Use of Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) to Recycle Organic Wastes and as Feed for Broiler Chickens

• Published in: Journal of economic entomology 2002-02, Vol.95 (1), p.214-220
• Main Authors: Ramos-Elorduy, Julieta, González, Ernesto Avila, Hernández, Alma Rocha, Pino, José Manuel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: alternative protein sources; Animal Feed; Animal productions; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; broiler feed; Chickens - growth & development; Conservation of Natural Resources; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Refuse Disposal; Tenebrio - growth & development; Tenebrio molitor; Terrestrial animal productions; Vertebrates; VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
• ISSN: 0022-0493; 1938-291X; 0022-0493
• DOI: 10.1603/0022-0493-95.1.214

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.