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Effects of dietary Tenebrio molitor meal inclusion in free-range chickens
... (2013 and Bovera et al. (2015) who reported effects of Tenebrio molitor meal supplementation on feed consumption and performance of chicken. However, in contrast to result of the present study Ramos et al. (2002) and Biasato et al. (2016) reported that addi-tion of Tenebrio molitor meal in diet did not affect feed intake of chickens. Zadeh et al. (2019) also reported negative effect of Tenebrio molitor supplementation on feed intake of Japanese quails. ...
... Body weight gain was improved with increasing mealworm scales in diet. 2002) and Biasato et al. (2016). They reported that inclusion of Tene-brio molitor meal in the range of 50 to 100 g/kg of ration did not affect weight gain of chickens, respectively. ...
... They reported that inclusion of Tene-brio molitor meal in the range of 50 to 100 g/kg of ration did not affect weight gain of chickens, respectively. Similarly some other researchers (Marareni and Mnisi, 2020;Maurer et al., 2016;Biasato et al., 2016;Cullere et al., 2018;Elahi et al., 2020) also reported negative effect of dietary addition of various insects meal on weight gain of broilers. However, the differences in results might be due to varying nutritional composition of these meals varies by species, rearing condition and life stage which could account for the vast range of observed outcomes (Zadeh et al., 2019). ...
Increased demand for animal protein and high cost as well as shortage of conventional feed ingredients has driven the dire need to search for alternative protein and energy sources to be incorporated in poultry feed. Insects may be one of the alternative feed source which can be used as a good quality, low-cost and sustainable ingredients of poultry feed. Therefore, the present experiment was designed to explore the effect of dietary inclusion of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) scales in diet on production performance, carcass quality and histomorphology of Coturnix japonica (Japanese quails). For this, 120 Japanese quail chicks (day-old) were taken and randomly divided into 4 groups (G1, G2, G3 and G4) with three replicates and ten birds were assigned to each replicate. Group 1 was control (C) without adding mealworm scales in feed (basal diet). Group 2, 3 and 4 were fed ration with 1, 2 and 3 g/kg mealworm scales respectively incorporated in the basal feed. Feed intake, FCR (feed conversion ratio) and body weight gain were recorded on weekly basis. The use of mealworm scales at level of 3g/kg in feed significantly (P<0.05) decreased feed intake, increased weight gain and improved feed conversion rate (FCR) as compared to other groups. A significant (P<0.05) increase in crypt depth and villus height of birds was recorded fed diet supplemented with mealworm scales (3g/kg). The breast percent and carcass weight recorded in birds fed 3g/kg mealworm scales in diet was significantly (P<0.05) higher than other groups. In conclusion, data of the current experiment indicated that mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) scales at the level of 3g/kg in quail’s diet has important effects on performance, carcass traits and histomorphology of ileum.
... Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) [110] MW has the capacity to convert ↓ nutritive waste products into a ↑ protein diet. [111] If MWM levels ↑ in diet, the color of lean meat turns to yellow. ...
... MWM addition to broiler diets may be caused by a number of conditions, including the species and age of broilers, MWM doses, and source and replaced meal type. [110] MWM in addition to broiler diets at 5-15% ↑ BWG and FI, while ↓ FE and intestinal anatomy have no influence on carcass hematochemical parameters. [113] The substitution of 29.65% MWM for soybean meal ↑ FE, intestinal digestibility, and spleen weight. ...
... The current EU regulation (Regulation No. 1069/2009), defines insect meals as "processed animal protein", which is an obstacle to the incorporation of insects in animal feed. Due to regulatory concerns, the chances for employing and feeding insects in EU nations remain confined [110]. Insects are now prohibited from being used as feed for hens and pigs, and they may not be given foodstuffs comprising fish, meat, or food scraps from hotels or catering businesses, such as substrates play a crucial role in insect growth [48,83]. ...
In recent years, interest has grown among poultry nutritionists in using alternative protein sources, such as insect meal, to meet the protein requirements of poultry due to sustainability concerns surrounding traditional protein sources such as soybean and fish meal. Insect meal can be produced from different insects, including black soldier fly, mealworms, and house crickets, and its nutrient composition varies depending on the insect species, the substrate they are reared on, and the production method. This review article provides an updated overview of insect meal as a new form of protein concentrate in poultry diets, including its nutritional value, advantages, challenges, and future prospects. Insect meal has been shown to be a rich source of protein, amino acids (lysine, methionine), and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, zinc), with a high digestibility rate, making it a valuable feed ingredient for poultry production. Additionally, using insect meal in poultry feed could reduce the cost of production and the environmental impact on the industry. Furthermore, the use of insect meal has the potential to improve the growth performance and meat quality of poultry species. However, several challenges related to large-scale insect production, legal regulatory frameworks, and consumer acceptance need to be addressed. Future research and development could help overcome these challenges and increase the adoption of insects as a potential source of protein in poultry feed. This review provides an updated and comprehensive overview of insects as a potential source of protein for poultry nutrition and highlights the possible perspectives of insect meal to contribute to a more sustainable and efficient poultry production system. While challenges remain, the utilization of insect meal in poultry feed has the capability to enhance the sustainability and efficiency in the poultry industry. Hence, insect meal emerges as a highly encouraging protein alternative, offering sustainable prospects for its utilization within the poultry sector. However, advancements in insect production technology and efficiency have the potential to raise the production scale while lowering prices, making insect meals more affordable compared to conventional protein sources. Based on the comprehensive analysis, it is recommended to further explore the practical implementation of insect meal as a reliable and efficient means of supplying protein in poultry nutrition.
... Insect production requires less energy, less land utilization, and consequently, exerts a lower environmental impact [1][2][3][4]. Several studies highlighted the opportunity to use insects, containing a large amount of high-quality protein, as a standard ingredient in animal feeds [5][6][7][8][9][10]. Furthermore, insect meal as a protein source represents a unique opportunity for animal nutrition due to its low competitiveness with human nutrition [11]. ...
... Moreover, wild birds naturally consume insects as freerange poultry. Therefore, insect meal currently appears as a promising protein source in poultry nutrition [3,4,6,11,12]. In the European Union, insect-derived proteins are currently authorized for feeding fish, pets, poultry, and pigs, but not for ruminants [1]. ...
... In addition, the modulation of proteins involved in the transport of the amino acids was not influenced by dietary treatment. This is in agreement with Biasato et al. [4,6,15], Dabbou et al. [10], and Gariglio et al. [9], who did not find any significant morphological gut alterations in broiler chickens or ducks fed diets including TM or Hermetia illucens, respectively. ...
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of high levels of Tenebrio molitor dietary inclusion (15%) on molecular mechanisms that influence poultry health in a broiler chicken diet. The global gene expression of four tissues (breast, liver, jejunum, and caecum) was evaluated using the RNA-Seq approach. The analysis of differentially expressed genes suggested that the use of Tenebrio molitor leads to the overexpression of genes related to protein elongation required for tissue growth and development in the gut and liver. It would also appear to contain nutrients that reduce the expression of genes related to the immune system and inflammation of the mucosa. The dietary inclusion of Tenebrio molitor in poultry could also lead to a possible inactivation of the growth factor and a reduction of tissue free-radicals. No genes alterations have been detected in liver RNA expression that would discourage the use of larvae in feeding broilers.
... According to their results, containing 4% TM meal in the diet had the potential to increase the body weight of broilers, especially during the starter period of the experiment. In contrast, Biasato et al. (2016) and Bovera et al. (2015) reported that TM meal did not change the BWG of broilers, compared to the control diet. Biasato et al. (2016), who observed that the inclusion of 7.5% TM meal in the diet of broilers did not have a significant effect on the intestinal morphometric indices. ...
... In contrast, Biasato et al. (2016) and Bovera et al. (2015) reported that TM meal did not change the BWG of broilers, compared to the control diet. Biasato et al. (2016), who observed that the inclusion of 7.5% TM meal in the diet of broilers did not have a significant effect on the intestinal morphometric indices. ...
... According to Biasato et al. (2018), the use of high levels of TM meal (15%) in poultry diets altered their intestinal morphology, so they suggested that low levels of TM meal were better and should be preferred. In the present study, low levels of TM meal were used, and no negative effects were observed on morphometric indices, which is in accordance with the results of Biasato et al. (2016). ...
Background
Climate change and the lack of conventional feed ingredients have made edible insects a highly nutritious alternative to feed production. The use of insects as food may help solve socio‐economic and environmental problems around the world and be in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Objective
In this study, the growth performance and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens were evaluated under the influence of adding different levels of Tenebrio molitor larvae meal (TM meal) to their diets.
Methods
One hundred and eighty one‐day‐old broiler chickens were divided into three treatments and five replications (12 chickens/pen). The experimental diets included a control diet and treatments containing 2.5% and 5% TM meal, which were fed to birds in the starter (0–10 days) and grower (11–25 days) stages, and during the final period (26–42 days), all birds were fed a regular finisher diet.
Results
The results showed that the diet containing TM meal had no remarkable effect on the mortality rate and feed intake of broilers (p > 0.05). In the starter period, the addition of 2.5% TM meal to broilers’ diet increased body weight gain than the control group (p ≤ 0.05). Also, the use of 2.5% TM meal in the starter period showed a significant effect on reducing the feed conversion ratio, compared to the birds fed by the control diet (p ≤ 0.05). Besides, the height of the villus, the depth of the crypt and their ratio were not altered among the different treatments (p > 0.05).
