Mealworm Tenebrio Research Articles

Investigation of the production parameters, nutrient and mineral composition of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae grown on different substrates

During the rearing of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae, the optimisation of the growing substrate has a particular importance. The application of the appropriate substrate is a fundamental pillar for intensive and safe production. The requirements for substrate include the lack of toxins, high nutrient and micro-macro element content. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the effects of different substrates on the production parameters, nutrient and mineral composition of the mealworm larvae. The experiment lasted through 14 days. 5 treatments were set up at, where the variable was the substrate. The test system consisted of 25 units (5 treatments and 5 replicates). 10 mealworm larvae per unit, (total of 250 larvae) were used at the beginning of the experiment. Regarding the substrates, our study included sweet potato (SP), may turnip tuber (MT) and may turnip leaf (ML). In addition to the plant by-products, wheat flour (WF) and wheat semolina (WS) were used as control substrates. Trace element uptake and production parameters of the larvae were determined at the end of the experiment. Regarding the production parameters, it can be stated that the wheat semolina (0.081 ± 0.005 g) and wheat flour (0.069 ± 0.007 g) substrate used as control gave the best results for the final body weight. In terms of plant raw materials and by-products, sweet potatoes (0.063 ± 0.007) can only be recommended as substrate, while may turnip tuber and may turnip leaf produced significantly lower final body weight results (MT=0.034 ± 0.002 g ; ML= 0.036 ± 0.002 g). The nutrient composition of the larvae was not affected by the substrate, these results confirmed the high protein and fat content reported in the literature. The results with the production parameters were contradicted by the micronutrient content. Larvae reared on may turnip leaf (ML) and tuber (MT) showed the highest values for most of the macro- and microelements (potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper) tested.

Comparative production and economic indicators of traditional and alternative animal protein production systems: broiler chickens, mealworm and silkworm

Relevance. A significant number of new projects have been implemented in the last decade in the segment of alternative protein sources used as feed or food ingredients. New ventures receive significant investments from the largest global companies and foundations, that believe insect protein has the highest potential of all other sources of protein. In addition to the main reasons for the usage of alternative proteins, which are demographics and climate changes, other reasons include higher nutritional value and sustainability, smaller ecological footprint, more profitable industrial production in comparison to animal husbandry and aquaculture. The purpose of this study is to compare the performance and economic indicators of the most efficient traditional production system for obtaining animal protein, which is poultry farming (in particular, the production of poultry meat breeds of broilers, Gallus gallus) with yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), that is cultivated in the EU mainly to obtain a high-protein ingredient used as an alternative to fishmeal in animal feed and aquaculture, and silkworm (Bombyx mori) which is widely cultivated in Southeast Asia, India, Brazil, but hardly considered in the Russian Federation, US, and EU as an alternative source of animal protein.Methods. Collection and analysis of public data: information presented in research papers, recommendations from scientific organizations, available commercial information and news publications that help identify data for comparative analysis of production systems. The research methodology is based on a theoretical approach using methods of analysis, induction, deduction, comparison, generalization, and synthesis.Results. Bombyx mori can be viewed as a preferred alternative to traditional protein sources based on a combination of performance and economic indicators such as productive efficiency, production yield per 1 m2 the of feeding area, number of production cycles per year. According to these indicators, it is comparable or superior to Broiler chicken.

118. Use of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) as a protein source on growth performance, and carcass traits in growing lambs

118. Use of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) as a protein source on growth performance, and carcass traits in growing lambs

Exploration and Identification of the Entomopathogenic Fungus Metarhizium anisopliae in Corn Plants in Sebandung Village, Sukorejo, Pasuruan

