybean meal with Tenebrio molitor larval meal on the performance of slow-growing chickens was assessed. A total of 128 one-day-old chickens (Colorield) were randomly divided into a control group (C) (n = 64), fed with soybean meal, and an experimental group (TM) (n = 64), fed with T. molitor larvae meal. The chicks were slaughtered after 95 days. Three different isoenergetic and isoproteic diets (F1, F2 and F3) were used for each group. The F1 diet resulted in higher body weight gain and higher feed and water intakes in group C, but a lower feed conversion ratio. Contrarily, diets F2 and F3 did not produce differences in the studied parameters between the two groups, except for body weight gain in the case of diet F2, which was highest in group C. Therefore, weight gain and feed and water intakes were significantly higher in group C, but there were no differences in feed conversion ratio or live weight. In conclusion, the total replacement of soybean meal with T. molitor larvae meal resulted in a reduction in feed intake and a consequent reduction in weight. During this period, partial rather than total substitution may be recommended.

Highlights

Weight gain and feed and water intakes were significantly higher in group C, but there were no differences in feed conversion ratio or live weight
Regarding the feed conversion ratio (FCR), significant differences were found between the two groups (p < 0.01), with the highest value coming from the TM group
We tried to assess the effect of replacing soybean meal as the main protein intake with Tenebrio molitor larvae meal in isoproteic and isoenergetic diets for slowgrowing chickens

Summary

Introduction

Global meat consumption is increasing due to the rising incomes and changing dietary patterns of the population. Poultry production is a prime way to meet the demand for animal protein. It should become more sustainable regarding the environment and the type of feed used in this sector [1]. In modern society, the sustainability of food production and processing systems based on increased efficiency of raw material use, low pollution and reduced waste has become a priority [2]. Soybean meal is the most widely used source of protein in non-ruminant animal feed [3]. In recent years, the rising price of this raw ingredient has jeopardized poultry meat production, even more so in some developing countries [4]. The use of nonsoybean protein sources in poultry diets is essential to avoiding negative social, economic and ecological impacts arising from large-scale soybean imports. There is an emerging trend towards the use of alternative feeds to soybeans for poultry which are capable of achieving feed efficiency and feed quality equivalent or superior to soyabean feeds [6–8]

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