Conclusions
Overall, it can be concluded that TM meal could improve growth performance in the starter period and had no negative effects on broilers' performance and intestinal morphology in all the periods of the experiment.
... Insects are claimed to be an alternative and sustainable nutritional source for farm animals, including poultry [8,11,12]. It is a high-protein feed [13], which also has a considerable amount of unsaturated fats (specifically linoleic and linolenic acids), and large amounts vitamins, fiber and minerals [14,15]. Furthermore, it is worth noting that insects-based diets have gained commercial interest in poultry farming since the recent EU regulation allowing the use of insect meal in monogastric diets [16]. ...
... The overall FCR of the trial showed no differences between groups. This is in agreement with the results described by Biasato et al. [13], in which the inclusion of T. molitor meal in the period from 43 to 97 days did not affect the FCR. During the first 4 weeks, the ...
... During the feeding period of the second and third diets (F2 and F3), no differences were found in growth parameters except for BWG in F2. These results coincide with those exposed by Biasato et al. [13], who pointed out that the inclusion of insect meal did not negatively affect chicken performance, supporting the feasibility of its inclusion [30]. Between 30 and 62 days, Bovera et al. [17] found no differences in FI in chickens when meal from this same insect species was used to replace soybean meal in isoproteic and isoenergetic diets, which is in line with our results regarding FI. ...
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.
... Positive results in production performance are being observed when there is an inclusion of insects instead of the use of traditional ingredients in animals' diets (Ramos-Elorduy et al. 2002;Khusro et al. 2012;Katya et al. 2017;Choi et al. 2018;Vargas-Abúndez et al. 2019). Furthermore, in poultry production, which has soybean as one of the main ingredients for feed formulas, studies point to the possibility of partial replacement of soybean with insects in the production of eggs and meat without affecting performance (Agunbiade et al. 2007;Bovera et al. 2015;Al-Qazzaz et al. 2016;Biasato et al. 2016Biasato et al. , 2017Biasato et al. , 2018. ...
... There must be a concern about animal welfare and health since alternative food composition can alter body metabolism and trigger pathological processes. There have been few studies that evaluated health parameters of animals fed diets containing insect meals (Bovera et al. 2015;Biasato et al. 2016Biasato et al. , 2017Biasato et al. , 2018, and to our knowledge, there are no studies that have evaluated the inclusion of the Madagascar cockroach as an alternative ingredient for poultry and its possible effects on their health. If we prove this substitution does not affect hematological and histopathological traits, we could infer health is not harmed and suggest the Madagascar cockroach as a food ingredient with more security. ...
... In addition, Kierónczyk et al. (2018) stated that insect oil could be an alternative to soybean oil since it has a positive effect on liver cell gene expression related to the regulation of hematopoietic integrity and lymphocyte homeostasis. Biasato et al. (2016Biasato et al. ( , 2017Biasato et al. ( , 2018, as in the present study, did not observe differences in hematological and serum parameters of female and male broilers when fed diets containing from 0 to 15% of Tenebrio molitor. All blood parameters studied were within normal physiological ranges suggesting that utilization of diets based on insects does not affect health status. ...
Aiming at the sustainability of meat production, insects can replace traditional ingredients in the diet of poultry. Studies evaluating performance in birds have emerged to ensure this ability, but few address the health parameters of animals. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of Madagascar cockroach meal in traditional diets on hematological and histopathological traits of meat-type quails. The inclusion of Madagascar cockroach meal in the diet was evaluated in four levels: 0%, 6%, 12%, and 18%. Observations for hematological and histopathological traits from 6 repetitions on each group were recorded for both sexes at 35 days of age. Hematological parameters were not influenced by Madagascar cockroach inclusion on diet and quail’s sex. Red and white blood cells count were within the normal range for poultry. No significant findings were observed during the histopathological evaluation of the pancreas, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Liver fatty degeneration was visualized in all treatments in the same intensity. Quail’s diets containing up to 18% insect meal during the growth period did not affect the studied health parameters, so the Madagascar cockroach meal could be considered as an alternative to a protein ingredient for poultry production.
... According to their results, containing 4% of TM meal in the diet had the potential to increase the body weight of broilers, especially during the starter period of the experiment. In contrast, Biasato et al. (2016), and Bovera et al. (2015) reported that TM meal did not change the BWG of broilers compared to the control diet. ...
... Ramos-Elorduy et al. (2002) reported that adding 5 to 10% of TM meal as an alternative to soybean meal and vegetable oils had no remarkable impact on the FCR of fast-growing broilers. In the experiment of Biasato et al. (2016), the replacement of corn gluten meal with TM meal (7.5%) had no signi cant effect on broilers FCR. In addition, Benzertis et al. (2019) reported that adding low levels of TM meal (0.2% and 0.3%) to broiler diets did not affect their FCR. ...
... According to our result, villus height, crypt depth, and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth of the jejunum and ileum were not affected by the experimental diets (P > 0.05), thus showing no negative effects on nutrient metabolism, yield and animal health as a result of the replacement of TM meal in the diet of broilers. Similar results are reported in a study by Biasato et al. (2016), who found that the inclusion of 7.5% TM meal in the diet of broilers did not have a signi cant effect on the intestinal morphometric indices. Studies showed that gastrointestinal characteristics affect the e ciency of protein utilization (Swatson et al. 2002), which is considered as a regulator of growth and production performance (Laudadio et al. 2012). ...
Climate change and the lack of conventional feed ingredients have made edible insects a highly nutritious alternative to feed production. The use of insects as food may help solve socio-economic and environmental problems around the world and be in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In this study, the growth performance and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens were evaluated under the influence of adding different levels of Tenebrio molitor larvae meal (TM meal) to their diets. One hundred eighty day-old broiler chickens were divided into 3 treatments and 5 replications (12 chickens/pen). The experimental diets included a control diet and treatments containing 2.5 and 5% TM meal, which were fed to birds in the starter (0-10 days) and grower (11-25 days) stages, and during the final period (26-42 days), all birds were fed a regular finisher diet. The results showed that the diet containing TM meal had no remarkable effect on the mortality rate and feed intake (FI) of broilers ( P > 0.05). In the period of starter, the addition of 2.5% TM meal to broilers diet increased body weight gain (BWG) than the control group ( P £ 0.05). Also, the use of 2.5% TM meal in the starter period showed a significant effect on reducing the feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the birds fed by the control diet ( P £ 0.05). Besides, the height of the villus, the depth of the crypt, and the ratio of them were not altered among the different treatments ( P > 0.05). Overall, it can be concluded that TM meal could improve growth performance in the starter period, and had no negative effects on broilers' performance and intestinal morphology in all the periods of the experiment.
... The authors reported deterioration in the growth performance of chickens receiving a salinomycin additive to the diet. Similarly, Biasato et al. (2016) used Tenebrio molitor meal in chicken feed at 75 g/kg and observed no effect on growth performance. Also Bovera et al. (2015), using T. molitor larvae meal as complete replacement of soybean meal in broiler diets, showed a decrease in crude protein, dry matter and organic matter ileal digestibility without effects on growth performance in comparison to the control group. ...
... Bovera et al. (2016) and Biasato et al. (2017) found no effect of T. molitor meal in chicken diets on plasma levels of TP and ALB. The increase in ALB observed in the present study can be attributed to the properties of chitin present in insect meals (Biasato et al., 2016). This polysaccharide has also been shown to stimulate the immune system of poultry (Esteban et al., 2001;Lee et al., 2008). ...
... Marono et al. (2017) found that replacing soybean meal with H. illucens meal in laying hens had no effect on liver enzyme activity. Biasato et al. (2016) have also reported that Tenebrio molitor in chicken diets had no effect on plasma AST and ALT activity. The decrease in AST activity noted in this study should be considered a beneficial effect of the use of T. molitor meal in the turkey diet on liver metabolism. ...
Full-fat insect meals were used in young turkeys feeding as feed additives to exert beneficial changes in the intestinal bacterial ecosystem functioning as well as in the immune and antioxidant systems. Two full-fat insect flours obtained from Tenebrio molitor (TM) and Hermetia illucens (HI) insects were added to the base diet (C) in the amount of 3 g/kg and compared to the control and to the effects following common monensin (MON) addition (dietary treatments: C, MON, TM, and HI). Although, the addition of full-fat insect meals to the diet didn't improve performance results such as monensin, it does exerted anti-inflammatory, immunostimulatory and antioxidant changes in turkeys’ blood. The HI and TM dietary treatments caused beneficial reduction in the blood total cholesterol content as well as increase in phosphorus which was not noted in MON treatment. The results indicated that in comparison to the control diet without any additives, the MON, TM and HI additives showed non-selective bacteriostatic properties, without adverse intensification of protein fermentation and pH digesta rise in the caeca of young turkeys. The addition of TM and HI similar as MON reduced the enzymatic activity of caecal microbiota, and decreased caecal concentration of all short-chain fatty acids, except butyric one. The caecal ammonia and dry matter concentration, and pH value of digesta were not affected by dietary treatments.
... In addition, BSF and YMW live larvae did not influence the severity of the histopathological alterations observed in gut, liver, thymus and Bursa of Fabricius, suggesting that they did not have any adverse effects on animal general health. These results are in accordance with previous works using different BSF and YMW inclusion levels in broiler chickens [24,25] and Muscovy ducks [17]. However, greater white pulp hyperplasia was recorded in the spleen of BSF and YMW groups. ...