Metarhizium anisopliae is a biological control agent (BCA) that have been developed to control plant pest in this disruption era. These fungi penetrate the insect body through its skin between the head and the thoraxs also in between the joint. The purpose of this research is to identify the characteristic of the fungi M. Anisopliae from the exploration in sebandung village, sub-district Sukorejo, district Pasuruan. Data analysis is done by using descriptive data. Step of the research involves (1) sample gathering from the soil in the cornfield that has been predicted to have BCA biodiversity, after that determined 5 sampling points diagonally, each sample contains 100 gr of soil from the depth of 10 -20 cm, (2) fungi baiting by using a mealworm (Tenebrio Molitor) as a bait, (3) M. Anisopliae isolate using PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar), (4) identification is conducted by macroscopic and microscopic. The identification result shows that the isolate has a white mycelium that forms into a mossy green spore, fine texture, easily spread, and insulated mycelium, straight conidiophore, hyalin, and branching, single-cell conidia, hyalin, round cylinder type, also white to the mossy green colony. Parasitism test results show that T.molitor larvae develop a hard body, have a murky color, covered in white hyphea till it transforms into moosy green spore with a fine texture and easily spread, the spore is the final form of the fungi propagule existence in the host as a survival phase in extreme condition.

Impacts of Physical-Chemical Property of Polyethylene (Pe) on Depolymerization and Biodegradation in Insects Yellow Mealworms (Tenebrio Molitor) and Dark Mealworms (Tenebrio Obscurus) with High Purity Microplastics

Impacts of Physical-Chemical Property of Polyethylene (Pe) on Depolymerization and Biodegradation in Insects Yellow Mealworms (Tenebrio Molitor) and Dark Mealworms (Tenebrio Obscurus) with High Purity Microplastics

Distribution and diversity of entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) in a South African nature reserve

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are microscopic roundworms that are found in soil worldwide. They deliver an important ecosystem service through preventing natural flares in insect reproduction by means of utilising the soil stages of insects as a food source and by acting as natural biocontrol agents. A survey of EPNs was conducted in the JS Marais Nature Reserve, Stellenbosch, in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Soil samples were baited with the larvae of three susceptible hosts, codling moth (Cydia pomonella), wax moth (Galleria mellonella) and mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) to determine the presence of EPN. Of the 76 soil samples collected across the reserve, 39 were found to be positive for the presence of EPN (51.32%). Among the positive samples, 87% contained Steinernema isolates, 8% contained Heterorhabditis and 5% contained the Oscheius sp. Morphological and molecular studies were performed to characterise the isolates to species level. The Steinernema species were identified as Steinernema khoisanae in 34 samples, and as Steinernema nguyeni in five samples. The only species of Heterorhabditis found was H. safricana, which was identified from three samples. An unknown Oscheius sp. was found in two samples. The reserve’s population of S. khoisanae showed interesting inter-individual variation (93%) early in the internal transcribe spacer (ITS) region, leading to short single-usable sequences, which, in most cases, included only the ITS1 or ITS2 region. However, using the D2D3 confirmed their identity as S. khoisanae, with such occurring in all areas and soil types of the reserve.Conservation implications: The undisturbed alluvial fynbos and renosterveld of the JS Marais Nature Reserve showed high EPN abundance and diversity in stark contrast to the agro-ecosystems present in the Cape floristic region. This finding, on a micro level, should be conserved for future bioprospecting in the fynbos for EPNs with potential as biocontrol agents.

231 Applications of Insect-derived Ingredients in Animal Diets

Abstract Insects have applications in many animal feeding programs for several reasons. First, increased emphasis on sustainable ingredients supports the use of insect-derived ingredients since insects have the capacity to sustainably re-purpose waste streams from food and feed production into nutrient dense ingredients. Second, many animals would naturally consume insects, thus incorporation into feeding programs may enhance animal welfare. Third, nutrient composition and availability is generally very high for insect-derived ingredients relative to requirements and formulae needs, although this varies with insect species, stage of development, feedstock on which they are raised and processing method. In addition to the essential nutrients that can be provided by feeding insect-derived ingredients, components including chitin and proteins and fatty acids with anti-microbial activity provide additional application in animal feeding programs. These concepts will be discussed relative to current knowledge about the primary insect species being reared at commercial scale: house crickets (Acheta domesticus), yellow mealworms (Tenebrio molitor), and black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens).

