Effect of feeding Alphitobius diaperinus meal on fattening performance and meat quality of growing-finishing pigs

• Published in: Journal of Applied Animal Research 2023-12, Vol.51 (1), p.204-211
• Main Authors: Müller Richli, Martina, Weinlaender, Fabian, Wallner, Marlies, Pöllinger-Zierler, Barbara, Kern, Julian, Scheeder, Martin R. L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adipose tissue; Alphitobius diaperinus; Carcasses; Feeds; Hogs; Insects as feed; Meat; Meat quality; Polyunsaturated fatty acids; pork quality; protein source; Soybeans; Weight
• ISSN: 0971-2119; 0974-1844
• DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2023.2176311

A total of 48 piglets with an average weight of 26 kg were allocated to 4 experimental groups of 12 animals, balanced according to litter, sex and weight, and fattened on feed containing 0, 3, 6, or 9% of Alphitobius diaperinus meal (ADM) replacing soybean meal (SOY) as protein source. The control feed contained 10.7% SOY while in the 9% ADM feed SOY was completely replaced. Feed was accessible ad libitum in transponder-controlled feeders. Feed consumption and fattening performance records started when the animals reached 35 kg. The 3-way crossbred animals (Landrace x Large White sows mated to Duroc, Pietrain, or Large White sire line bores) were slaughtered at a target carcass weight of 86 kg. No linear effect of ADM on daily gain and feed consumption was found. No effect on lean meat content nor on any of the meat quality traits was observed. The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the backfat increased with increasing amount of ADM in the feed. It is concluded that ADM may replace SOY in pig feed without exerting detrimental effects on growth performance, carcass composition and meat quality except for a higher PUFA-content in the adipose tissue.