... In fact, BSF and YMW live larvae had a higher water content (around 70%) and, as a consequence, a lower concentration of nutrients and bioactive compounds compared to BSF and YMW meals which dry matter (DM) amount is over 90% [34]. This hypothesis is supported by the more pronounced effects on mucin composition in chickens fed higher doses of BSF and YMW meals [24,35]. However, the mechanism through which chitin and the other bioactive compounds can modulate MUC-2 transcription levels and mucin secretion is still unclear [36]. ...
Background
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Hermetia illucens (Black soldier fly-BSF) and Tenebrio molitor (Yellow mealworm-YMW) live larvae as a new nutritional model on duck’s gut health, considering gut histomorphometry, mucin composition, cytokines transcription levels, and microbiota. A total of 126, 3-days-old, females Muscovy ducks were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments (6 replicates/treatment, 7 birds/pen): (i) C: basal diet; (ii) BSF: C + BSF live larvae; (iii) YMW: C + YMW live larvae. BSF and YMW live larvae were administered on top of the basal diet, based on the 5% of the expected daily feed intake. The live weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio were evaluated for the whole experimental period. On day 52, 12 ducks/treatment (2 birds/replicate) were slaughtered and samples of duodenum, jejunum, ileum, spleen, liver, thymus and bursa of Fabricius were collected for histomorphometry. Mucin composition was evaluated in the small intestine through histochemical staining while jejunal MUC-2 and cytokines transcription levels were evaluated by rt-qPCR. Cecal microbiota was also analyzed by means of 16 S rRNA gene sequencing.
Results
Birds’ growth performance and histomorphometry were not influenced by diet, with a proximo-distal decreasing gradient from duodenum to ileum (p < 0.001), respecting the physiological gut development. Mucin staining intensity and MUC-2 gene expression did not vary among dietary treatments, even though mucin intensity increased from duodenum to ileum, according to normal gut mucus physiology (p < 0.001). Regarding local immune response, IL-6 was higher in YMW group when compared to the other groups (p = 0.009). Insect live larvae did not affect cecal microbiota diversity, but BSF and YMW groups showed a higher presence of Helicobacter, Elusimicrobium, and Succinatimonas and a lower abundance of Coriobacteriaceae and Phascolarctobacterium compared to C birds (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
The use of BSF and YMW live larvae as new nutritional model did not impair gut development and mucin composition of Muscovy ducks, but slightly improved the intestinal immune status and the microbiota composition by enhancing regulatory cytokine IL-6 and by increasing minor Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) involved in short-chain fatty acids production.
... Tenebrio molitor (TM, Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae are one of the most promising novel protein sources, since they can be easily reared on by-products from primary agricultural sources as substrates 13 . Having already proven their nutritional value as pet foods as well as in aquaculture, for the past 2 years they have been entering the massive world market of poultry, pigs and cattle, due to their crude protein content and their amino acid and fatty acid profile 14 . Consequently, their high nutritional value, low rearing complexity and their importance in circular economy constitute TM larvae an important alternative protein source in a continuously growing feed industry. ...
... Moreover, a good indicator of the maturity and functional capacity of the enterocytes is the Vh/Cd ratio 53 . This study revealed an overall positive effect on the intestinal epithelium, especially in lower inclusion levels, partly in line with previous trials involving TM meal inclusion 14,54 . Significant effects were observed on the Vh, Cd and effectively on the Vh/Cd ratio. ...
Insect-based diets are gaining interest as potential ingredients in improving poultry gut health. This study assessed the dietary treatment with whole dried Tenebrio molitor larvae (TM) on broiler chickens’ gut microbiota and morphology. 120 Ross-308 broilers received treated diets with 5% (TM5) and 10% (TM10) replacement ratio in a 35-day trial. Intestinal histomorphometry was assessed, as well as claudin-3 expression pattern and ileal and caecal digesta for microbial community diversity. Null hypothesis was tested with two-way ANOVA considering the intestinal segment and diet as main factors. The TM5 group presented higher villi in the duodenum and ileum compared to the other two (P < 0.001), while treated groups showed shallower crypts in the duodenum (P < 0.001) and deeper in the jejunum and ileum than the control (P < 0.001). Treatments increased the caecal Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and led to significant changes at the genus level. While Lactobacilli survived in the caecum, a significant reduction was evident in the ileum of both groups, mainly owed to L. aviarius. Staphylococci and Methanobrevibacter significantly increased in the ileum of the TM5 group. Results suggest that dietary supplementation with whole dried TM larvae has no adverse effect on the intestinal epithelium formation and positively affects bacterial population richness and diversity.
... POTENTIAL INCLUSION OF THE BLACK SOLDIER FLY (BSF) IN THE NUTRITION OF PRODUCTION BIRDSInsects can be an interesting alternative protein, in particular for birds, because in addition to the nutritive role, in natural behavior, birds have the habit of seeking and eating insects throughout their lives(BOVERA et al., 2015). Recent studies have addressed the feasibility of using insect meal in poultry feed under the productive performance(BENZERTIHA et al., 2020;BIASATO et al., 2016;BOVERA et al., 2015;IACONISI et al., 2017), egg production and blood profile of commercial layers(MARONO et al., 2017;MWANIKI;NEIJAT;KIARIE, 2018), nutrient digestibility (BARRAGAN-FONSECA; DICKE;VAN LOON, 2017) and intestinal morphological evaluation and histological features(BIASATO et al., 2016). ...
... POTENTIAL INCLUSION OF THE BLACK SOLDIER FLY (BSF) IN THE NUTRITION OF PRODUCTION BIRDSInsects can be an interesting alternative protein, in particular for birds, because in addition to the nutritive role, in natural behavior, birds have the habit of seeking and eating insects throughout their lives(BOVERA et al., 2015). Recent studies have addressed the feasibility of using insect meal in poultry feed under the productive performance(BENZERTIHA et al., 2020;BIASATO et al., 2016;BOVERA et al., 2015;IACONISI et al., 2017), egg production and blood profile of commercial layers(MARONO et al., 2017;MWANIKI;NEIJAT;KIARIE, 2018), nutrient digestibility (BARRAGAN-FONSECA; DICKE;VAN LOON, 2017) and intestinal morphological evaluation and histological features(BIASATO et al., 2016). ...
The aim of this article is to encourage debate and sharing of studies and research on the use of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) in poultry feed. It is observed that in Brazilian poultry, feeds are mainly based on cereals, which must be supplemented with high quality animal protein and essential amino acids. Among the alternative ingredients for monogastric diets, the use of insects has stood out and among the insects used, black soldier fly flour or BSF (Hermetia illucens) is an attractive candidate, as it contains excellent nutritional characteristics and high production of biomass, in addition to its ability to promote the degradation of a series of materials of organic origin, converting them into an important source for animal feed. It is concluded that, although promising as a food component in the diet of poultry, the current cost to produce these insects in the country is still high and a relevant factor when compared to sources such as fish meal and soybean meal. Other challenges, such as the standardization of the bromatological compositions of flours derived from these insects, increased production, as well as a cultural change in the Western way of seeing these organisms, are issues to be addressed.
... By the end of the decade, it is predicted that operators of insect feed would generate more than EUR 2 billion annually [22]. We can presume that several animals have evolved to consume insects as a regular component of their diet because numerous animals, such as fish, wild birds, and free-range poultry, ingest them naturally [23]. Consequently, the use of insects as a novel, sustainable alternative feed source for livestock production is increasing. ...
... As a last obstacle, the General Food Law must be scrupulously adhered to by insect growers. As a result of regulations, the use and consumption of insects are restricted in several EU nations [23]. Poultry and swine cannot be fed insects reared on meat, fish, or food losses from restaurants or catering companies [145], and this ban will remain in effect even if modifications are passed as planned. ...
The planet is home to more than 2000 species of edible insects, some of which have been consumed as food for many years. Recently, edible insect products have been gradually increasing in several countries, such as Italy and Egypt, as novel feed resources for humans and animals due to their availability, potential economic benefits, and high nutritive value. The insect industry can provide a new solution for livestock nutrition and offer many additional advantages, but there are obstacles to overcome, such as some nutritional organizations that forbid its usage. Nevertheless, previous research indicates that different insect species could be used safely as nutraceuticals in poultry farming to improve broiler growth performance (>3%) and layer egg production (>5%). Among these species, there are various products and extracts that can be used in poultry nutrition in a sustainable manner. This review provides an outline of insect composition, nutrient values, application in poultry feed, safety, and guidelines, and finally, the future perspectives of insects as an alternative feed source in poultry diets.
... Recently, edible insects have received more attention across the globe due to their multiple functions in livestock production. Several studies have been conducted on effect of dietary inclusion with black soldier fly, housefly maggots, crickets and mealworms on poultry (Biasato et al., 2016), pigs (Duhra, 2020) and aquaculture (Ido et al. 2019). However, there is paucity of information on the usage of YMWL as a feed ingredient in poultry diets in Sub-Saharan Africa. ...
... g for 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% YMWL meal respectively). In contrast, Biasato et al. (2016) and Bovera et al. (2015) reported no differences in BWG in chickens fed on the YMWL meal and the control diet. Thus the use of YMWL based diets at lower inclusion level can improve digestibility and utilization of nutrients and sufficient supply of essential amino acids profile of the larvae (Sedgh-Gooya et al. 2021) hence resulting in better growth. ...