Using a Commercial Gut Loading Diet to Create a Positive Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio in Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor)

Mealworms ( Tenebrio molitor ) are one of the most common feeder insects fed to exotic animals due to their high acceptance rate, larval longevity, and ease of care. Unfortunately, in their natural commercial state, they are severely deficient in calcium and can predispose exotic animals to hypocalcemia and related metabolic disorders. Gut loading insects with calcium-rich diets is recommended to improve the insects’ nutrient content and to achieve a calcium to phosphorus (Ca:P) ratio of at least 1:1; however, there are few commercial gut loading diets specifically made for mealworms. In this study, mealworms were gut loaded with a newly developed high calcium mealworm diet for 0, 24, or 48 hours. All mealworms were analyzed for dry matter (DM), moisture, calcium, and phosphorus at each time point. Due to the dry nature of the diet, moisture content decreased over time (mean moisture content= 75%, 70%, and 66% at time 0, 24, and 48 hrs, respectively). Calcium content was significantly increased by 24 hrs (p=0.011) and remained elevated at 48 hrs for both the as fed and DM measurements (median calcium DM: 0.07%, 3.5%, and 3.7% at 0, 24, and 48 hrs, respectively). Ca:P ratios were also significantly increased for both the 24 hr (p=0.028) and 48 hr (p= 0.028) periods (median Ca:P DM:1:20, 3.2:1, and 3.6:1 at 0, 24, and 48 hrs, respectively). This data supports the diet’s claim to provide a positive Ca:P ratio in mealworms fed the diet for 48 hours.

Method for Zero-Waste Circular Economy Using Worms for Plastic Agriculture: Augmenting Polystyrene Consumption and Plant Growth.

Polystyrene (PS) is one of the major plastics contributing to environmental pollution with its durability and resistance to natural biodegradation. Recent research showed that mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) and superworms (Zophobas morio) are naturally able to consume PS as a carbon food source and degrade them without observable toxic effects. In this study, we explored the effects of possible food additives and use of worm frass as potential plant fertilizers. We found that small amounts of sucrose and bran increased PS consumption and that the worm frass alone could support dragon fruit cacti (Hylocereus undatus) growth, with superworm frass in particular, supporting better growth and rooting than mealworm frass and control media over a fortnight. As known fish and poultry feed, these findings present worms as a natural solution to simultaneously tackle both the global plastic problem and urban farming issue in a zero-waste sustainable bioremediation cycle.

Effect of Dried Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor), Larvae and Olive Leaves (Olea europaea L.) on Growth Performance, Carcass Yield and Some Blood Parameters of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

Simple SummarySoybean is the most important protein source in poultry feed. Due to its high importation cost and its production arising generally from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), insects are currently considered to be a low-cost and eco-friendly alternative. In the present work, the inclusion of Tenebrio molitor (TM) insect meal and/or olive leaves (OL) in the basal quail diet has been tested on growth performance, carcass yield and some blood parameters. The results showed that 3% inclusion TM and 2% inclusion OL improved quail body weight at 5 weeks old, reduced FCR and did not negatively influence carcass yield and blood parameters of Japanese quail. In conclusion, the present work can contribute to a strategy aimed at reducing the use of conventional poultry feed ingredients, which might reduce the feeding costs of quails in Algeria.The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Tenebrio molitor meal (TM) and/or olive leaf powder (OL) supplementation to quail diet on animal performance, carcass yield and some blood parameters. One hundred and forty-four 1-day-old Japanese quails (body weight: 29.9 ± 0.46 g) were divided into four groups of 36 chicks, receiving four different diets, i.e., G1: Standard commercial (SCD); G2: SCD + 3% TM; G3: SCD + 3% OL; and G4: SCD + 3% TM + 2% OL. Feed and water were provided ad-libitum. The results showed that TM and OL inclusion promoted quail body weight at 5 weeks of age; p = 0.001. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of G3 was significantly (p < 0.01) reduced compared to the other groups. Overall mortality was not different, at around 6.25%, between groups. Carcass [(71.5–74.3%)], gizzard [(2.5–2.7%)], heart [(1.1–1.2%)] and giblet [(6.8–6.9%)] yields were not influenced by the diet. No significant effect of the diet was observed for serum proteins, creatinine, urea and lipids. To conclude, the mixture of an incorporation of TM and OL in quail diet showed no adverse effects on growth performance, carcass constituent yields and serum constituents.