A 6-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Yellow Meal Worm larvae (YMWL) on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken. The larvae was processed and included in diets at different levels 0%YMWL (control), 2.5%YMWL, 5%YMWL and 7.5%YMWL. The diets were formulated to be iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric in mash form for the starter and finisher phases. 160-day-old cobb-500 broiler chicks were randomly allocated to the four diets and replicated four times with ten birds each per replicate in a completely randomized design. The average daily feed intake was similar across all the treatments (p>0.05). Birds fed on 5%YMWL had a significantly higher body weight gain than other treatment diets for the entire feeding phase of 42 days. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved at 5%YMWL inclusion compared with the control (0%YMWL) diet for the entire feeding phase (p<0.05). The performance efficiency factor was lowest at 7.5% YMWL and the control diet (p<0.05). Dietary supplementation with 5% YMWL significantly increased the absolute weights of carcass and carcass parts (wing, thigh, breast, back and drumstick) (p<0.05). The dressing percentage of the carcass were not affected by the treatments (p>0.05). It was concluded that YMWL meal can be included up to 5% in broiler rations without affecting the growth performance and carcass attributes.
... The small size of the worms is ideal for small reptiles and young birds as a dietary supplement [8]. Because these worms feed on bran, barley, soy, are the best food supplements for raising chickens, turkeys, and quails and are the result of bird growth and production of completely natural and quality meat [9][10][11]. Some authors evaluated the effects of Tenebrio molitory (TM) meal utilization on growth performance, haematochemical profile [10], and carcass traits of broilers, while others focused their researches also on the evaluation of intestinal morphology and histological features in free-range chickens fed diets including TM meal. ...
... Because these worms feed on bran, barley, soy, are the best food supplements for raising chickens, turkeys, and quails and are the result of bird growth and production of completely natural and quality meat [9][10][11]. Some authors evaluated the effects of Tenebrio molitory (TM) meal utilization on growth performance, haematochemical profile [10], and carcass traits of broilers, while others focused their researches also on the evaluation of intestinal morphology and histological features in free-range chickens fed diets including TM meal. The economic production parameters of mealworms include their ability to convert organic matter into protein more efficiently compared with their animal counterparts, less space and water needed [12], and the lower environmental impact of insect-based products compared with animal-based products [13], have a nutrient profile similar to fish meat, so they can contribute to more balanced human and animal diets convert often unused and globally abundantly available organic residues, such as straw, food waste, green biomass, faeces, and manure into biomass efficiently commercial production capability [14]. ...
An experiment was conducted on 240 one-day old male (Ross308) chicken to the effect of substitution of dried mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) with soybean meal on growth performance and carcass characteristics broiler chicks. Chicks fed in a completely randomized design with 4 replicate cages (12 birds per cage). Five dietary treatments used: 1- Control treatment: Basal diet based on corn-soybean meal without adding dried mealworm, 2- Replacement of 5% dried mealworm with soybean meal in the base diet, 3- Replacement of 10% dried mealworm with soybean meal in the base diet, 4- Replacement of 15% dried mealworm with soybean meal in the base diet and 5- Replacement of 20% dried mealworm with soybean meal in the base diet. The results of the experiment showed that 3rd and 4th treatments with a substitution of 10 and 15 percent showed a higher mean weight gain and a daily gain, but their feed intake was lower comparing other treatments, and finally, the feed conversion ratio showed a significant decrease with respect to control treatment using these replacement levels. At 21 and 42 days of age, carcass yield and relative weight of the breasts showed significant increases in treatments 3 and 4, and other characteristics of chicken carcasses were not affected by the test treatments. The experiment showed that replacing soybean meal with 10% and 15% worm powder significantly improved the performance of broiler chickens, but no significant difference was found between the two levels.
... Various scientific trials have demonstrated how yellow mealworms can be utilized as alternatives for protein in animal diets [16,63,64,65,66,67]. Most insects are collected by conventional unsustainable ways from the wild [68]. ...
... The introduction of TM meal into the broiler and free-range chicken diets, respectively, has been reported not to influence the growth performance of the animals [66,70]. On the contrary, in female and male broiler chickens fed increasing levels of full-fat TM meal inclusion (50, 100, and 150 g/kg) as partial replacement of SBM, corn gluten meal, and soybean oil, Biasato et al. [50,75] showed an improvement in LW and FI, but the feed efficiency was observed to be partially impaired. ...
The increasing population of human beings, changing dietary patterns, and increasing rivalry between food and feed production highlight the urgent need for the exploration of new sustainable food production chains. The poultry industry has been more popular with others, having superior environmental and economic benefits which require innovation and refinement along the value chain to increase further sustainability. To mitigate protein scarcity, new food sources of protein are being discovered. The yellow mealworm (Tenebrio Molitor) and black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) have a tremendous potential to replace typical protein sources for poultry diets. One of the key features of these flies is that their larvae can transform low-quality organic waste streams into a precious body mass with high protein and fat contents. Larvae, due to their bioactive substances and poultry instinct interests are claimed to have health and welfare-promoting benefits. They contain a high protein (yellow mealworm contains 47-60%; Black solider fly contains 37-63%) and amino acid profile and are therefore regarded as a very sustainable source of protein to replace soy meal or fish meal. They are easy to breed and have no need for larger areas for their production. Their 10% supplementation demonstrated better growth performance, carcass characteristics, gut morphology, immunity, caecal microbiota, fatty acid profile, and digestion of amino acids in poultry than traditional animal proteins. They are sometimes deficient in some essential amino acids and calcium (depending on substrate composition), which can be supplemented in feed. In laying hens, supplementation of insect meal resulted in darker yolk color. In conclusion, yellow mealworm and black soldier fly can be used in the poultry diet as a partial replacement for soybean and fish meal without any negative influence on production parameters. In the future, there is a dire need to find an appropriate level of their supplementation according to the stage of production with optimal production performance.
... Dietary inclusion of Yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), larvae into meatproducing poultry diets: apparent nutrient digestibility, performance, product quality, blood traits and immune system, gastrointestinal (GIT) health and microbiota. Ait- Kaki et al., 2021;Ballitoc and Sun et al., 2013;Benzertiha et al., 2019a,b;Biasato et al., 2016;2019;Elahi et al., 2020;Hussain et al., 2017;Islam & Yang, 2017;Islam et al., 2016;Józefiak et al., 2018;Khan et al., 2018;Kierończyk et al., 2018;Nascimento Filho et al., 2020Ozsoy, 2019Pietras et al., 2021;Ramos Elorduy et al., 2002;Sabirli & Cufadar, 2019;Sarica et al., 2020;Sedgh-Gooya et al., 2020;Shariat Zadeh et al., 2020;Shavikola et al., 2021;Zadeh et al., 2019. Al-Qazzaz et al., 2016;Kim et al., 2014;Sedgh-Gooya et al., 2021;Zadeh et al., 2020. ...
... Insects are potentially highly sustainable as they are poikilothermic and characterised by a high feed conversion efficiency, they require low amounts of water and land to be farmed, and many of them can be successfully grown on organic side streams, converting low-value organic by-products into high-value protein (van Zanten et al. 2014) In parallel, insects, which can either be used as a whole or being separated into protein meal and fat, are excellent sources of nutrients: in general, they have a high protein content with a nutritive value similar to soybean meal, they are good sources of fatty acids, vitamins and microminerals . In recent years, most research efforts have been directed towards insect species such as the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), the housefly (Musca domestica) and the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor): they generally provided positive outcomes when tested as part of diets intended for different poultry species (Biasato et al. 2016;Pieterse et al. 2014). Another insect species of potential interest for poultry diets is the silkworm (Bombyx mori), more precisely the chrysalis (or spent silkworm pupae), which is a by-product derived from the silk production. ...
Due to the constant increase in the World population, the demand of animal-based products is expected to raise by 35%, 52%, 40% and 39% within 2050 for fish, meat, milk and eggs, respectively. This increase is putting pressure on the already overexploited natural resources, as livestock production requires large amounts of feed, land, water, etc. In this perspective, it is evident that the search of alternative and sustainable feed resources for the livestock sector is of great interest. Among the possible alternative feed (and food) sources for the near future, insects are seen as one of the promising options to improve the global feed and food security. In fact, insects are characterised by a high nutritional quality, they have a high reproductive capacity, and they need limited amounts of land and water to grow. Furthermore, insects can be reared on different bio-waste streams, thus becoming natural tools to recycle waste into valuable feed (and food) sources. For the above-mentioned considerations, the present thesis aimed to study the nutritional value of selected insect species and their possible inclusion in poultry and rabbits’ diets as a replacement of conventional feedstuffs.
The first research tested the effect of seven different killing methods (blanching, steaming freezing, carbon dioxide, vacuum, plastic bag, and carbon dioxide + blanching) on various quality attributes of the house cricket (Acheta domesticus) meal: physicochemical traits, nutritional compositions and oxidative stability of the product during storage. Results of this research highlighted that none of the tested killing methods had a negative impact on product quality, thus indicating that the choice of the most appropriate killing strategy seems to be a matter of equipment availability and cost-efficiency ratio.
The second research of the present thesis aimed to evaluate a dietary inclusion with partly defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (BSF) as an alternative feed source in the diets of laying quails (Control diet vs 10% BSF inclusion vs 15% BSF inclusion). The considered outcomes were: productive performance, morbidity and mortality, egg physical and chemical traits, fatty acid profile, sensory features, and storage stability. Based on the obtained results, BSF could be considered as a possible alternative ingredient for laying quails’ diets up to the 15% inclusion level. In fact, laying quails showed results comparable to the control group for productive performance, mortality, and overall egg physicochemical and sensory traits. The only observed aspect that requires particular attention is the fatty acids (FA) profile of eggs from BSF-fed quails: BSF was rich in saturated fatty acids which increased the SFA proportion in eggs. On the one hand this result was positive for eggs’ shelf-life, as lipids were less susceptible to oxidation, but on another hand the FA composition eggs was not optimal form a product healthiness point of view.