Prospects of using silkworm biomass in sheep feeding

Due to the increase of consumption of food products by the population, especially of animal origin, the need of the livestock industry including sheep breeding for high-quality feed from an ecological point of view also increases. Recently, insects have received a lot of attention as a source of feed protein in the diet of farm animals. This is evidenced by numerous studies on the nutritional value and use of larvae of Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), Green-bottle fly (Lucilia Caesar), House fly (Musca domestica), meal worm (Tenebrio molitor), silkworms (Bombyx mori), and crickets (Gryllusbi maculatus) as food for farm animals. It is well known from foreign literature sources about the use of additive from silkworm pupae in the ration of sheep, as well as meal from crickets as the source of protein in the diet of lambs. The silkworm is a monophage eats in only at the caterpillar stage absorbing and accumulating the necessary nutrients and water from the mulberry leaves. The analysis of the works of foreign authors shows that the protein content in the silkworm caterpillars depending on the breed ranges from 63,02 to 67,99 %. However, the analysis of the content of the main nutrients in the section of silkworm breeds as well as the age of the caterpillars was not carried out in the works of domestic scientists. This research presents data on the nutrient content and metabolic energy in silkworm caterpillars by age depending on the breed for further development of the feed additive from silkworm biomass and its use in sheep breeding. In the course of the conducted research, the following results have been obtained. So, at the end of the 4th age on average the caterpillars have a body length of 4,5–5,0 cm, the weight of one caterpillar is 0,6–0,7 g. The largest size and weight are the caterpillars on 10 days of the 5th age; their body length on average for the studied breeds was 8,0–8,5 cm, the weight of one caterpillar was 4,5–5,5 g. The optimal stage of development of silkworm caterpillars for the production of feed additive is 10 days in the 5th age. During this period the caterpillars of the studied breeds Kavkaz-1, Kavkaz-2, Belokokonnaya-1, Belokokonnaya-2 contain protein from 62,71 to 66,55 %, fat from 14,81 to 16,95 %, fi ber from 2,36 to 2,81 %, ash 4,39–3,96 % and nitrogen-free extractive substances 9,31–15,81 % in absolutely dry matter. The highest content of nutrients and metabolic energy is allocated to the breeds Belokokonnaya-2 (protein – 66,55 %, fat – 16,95 %, metabolic energy – 20,86 MJ/kg) and Kavkaz-2 (protein – 64,10 %, fat – 15,59 %, metabolic energy – 20,24 MJ/kg).

Exploitation of Tenebrio molitor larvae as biological factories for human probiotics, an exploratory study

Abstract The exploitation of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae for the bioaugmentation of probiotic Bacillus clausii strains was evaluated during a 7-day rearing period. qPCR was applied to evaluate the persistence and growth of B. clausii in the rearing substrate and larvae (washed and non-washed). Moreover, the effect of freeze-drying of larvae on B. clausii viability was evaluated. The results demonstrated the suitability of yellow mealworm as biological factories for the multiplication of B. clausii through a simple and inexpensive procedure, in view of the further application of larvae as foods and food ingredients. In more detail, an increase in the load of B. clausii was observed during the 7-day rearing of larvae fed wheat middlings spiked with 1 Log cells g−1. Further research is needed to evaluate the most suitable technologies and processing parameters for obtaining yellow mealworm-based ingredients with a stable and active population of probiotic B. clausii.