The third research of the present study evaluated the effect of the dietary inclusion (12.5%) of a full-fat or a defatted mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori) chrysalis (SW) meal in the diet for meat-producing quails on the apparent digestibility of nutrients, nutritive value of diets, feed-choice and faecal microbiome. Overall, findings of the present study indicated that the 12% SW meal inclusion dietary negatively impacted nutrients digestibility of growing quails as well as their feed-choice, mainly due to the presence of bioactive compounds with anti-nutritional effect such as chitin and 1-Deoxynojirimycin. Such negative impact on nutrients absorption and thus apparent nutrients digestibility was highlighted also by the analysis of faecal microbiome.
The fourth research contribution of the present thesis evaluated the dietary replacement of 25% and 50% soybean meal with full-fat SW meal in meat-producing chickens. Results of the study showed that both replacement levels ensured optimal growth performance, carcass, and meat quality traits. Furthermore, the n-3 FA proportion and n-6/n-3 ratio of SW meal-fed chickens improved compared to the control group, thus demonstrating that full-fat SW meal is a rich source n-3 fatty acids that can be easily incorporated into chicken meat and improve product healthiness.
The fifth research, which was also the last study of the present thesis, tested the complete replacement of sunflower oil with mulberry silkworm chrysalis oil (SWO) in the diet for growing rabbits (1.3% inclusion level). For this experiment, the impact of the experimental diets was assessed on total tract apparent digestibility of nutrients and nutritive value of diets, as well as meat physicochemical traits, sensory profile and shelf-life. Results indicated that SWO can effectively replace sunflower oil into rabbit diets without any detrimental effect on all the considered traits, including oxidative stability of lipids during retail display.
... Other studies suggested that replacing 10 to 15% SBM with T. molitor significantly increased LW and ADG in fast-growing Ross 708 and Ross 308 and intermediategrowing Hubbard hybrid Biasato et al., 2018b;Vasilopoulos et al., 2023). On the other hand, Ramos-Elorduy et al. (2002) and Biasato et al. (2016) did not notice any effect of feeding 5 and 10% T. molitor on the growth performances in fast growing Arbor acres and Hubbard hybrid. ...
Insects are becoming more popular as a soybean meal substitute because they can be raised sustainably on food and feed residues, which improves farming efficiency, sustainability, and animal welfare. In the current study, we replaced 4, 8 and 12% SBM with lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae and determined its effects on productive performances, blood parameters, gut morphometry and meat quality of the broiler chickens. We also compared commercially available black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larvae. A total of 350 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to seven isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets (5 pens/treatment and 10 birds/pen). The results found that 12% A. diaperinus and H. illucens diets significantly (P < 0.05) increased the live weight (LW) and average daily weight gain (ADG) while improving feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the broilers. Daily feed intake (DFI) did not show a significant difference (P > 0.05) among all the dietary treatments. Haematology and serum biochemistry traits were significantly (P < 0.05) improved except MCHC, monocytes, Eosinophils (EO), albumin and creatinine. The 12% A. diaperinus and H. illucens diets showed the highest villus height (Vh) and the lowest crypt depth than other diets. The meat quality traits were statistically (P < 0.05) improved except meat pH, drip loss and shear force (P > 0.05). The results of the study highlight the importance of substituting SBM up to 12% with either A. diaperinus or H. illucens larvae, which improves the productive performances, blood parameters, gut morphometry and meat quality of broilers and thus can be incorporated as an alternative protein source in poultry feed. Published with license by Koninklijke Brill BV |
... Resultantly more energy is spent for digestive tract operation rather than its growth (Qaisrani et al., 2014). Biasato et al. (2016Biasato et al. ( , 2017Biasato et al. ( , 2018 found no change in gut morphometric indices in freerange or broiler chickens when fed on diets with 7.5% and 5% inclusions of T. monitor, respectively. The variations in the development of Vh, Cd, Vw, and Vh/Cd are due to the anatomical location and structural characteristics of jejunum and ilium (Li et al., 2022). ...
Poultry industry is one of the fastest growing agri-businesses in the world. However, the usage of expensive soybean meal and fishmeal as poultry feed ingredients is making it less profitable and environmentally unsustainable. Insects are becoming more popular as an alternate protein source in poultry feed because they are more sustainable, cost-efficient and eco-friendly than most of the conventional poultry feed sources. In the present study, we replaced 4%, 8% and 12% soybean meal with blow fly, Chrysomya megacephala (Calliphoridae: Diptera) larvae and evaluated its impact on growth performances, hematological parameters, intestinal morphometry and meat quality of Ross 308 broiler. For comparison, we also evaluated commercially available full fat Hermetia illucens (Stratiomyidae: Diptera) larvae. Three hundred and fifty 1-day-old chicks with initial weight of 40.28 g/chick were randomly divided into seven experimental diets (5 pens per treatment and 10 birds per pen). All the dietary treatments were isocaloric and isonitrogenous, meeting the nutrient requirements of the broilers. The results revealed that the broiler fed on 12% C. megacephala or H. illucens had significantly higher (P < 0.001) live weight, average daily weight gain and better feed conversion ratios. The diets containing 12% C. megacephala or H. illucens significantly improved the blood haematology and serum biochemistry in the broiler. The gut histological indices of jejunum and ileum such as villus height (Vh), crypt depth (Cd), villus width (Vw), and Vh/Cd ratios also improved by the feeding of 12% C. megacephala and H. illucens diets. The broiler fed on 12% H. illucens diet showed higher L ⁎ (lightness) and a ⁎ (redness), while those fed on 12% C. megacephala showed higher b ⁎ (yellowness) in breast meat (Pectoralis major). Both species performed equally well in growth performance, haematology, serum biochemistry , gut histology and meat quality. It was concluded that replacement of soybean meal with 12% C. megacephala or H. illucens larvae improves the growth performance, blood haematology, gut histology and meat color and lightness traits of broiler and thus can be used as an alternate source of protein in broiler feed. Published with license by Koninklijke Brill NV |
... Furthermore, the inclusion rate of BSFL in poultry diets needs careful consideration, as it can impact feed intake, nutrient absorption, and overall poultry performance. Studies have shown that while moderate inclusion rates can be beneficial, higher rates might lead to reduced palatability and intake [101]. Palatability itself is a significant factor, influencing poultry's acceptance of BSFL-based feeds. ...
... Results of the current study partly agree with Biasato's et al. ndings (2016) [41] , as dietary TM meal inclusion partly in uenced gut morphology of the birds. Histomorphometric indices showed higher Vh in the duodenum and ileum at 5% TM replacement, whereas Vh showed no changes in the jejunum; similarly, Cd was also higher in the jejunum. ...
A trial with 120 day-old Ross-308 broilers that were randomly allocated in three treatments with 10 birds
in each pen was conducted to evaluate whether a control commercialised maize and soybean meal in
mash form or this diet containing whole TM larvae at 5% (TM5) or 10% (TM10), respectively would affect
either the intestinal morphometry in small intestine or intestinal microbiome on ileum or the ceca of
broilers. On d35 intestinal samples were collected either in 10% buffered formalin for histopathological
assessment or digesta from ileal and caecal parts were assessed for their bacterial community diversity
through 16S rRNA gene high-throughput amplicon sequencing on the V3-V4 hypervariable region.
Histomorphometric investigation revealed higher duodenum Vh in TM5, higher jejunum Cd but lower
duodenum Cd (P ≤ 0.05) in the treated groups. Intestinal bacterial microbiota showed varying
implications; Lactobacilli and Staphylococci were eminent in the caecum. Bacteroides were found
increased in TM5 and Lactobacilli and Cutibacterium were found increased in TM10. In the ileum of TM5,
several Bacteroides and Lactobacilli species, Enterococcus durans and Streptococcus gallolyticus
decreased, whereas most Lactobacilli decreased and Clostridium jejuni increased in TM10. Diet
supplementation with TM larve can alter the composition of gastrointestinal microbiota both on ileum
and cecum.
... Several studies (147)(148)(149) have been conducted in order to investigate the effect of using MW on growth performance and carcass traits of male Shaver brown broiler chickens, female Label Hubbard hybrid chickens, and male Ross 708 broiler chickens. The authors concluded that using MW meal in broiler diets had no significant effects on carcass traits. ...
This review summarizes the most relevant scientific literature related to the use of insects as alternative protein sources in poultry diets. The black soldier fly, the housefly, the beetle, mealworms, silkworms, earthworms, crickets, and grasshoppers are in the spotlight because they have been identified as an important future source of sustainable animal proteins for poultry feeding. Insect meals meet poultry requirements in terms of nutritional value, essential amino acid composition, nutrient digestibility, and feed acceptance. Furthermore, they are enriched with antimicrobial peptides and bioactive molecules that can improve global health. Results from poultry studies suggest equivalent or enhanced growth performances and quality of end-products as compared to fish meal and soybean meal. To outline this body of knowledge, this article states established threads of research about the nutrient profiles and the digestibility of insect meals, their subsequent effects on the growth and laying performances of poultry as well as the quality of meat, carcass, and eggs. To fully exploit insect-derived products, the effects of insect bioactive molecules (antimicrobial peptides, fatty acids, and polysaccharides) were addressed. Furthermore, as edible insects are likely to take a meaningful position in the feed and food chain, the safety of their derived products needs to be ensured. Some insights into the current knowledge on the prevalence of pathogens and contaminants in edible insects were highlighted. Finally, the effect of insect farming and processing treatment on the nutritive value of insect larvae was discussed. Our overview reveals that using insects can potentially solve problems related to reliance on other food sources, without altering the growth performances and the quality of meat and eggs.