Composição nutricional de larvas de Tenebrio molitor e de grilos (Gryllus assimilis) com potencial de uso na alimentação animal

Composição nutricional de larvas de Tenebrio molitor e de grilos (Gryllus assimilis) com potencial de uso na alimentação animal

The effect of yellow mealworm larvae meal supplementation in broiler diets on meat quality

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Tenebrio molitor larvae meal supplementation in chicken diets on the chemical composition and sensory quality of meat. The experiment was conducted on 120 Ross 308 male broilers from day 12 to day 38 of their age. Broilers were divided into three equal groups with 5 replicates per treatment. The two experimental groups received feed mixtures containing 2% (TM2; n = 40) and 5% (TM5; n = 40), respectively of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) meal. The third group (TM0; n = 40) was control, receiving 0% of mealworms in diet. The addition of mealworm meal to diets in this trial do not worsen the chemical composition or sensory characteristics of the thigh meat of broilers. The control chickens had a higher live weight (P &lt; 0.05) compared to the experimental groups at the end of the trial. The lowest live weight and feed intake was determined in group TM2 (P &lt; 0.05). The highest feed intake (P &lt; 0.05) was found in the control group. The breast meat from the control group was rated better (P &lt; 0.05) in flavour compared to the groups receiving 2% and 5% of yellow mealworms. The primary requirement for the use of any ingredient in feed is that it does not adversely affect food safety and quality. In our study, the inclusion of 2% and 5% mealworm meal in the broiler’s diet had no influence on meat quality.

Distribution of T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin during experimental feeding of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor)

Within the European Union (EU), edible insects need to be approved as “Novel Food” according to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 and must comply with the requirements of European food law with regard to microbiological and chemical food safety. Substrates used for feeding insects are susceptible to the growth of Fusarium spp. and consequently to contamination with trichothecene mycotoxins. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the influence of T-2 and HT-2 toxins on the larval life cycle of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor (L.)) and to study the transfer of T-2, HT-2, T-2 triol and T-2 tetraol in the larvae. In a 4-week feeding study, T. molitor larvae were kept either on naturally (oat flakes moulded with Fusarium sporotrichioides) or artificially contaminated oat flakes, each at two levels (approximately 100 and 250 μg/kg total T-2 and HT-2). Weight gain and survival rates were monitored, and mycotoxins in the feeding substrates, larvae and residues were determined using LC-MS/MS. Larval development varied between the diets and was 44% higher for larvae fed artificially contaminated diets. However, the artificially contaminated diets had a 16% lower survival rate. No trichothecenes were detected in the surviving larvae after harvest, but T-2 and HT-2 were found both in the dead larvae and in the residues of naturally and artificially contaminated diets.

Patents on Insect-based Feeds for Animals Including Companion Animals, and Terrestrial and Aquatic Livestock in Korea.

The demand for alternative protein sources by the livestock industry has increased substantially. Therefore, insects are being promoted as a novel nutrient source in animal feed. As detailed in this review, eleven patents related to feeding insects to terrestrial animals including livestock and companion animals have been commercially applied. Six and eight of the patents have been used to produce poultry and fish, and crustacean feed, respectively. The most promising species for industrial feed production was the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), the mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), and the two-spotted cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus). Regarding research areas of the patents reviewed here, studies on the composition and optimal mixing ratio of feeds and on insect rearing, harvesting, and post-harvest technologies were mainly performed for the industrial mass production of safe and functional animal feeds containing insects. Continuous scientific innovations and improved processing technologies will aid further advancements in this field. Therefore, this review offers insights to identify directions of future research and provides information on different insect-based feedstuffs for animals including terrestrial livestock, fish and shellfish, and companion animals, as also discussed in various patents.