... Pietras et al. (2021), in their turn, by including 17% of TMM and 20% of lupin flour replacing soybean meal, identified a reduction in feed conversion, without influencing the sensory quality of the meat. Biasato et al. (2016) included 7.5% of TMM in the diet of slow-growing broilers (Label Hud-bard -JA57 strain) between 43 and 97 days of age. According to the authors, TMM can be used safely to feed the birds, not interfering with their zootechnical performance, and blood and serum characteristics. ...
The present study aims to conduct a review on the potential use of insect meal as an alternative protein source in poultry feed, particularly to serve the rearing of free-range chickens. Insects are already part of the diet of birds in their natural habitat, and the availability of low-cost alternative foods with low environmental impact is essential for the development of the activity. The review comprehended studies that used meals consisting of silkworm (Bombyx mori) chrysalis, earthworm (Eisenia foetida), housefly (Musca domestica), black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) and mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor) to replace plant-based protein sources. In general, insect meals have a high content of crude protein and ether extract, as well as an essential amino acid profile suitable for poultry feeding. The addition of insect meal in poultry feed normally shows good results as to growth performance and egg production, without causing a negative effect on carcass characteristics, meat sensory quality and egg quality, presenting itself as an alternative protein source with good prospects for replacing plant-based sources in poultry feed.
... Results of the current study partly agree with Biasato's et al. ndings (2016) [41] , as dietary TM meal inclusion partly in uenced gut morphology of the birds. Histomorphometric indices showed higher Vh in the duodenum and ileum at 5% TM replacement, whereas Vh showed no changes in the jejunum; similarly, Cd was also higher in the jejunum. ...
A trial with 120 day-old Ross-308 broilers that were randomly allocated in three treatments with 10 birds in each pen was conducted to evaluate whether a control commercialised maize and soybean meal in mash form or this diet containing whole TM larvae at 5% (TM5) or 10% (TM10), respectively would affect either the intestinal morphometry in small intestine or intestinal microbiome on ileum or the ceca of broilers. On d35 intestinal samples were collected either in 10% buffered formalin for histopathological assessment or digesta from ileal and caecal parts were assessed for their bacterial community diversity through 16S rRNA gene high-throughput amplicon sequencing on the V3-V4 hypervariable region. Histomorphometric investigation revealed higher duodenum Vh in TM5, higher jejunum Cd but lower duodenum Cd ( P ≤ 0.05 ) in the treated groups. Intestinal bacterial microbiota showed varying implications; Lactobacilli and Staphylococci were eminent in the caecum. Bacteroides were found increased in TM5 and Lactobacilli and Cutibacterium were found increased in TM10. In the ileum of TM5, several Bacteroides and Lactobacilli species, Enterococcus durans and Streptococcus gallolyticus decreased, whereas most Lactobacilli decreased and Clostridium jejuni increased in TM10. Diet supplementation with TM larve can alter the composition of gastrointestinal microbiota both on ileum and cecum.
... In contrast, Biasato et al. (2018) found that MWM addition to broiler diets at 5-15 % improved the body weight and feed intake, while it negatively affected the feed efficiency and intestinal morphology and did not affect the carcass traits' haemato-chemical parameters. Furthermore, corn gluten meal in broiler diets was successfully replaced by 7.5% MWM without any effect on broiler performance (Biasato et al., 2016). Soybean meal replacement by 29.65% MWM improved feed conversion, intestinal digestibility, and spleen weight (Bovera et al., 2016). ...
... In addition, saturated and monosaturated fatty acids are also present in high levels [88]. As for the feed efficiency, the mealworm inclusion in poultry diets did not affect the welfare, growth performance, or any other physiological or morphological feature in free-range chickens [71] or broilers [72]. Mealworms are a better option than maggot and silkworm as they improve both broiler performance and meat quality [95]. ...
The growing population and income drive the rapid increase in food demand. Greece and a few other Mediterranean countries are characterized as countries with a high proportion of mountains favoring goat and sheep breeding; however, poultry breeding is also important, and production is increasing rapidly. Poultry breeding is characterized by the millions of birds reared with increased quantities and prices of feedstuffs. There is a parallel increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions., since poultry production generates a significant amount of GHG. The aim of the present study was to provide an overview of poultry GHG in the Mediterranean area. Emissions’ sources and mitigation practices are presented. Future is promising given that sustainable practices are implemented.
... In the case of the work of Bovera et al. (2015), the use of insects in isoproteic and isoenergetic diets as a substitute for soybean did not affect consumption during the second month of life of chickens. Biasato et al. (2016) did not find differences in feed conversion after the inclusion of insect meal in broilers between 43 and 97 d of age. Similarly, Leiber et al. (2015) found no differences in feed intake or body weight gain between broilers that consumed insect and those that did not between 7 and 82 d of age. ...
Sustainable poultry meat production involves the use of slow-growing chick strains and the utilization of new protein sources as an alternative to the current monopoly of soybean meal. In this scenario, a study was conducted to assess the effect of replacing soybean meal with domestic cricket (Acheta domesticus) meal on the developing cycle of slow-growing chicks. To this end, a total of 128 one-day-old male chicks (Colorield) were randomly assigned into 16 experimental units, each consisting of eight chicks, which in turn were grouped into two groups fed isoproteic and isoenergetic diets in which the protein source differed: the control group (C) fed soybean meal and the Acheta group (AD) fed Acheta domesticus insect meal as the main protein source. Chicks were slaughtered at 95 days of age. Three different diets (F1, F2 and F3) were used for each experimental group according to the nutritional needs of the birds during their growth. The F1 diet (1-29 d) resulted in higher feed and water intake and higher body weight gain for group C, but a lower feed conversion rate. On the contrary, during F2 (29-60 d) no differences in productive performances were observed between the two groups, except for a higher water intake for group C. Finally, during the period corresponding to diet F3 (60-95 d) there were only differences in feed intake, which was higher for the AD group. In conclusion, the substitution of soybean meal for Acheta domesticus meal caused a decrease in feed intake during the first month and consequently a lower body weight. During the first four weeks of life of the chicks, a partial replacement of soybean meal may be recommended, since high inclusions of A. domesticus meal in this period seem to be detrimental in young chicks. Given the absence of relevant differences in productive performances between both groups, it could be concluded that the use of A. domesticus cricket meal can be a potential protein alternative to soybean meal.
... Peters et al. (42) reported generally lower mean values of the hematological parameters (red blood cell count, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, white blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, serum glucose, urea, cholesterol, albumin, globulin and creatinine) in F than in M, while Addass et al. (43) reported higher levels of white blood cells in F than in M, although such differences might vary among chicken genotypes (18). However, the hematological parameters in the present study are in line with those reported in previous studies conducted on chickens and ducks fed live insects and insect meals (15,16,33,44). The triglycerides tended to be more abundant in the F than in the M (P = 0.061), although Whitehead and Griffin (45) and Musa et al. (46) did not observe any differences in the blood triglyceride level between sexes in broilers and two Chinese chicken breeds. ...
Introduction
This research has been aimed at evaluating the effects of live black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) (Hermetia illucens) on the growth, slaughtering performance, and blood parameters of medium-growing chickens.
Methods
A total of 240, 28-day-old, Label Rouge Naked Neck chickens were allotted to four experimental groups, according to the gender (males-females) and to the absence (control group, C) or presence (larvae group, L) of a dietary supplementation with 10% live BSFL, on the basis of the expected average daily feed intake (ADFI) (6 replicates/diet, 10 chickens/replicate). The birds were weighed weekly, and the feed consumption was recorded to calculate the average live weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), average daily gain (ADG), and the ADFI. At 82 days of age, 2 birds/replicate (12 birds/diet) were selected and slaughtered. The blood samples were collected, and the carcass traits (carcass, breast, thigh, and organ weights and yields) were assessed.
Results and discussions
Overall, the administered live BSFL did not impair the growth and slaughtering performance, or the blood traits, while the C females showed a better FCR than the treated ones (P < 0.05). The live BSFL consumption time was longer for the females than for the males (P < 0.001). The weight of the immune organs (spleen and bursa of Fabricius) increased as the live BSFL supplementation increased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the provision of live BSFL reduced the gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT, U/l) activity content in the blood (P < 0.05). Finally, both the leukocytes (%) and the monocytes (%) were more abundant in the C groups than in the larvae ones (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). In short, the supplementation of live BSFL can be used successfully as an environmental enrichment, without affecting the growth performance of male birds. Furthermore, the immune organ activity could be enhanced by the provision of live BSFL.
... Previous LCA studies assessed the sustainability of different poultry husbandry conditions and compared the use of different protein sources in feed (Bengtsson and Seddon, 2013;Costantini et al., 2021;Pelletier, 2008), as well as estimated protein conversion of laying hens and broiler chicken (Alexander et al., 2016). There are quite a few studies (Biasato et al., 2016;Dörper et al., 2020;Star et al., 2020) integrating insects in poultry feed to define the efficiency of feed transformation and influence of insects on animal wellbeing and product quality. Since insects have proven in recent years to be a potential alternative and more sustainable source of protein (Hexeberg Rustad, 2016;Maiolo et al., 2020;Oonincx and de Boer, 2012) than conventional proteins like soy or fishmeal, insect integration is intended to improve environmental impact of poultry production. ...
This study presents a life cycle assessment (LCA) comparing laying hen to broiler chicken production. Sustainability and protein conversion efficiency are considered. The protein-to-protein conversion was calculated per 1t of feed protein consumed by birds and per 1kg of protein in end products for human consumption. Additionally, a part of the commercial feed was replaced by live black soldier fly larvae, reared on Gainesville diet, and fruit and vegetable waste (FVW). Results of the LCA showed significant differences in integrated impacts between different production systems and different chicken feeds but not between different insect feeds. The most environmentally friendly scenario is insect (FVW) fed broiler. In protein conversion efficiency (PCE) assessment, laying hen production achieved better PCE than broiler chicken when protein quality is considered. Main influencing factors on results were feed production, composition, and protein content. Due to many assumptions made, results should be viewed critically.
... However, our results are in line with those previously obtained adding 0, 2, 4 or 6 g 100 g −1 mealworm meal in growing quail diets up to 35 days of age. 11 Besides, even considering other avian species, other authors found no effects 24,25 or negative effects 26 on poultry performance due to the inclusion of insect meal in the diet. ...
BACKGROUND
Insect‐derived proteins are a promising, valuable and permitted ingredient for poultry feed. However, more emphasis should be given to their effects on avian species different from chicken, such as quail (Coturnix coturnix), whose rearing represents an important activity. The present paper provides novel information about the impact of graded dietary levels of Tenebrio molitor (TM) larvae meal on quail growth and meat quality.
RESULTS
Four diets were formulated with graded inclusion levels of TM, namely 1.65, 3.3 and 6.6 g on 100 g feed (T1.65, T3.3, T6.6, respectively) to partially replace the conventional proteins of a control diet (C). A total of 192 birds were allotted to one of the groups and fed for 35 days. The inclusion of TM meal linearly increased feed conversion ratio, and decreased carcass and breast weight. Texture and water holding capacity of meat were linearly reduced with increasing TM in diet, while fatty acid composition was not affected. However, the meat from quails fed diets including TM was subject to greater thermal damage than the C group; hence further studies are encouraged.
CONCLUSION
TM meal inclusion at higher levels than 1.65% slightly impaired the growth performance of Japanese quails. Negligible effects on physical properties such as colour, texture, cooking loss and also on the fatty acid profile of the raw and cooked meat was found after including TM in quails’ diet up to 3.3%. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
... Despite finding a lower final weight in breeding partridges of the TM5% group compared with birds in the control group, the number of eggs laid per week and the egg weight produced by each couple did not differ according to the dietary treatment throughout the whole experimental feeding (5 weeks). The inclusion of TM did not affect the BW, as it remain consistent with the live BW of wild birds [25]. It is worthy to point out that the partridges from the TM5% group showed a markedly reduced laying activity with a significant decrease in the numbers of eggs laid in the last week. ...
The competence to locate natural feeding sources is one of the main limiting factors for survival in the wild, especially for captive-born birds. Therefore, environmental enrichment through the diet can be strategic before their release into nature. In this research, a feeding trial was undertaken to evaluate the potential use of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) larvae (TM) provisions to captive bred couples of Sardinian partridges (Alectoris barbarabarbara Bonaterre, 1790) during the laying period. Twenty-four couple-caged Sardinian breeding partridges were enrolled during the laying period (April–May 2019) and randomly allotted to two feeding groups of 12 couples each: (a) the control (CON) group was fed a conventional complete pelleted diet for laying quails; (b) the yellow mealworm enriched group was additionally fed 5% whole, defrosted TM larvae (TM5%) on top of the same amount of the control diet. As a prerequisite, partridges were unaccustomed to eating mealworms before the start of the trial. Daily feed intake (DFI), bodyweight (BW), and number of laid eggs (LE) were monitored over five weeks of experimental feeding. Partridges fed the TM5% diet displayed a higher preference for whole mealworms (first choice and complete consumption) than expressed for the CON pelleted feed. Differences in daily dry matter intake (p = 0.028) between CON and TM5% groups were observed (DMI: 42.6 ± 1.73 vs. 43.4 ± 1.62 g, respectively); the final body weights (BW) (p = 0.098) of birds in the CON group was higher than those in the TM5% group (435 ± 36.9 vs. 416 ± 36.3 g, respectively). Differences in daily energy intake relative to BW (p < 0.001) as well as relative to metabolic weight (BW0.75) (p < 0.001) were observed between groups, but this was not followed by higher BW, probably due to the absence of grit and inaccessible nutrients and energy (larval exoskeleton). No difference in the average LE per week and egg weight was observed between CON and the enriched TM5% groups, though in the last weeks, a statistically lower number of eggs was laid in TM5% group. Our results suggest that whole yellow mealworms can be a promising feed material to broaden the spectrum of competence for natural feeding sources with similar physical form and nutritional characteristics available in the environment.
... Na matéria seca as larvas do tenébrio podem conter uma grande quantidade de proteína bruta (440-690 g/kg) e gordura (230-470 g/kg)(VELDKAMP et al., 2012b). Estudos recentes já relatam aceitabilidade e bons resultados com o uso do Tenebrio molitor em aves(BENZERTIHA et al., 2020;BIASATO et al., 2016BIASATO et al., , 2018BOVERA et al., 2015aBOVERA et al., , 2016LOPONTE et al., 2017). Por esses motivos, as larvas já são produzidas industrialmente como alimento para animais de estimação e animais de zoológico, incluindo aves, répteis, pequenos mamíferos, anfíbios e peixes(MAKKAR et al., 2014b). ...
Insect meal has been proposed as an ingredient compared to conventional ones commonly used in animal feed. Insects can convert organic waste into nutrients of high biological value and sustainable production. In this sense, the present study aimed (i) to evaluate the economic impact of using Tenebrio molitor meal in broiler diets from 1 to 35 days; (ii) to develop a dynamic and interactive spreadsheet to determine the economic viability of the insect meal and (iii) to evaluate the use of insect meal in different economic scenarios. The growth performance results used in the current studied were obtained from a previous experiment in which four different inclusion levels of tenebrio meal, 0, 4, 8 and 12%, were tested in diets of broiler chickens. Economic viability included the cost of the feed, gross revenue, gross margin, and cost-benefit calculations for each insect meal inclusion level. The inclusion of 4% of tenebrio meal resulted in better growth performance and chickens were 154g weightier compared to 0%, control. The cost of the feed increased with the inclusion of the tenebrio meal linear-manner and decreased the gross margin from 83 to 95% when the price of R$135,00/kg were considered. To make the inclusion of 4% of tenebrio meal in diets feasible, the insect meal was calculated to be priced at R$ 4,53/kg. The implication found in the study indicates that the mass production of insect meal at a compatible cost can make its application in animal feed economically viable, presenting great potential to contribute to sustainable development in animal production and to the circular economy. In view of this scenario and still using the parameters that lead to its economic viability, the potential of the Brazilian market for its use in the nutrition of broiler birds was estimated at 4% inclusion in 760 thousand tons of insect meal, with an economy of approximately 268 thousand tons of soybean meal for the Brazilian market as a whole
... Corn gluten meal in diets of female label Hubbard hybrid free-range chickens, was successfully replaced by 7.5% MWM without any effect [73]. Diet containing 29.65% MWM as a replacement of soybean meal with hulls in the diet of Shaver brown broiler chickens improved the FCR, ileal digestibility, and spleen weight [74]. ...
Shortage of protein feed resources is the major challenge to the world farm animal industry. Insects are known as an alternative protein source for poultry. A wide range of insects are available for use in poultry diets. Insect larvae thrive in manure, and organic waste, and produce antimicrobial peptides to protect themselves from microbial infections, and additionally these peptides might also be functional in poultry feed. The feed containing antimicrobial peptides can improve the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal health, and immune function in poultry. Insect meal contains a higher amount of essential amino acids compared to conventional feedstuffs. Black soldier fly, mealworm, housefly, cricket/Grasshopper/Locust (Orthoptera), silkworm, and earthworm are the commonly used insect meals in broiler and laying hen diets. This paper summarizes the nutrient profiles of the insect meals and reviews their efficacy when included in poultry diets. Due to the differences in insect meal products, and breeds of poultry, inconsistent results were noticed among studies. The main challenge for proper utilization, and the promising prospect of insect meal in poultry diet are also addressed in the paper. To fully exploit insect meal as an alternative protein resource, and exert their functional effects, modes of action need to be understood. With the emergence of more accurate and reliable studies, insect meals will undoubtedly play more important role in poultry feed industry.
... Insects are promising animal feed ingredients because they contain high levels of quality protein and are easy to produce [6]. Experimental results have shown that yellow mealworm used as a source of protein in the diets of fast-growing commercial broilers does not compromise growth performance [7,8]. However, there is evidence that indigenous chickens and commercial broiler have genetic differences that could affect growth rates [9]. ...
An experiment was conducted to examine the effects of yellow mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) meal inclusion in diets of indigenous chickens. A total of 160 mixed-sex indigenous Boschveld chickens were randomly divided into four categories: control soybean meal (SBM) and yellow mealworm with percentage levels of 5, 10 and 15 (TM5, TM10 and TM15, respectively). Five replicate pens per treatment were used, with eight birds per pen/replicate. On day 60, two birds from each replicate were slaughtered and eviscerated. Meat quality parameters were measured out on raw carcass and cooked breast meat. The carcass weight, breast weight and gizzard weight of the control group was higher (p < 0.05) than the treatment group (TM15). The cooking loss was lower (p < 0.05) in the SBM control group but higher in the TM15 group. Colour characteristics of breast meat before cooking was lighter in the TM10 and TM15 group, ranged from 61.7 to 69.3 for L* and was significant (p < 0.05). The TM10 and TM15 groups showed a lighter colour than the SBM and TM5 groups. The breast meat pH taken after slaughter was different (p < 0.05) in TM5 and TM15, with the highest reading (pH 6.0) in the TM5 group. In conclusion, our experiment indicated that dietary Tenebrio molitor in growing Boschveld indigenous chickens’ diets could be considered a promising protein source for Boschveld indigenous chickens.