Molecular diversity and function of jasmintides from Jasminum sambac

BackgroundJasmintides jS1 and jS2 from Jasminum sambac were previously identified as a novel family of cysteine-rich peptides (CRPs) with an unusual disulfide connectivity. However, very little else is known about jasmintides, particularly their molecular diversity and functions. Here, we report the discovery and characterization of a novel suite of jasmintides from J. sambac using transcriptomic, peptidomic, structural and functional tools.ResultsTranscriptomic analysis of leaves, flowers and roots revealed 14 unique jasmintide precursors, all of which possess a three-domain architecture comprising a signal peptide, a pro-domain and a mature jasmintide domain. Peptidomic analysis, using fractionated mixtures of jasmintides and chemical derivatization of cysteine to pseudolysine, trypsin digestion and MS/MS sequencing, revealed an additional 86 jasmintides, some of which were post-translationally modified. NMR analysis showed that jasmintide jS3 has three anti-parallel β-strands with a three-disulfide connectivity of CysI−CysV, CysII−CysIV and CysIII−CysVI, which is similar to jasmintide jS1. Jasmintide jS3 was able to withstand thermal, acidic and enzymatic degradation and, importantly, exhibited antifeedant activity against mealworm Tenebrio molitor.ConclusionTogether, this study expands the existing library of jasmintides and furthers our understanding of the molecular diversity and cystine framework of CRPs as scaffolds and tools for engineering peptides targeting pests.

Quality Characteristics of Functional Dasik Prepared with Mixture of Freeze-dried Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) Powder and Dried Pollack Powder

Quality Characteristics of Functional Dasik Prepared with Mixture of Freeze-dried Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) Powder and Dried Pollack Powder

Effect of cadmium bioavailability in food on its compartmentalisation in carabids

Metals assimilated by organisms are sequestered in various compartments and some forms are more stable than others. Sequestration mechanisms used by invertebrates to detoxify metals and prevent interaction with important biomolecules include metal binding to proteins and other ligands, and storage in inorganic granules. The rate and extent at which metal concentrations in different compartments respond to metal concentrations in food and food characteristics has not received much attention, despite being of great relevance. We performed an experiment on the carabid beetle Pterostichus oblongopunctatus exposed to Cd via food made of ground mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae, either reared on Cd contaminated medium or artificially spiked after grinding with CdCl2 solution. Thus, in both cases we used the same type of food, differing only in the soluble Cd pool available to the predators, represented by P. oblongopunctatus. Subcellular compartmentalisation of Cd into organelles, heat-sensitive and heat-stable proteins (the first supernatant, S1 fraction), cellular debris (the second supernatant, S2 fraction) and metal-rich granules (G fraction) was checked a few times during the contamination (90 d) and decontamination (24 d) phases in a toxicokinetic experiment by using different centrifugation steps. The results showed no effect of the type of food (naturally, Cd-N, vs. artificially contaminated with Cd, Cd-A) on Cd sequestration kinetics in P. oblongopunctatus, but the amount of Cd sequestered in the S1 and G fractions were in general higher in the Cd-A than the Cd-N treatment, indicating that Cd transfer in the food web depends on the speciation of the metal in the food. The proportional distribution of Cd over different fractions was, however, similar in beetles fed both food types. Most of the accumulated Cd in the beetles existed as fraction S1 (ca. 35%), which is important for the transfer of metals to higher trophic levels in a food web.

Electronic nose in edible insects area

Edible insect is appraised by many cultures as delicious and nutritionally beneficial food. In western countries this commodity is not fully appreciated, and the worries about edible insect food safety prevail. Electronic noses can become a simple and cheap way of securing the health safety of food, and they can also become a tool for evaluating the quality of certain commodities. This research is a pilot project of using an electronic nose in edible insect culinary treatment, and this manuscript describes the phases of edible insect culinary treatment and methods of distinguishing mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) and giant mealworm (Zophobas morio) using simple electronic nose. These species were measured in the live stage, after killing with boiling water, after drying and after inserting into the chocolate.The sensing device was based on the Arduino Mega platform with the ability to store the recorded data on the SD memory card, and with the possibility to communicate via internet. Data analysis shows that even a simple, cheap and portable electronic nose can distinguish between the different steps of culinary treatment (native samples, dried samples, samples enriched with chocolate for cooking) and selected species. Another benefit of the electronic nose could be its future introduction into the control mechanisms of food security systems (e.g. HACCP).