... Effect of different levels of dietary mealworm larvae performance parameters in Japanese quail MLM addition to laying quail diets, independently of the levels affected none of the performance parameters (P >0.05).Biasato et al. (2016) have reported that the inclusion of mealworms did not negatively affect the performance of medium-growing hybrid female chickens. Similarly,Wang et al. (2015) declared that mealworm meal may be used successfully in laying hen diets in place of 4% soybean meal. ...
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different levels of mealworm (Tenebrio Molitor) larvae meal in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) diets on performance, egg quality, yolk color, and yolk fatty acid composition. A total of forty-eight, 14 weeks-old laying quails were used with 4 replicates in control (basal diet), mealworm larvae meal (MLM) 2% or 4 % treatment groups. Results showed that independently of inclusion level dietary MLM did not affect performance and egg quality parameters. However, color values (L*, a*, b*) of egg yolk changed with the inclusion of both levels of MLM to diet (p<0.5). Outcomes also displayed dietary MLM altered the fatty acid composition of egg yolk dependably the additional level (p<0.5). Diets containing 2 and 4 % MLM did not affect total saturated fatty acid (ƩSFA) content, however, increased total monounsaturated fatty acids (ƩMUFA) (p<0.5). Both supplemental levels of dietary MLM decreased significantly the total polyunsaturated fatty acids (ƩPUFA) of the yolk compared to the control group (p<0.5). According to outcomes of this study, MLM may use in safe as feed material instead of soybean meal at levels of 2 or 4 % without effect on performance parameters in laying quail diets.
... In that study, approximately 23% breast meat yield for 0%, 2%, and 4% of mealworms in diet was found (Elahi et al. 2020). These carcass quality results are in agreement with other studies (Biasato et al. 2016;Biasato et al. 2018b;Dabbou et al. 2019), where Tenebrio molitor larvae had no effect on carcass quality of broiler and freerange chickens. Several authors (Khatun et al. 2003;Hwangbo et al. 2009;Ballitoc and Sun 2013) found significant differences in carcass yield and reported that the addition of insect meal (house fly-maggots, yellow mealworms, and silkworm pupae) in broiler chicken's diet improved the slaughter weight, carcass yield, breast and thigh muscle yield, and dressing percentage. ...
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 < 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 < 0.05). The highest feed intake (P < 0.05) was found in the control group. The breast meat from the control group was rated better (P < 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.
... Similarly, mealworm meal/oil were suitable alternatives to soybean meal/oil also for poultry production, again, when included in low amounts [26,44]. Different poultry production systems have been studied, such as broiler chickens [58][59][60][61], free-range chickens [62], Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) [63] and Barbary partridge (Alectoris barbara) [64]. ...
Over the last few years, the concept of Circular Economy (CE) has received a lot of attention due to its potential contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially by reconciling economic growth with the protection of the environment through its grow-make-use-restore approach. The use of insects in circular production systems has been a good example of this concept as insects can transform a wide range of organic waste and by-products into nutritious feedstuffs, which then go back into the production cycle. This paper explores the potential of mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) in circular production systems by reviewing their use and applicability in several industries such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food, etc. Despite the high versatility of this insect and its potential as a substitute source of nutrients and other valuable components, there are still many legislative and behavioural challenges that hinder its adoption and acceptance.
... Mealworm did not harm native chickens and did not affect health in chickens [18] and was strengthened by research by [7,19] stated that the provision of mealworm in feed did not harm the growth of broilers and weaned pigs on the feed supplements given. This showed that the decrease in the FCR value of broilers from 2.1 to 1.9 which were fed with mealworm from 0% to 10% of the inclusion in the feed [20]. ...
The availability of feed is the main requirement in supporting the success of livestock development. One of the feed alternatives that is being discussed worldwide is insects because they have a high protein source. Insects are currently being discussed in the animal husbandry sector because insects include an alternative source of animal protein with high nutritional quality, efficiency and can be provided continuously and have nearly the same nutritional content as fish meal and soybean meal. Problems globally, the search for alternative protein sources to substitute a fish meal and soybean meal has become a major topic in research in the field of animal feed and nutrition. The fluctuating price of feed will affect business in the field of animal husbandry, where we know that the cost of feed contributes nearly 60-70% of the total business operating costs. Based on literature studies show that insects can replace fish meal and soybean meal 25-100%, one type of insect that has the potential as a feed ingredient is a mealworm which contains 32-52% crude protein and low crude fat 7%. Reported that the use of mealworms in the broiler feed to give effect to the performance of broilers from feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and final weight. It was concluded that mealworms were an alternative source of high protein and fat.
... Several works of literature have proven that yellow mealworm has the potential to be used as an alternative source of protein in animal diets [12][13][14][15][16][17], although other insects such as cockroaches, termites, crickets, earthworms, grasshoppers and black soldier flies can be included in animal feeds [18][19][20][21][22][23]. Most of the insects are harvested from the wild using traditional methods which are unsustainable [24]. ...
Background
Small-scale poultry farming plays a major role as a source of income for farmers through the sale of birds and eggs. Furthermore, in households’ poultry products are a valuable source of protein in the diet—especially in low-income communities. However, these farmers are facing a challenge with the rising cost of conventional feed. Climate change and global warming play a role in changing farming activities and affecting household food security. Therefore, replacing traditional ingredients with insects in chicken diets is gaining popularity worldwide. The purpose of this study was to assess the willingness of small-scale poultry farmers to adopt the use of yellow mealworm in diets for chickens. A total number of 107 farmers in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality were selected using snowball sampling and were interviewed face to face using a semi-structured questionnaire.
Results
Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to analyse the data. The results of the study showed that 72% of respondents, the majority of whom were male, were willing to adopt mealworm as poultry feed. About 51% of the participants were willing to eat chicken that was reared using mealworms, even though 85% had not seen mealworms before. Furthermore, it was found that farmers who used mixed corn and who had secondary education were more willing to adopt mealworms as an alternative protein source in chicken feed.
Conclusion
Small-scale poultry farmers in Tshwane accept the use of mealworm as chicken feed. It is recommended that the early adopters of mealworms as poultry feed be profiled so that communication strategies can be developed to deal with the fears and attitudes of farmers who are not willing to adopt mealworms as poultry feed. Since the majority of the farmers who are willing to adopt mealworm had secondary education, it would be beneficial if small-scale poultry farmers are educated about the benefits of using yellow mealworm as a substitute in poultry feed.
The urgent need for sustainable alternatives to conventional livestock feed has prompted research into novel protein sources. This review paper systematically evaluates the prospect of replacing soy with mealworms in livestock feed, focusing on comprehensive comparisons of nutritional content and environmental considerations. The nutritional profiles of soy and mealworms are analyzed in terms of amino acid composition and digestibility. The total essential amino acids in mealworms are 26.02 g/100 g while in mealworms total EAA is 31.49 g/100 g. The protein content in mealworm is high (51.93 g/100 g) in comparison to soy meal (44.51 g/100 g). Environmental aspects, including deforestation, pesticide use, water consumption, land use, and greenhouse gas emissions, are scrutinized for both soy cultivation and mealworm farming.One kg of mealworm meal yields 141.3 MJ energy use, 3.8 kg CO2 equivalent for climate change, 25.6 g SO2 equivalent for acidification, 15.0 g PO4 equivalent for eutrophication, and 4.1 m² land use. It's more potent per kg of protein than soybean or fish meal. Feasibility, scalability, and economic considerations are explored to understand the practical implications for livestock farmers. Consumer perception and regulatory frameworks are also addressed, highlighting potential challenges and strategies for acceptance. The paper concludes by synthesizing key findings and offering recommendations for stakeholders interested in the sustainable integration of mealworms into mainstream livestock agriculture. This comparative review provides a holistic understanding of the potential environmental benefits and challenges associated with replacing soy with mealworms in livestock feed.
Graphical abstract
The utilization of yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor (Linnaeus, Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), for food and feed is gaining interest globally. However, its production is hindered by expensive commercial diets. This study assessed mealworm growth performance, survival, bioconversion, and nutritional composition when fed on wheat bran (WB) with different inclusion levels (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) of Irish potato waste (PW). Results indicated that mealworms fed on diets with 25%–75% PW had increased body length and 1–2 times higher weight gain compared to sole WB and PW diets. The survival rate was 93%–94% across all diets. Mealworms fed on WB had a feed conversion ratio of 3.26, while the efficiency of diet conversion increased with PW inclusion levels. Mealworms fed on diets with 75% PW inclusion had the highest crude fat (48%) and energy levels (598 kcal/100 g), while sole WB produced mealworms with the highest crude protein (55%). The acid detergent fiber achieved using 100% WB was 2- to 3-fold higher, but the crude fiber and neutral detergent fiber did not vary significantly. Considerable amounts of lysine (1.6–2 mg/100 g), methionine (0.5–0.7 mg/100 g), leucine (1.4–2 mg/100 g), and threonine (0.8–1 mg/100 g) were achieved in the mealworm larvae. Our findings revealed that cheap agricultural by-products could be successfully used for the mass production of mealworms, substantially contributing to reduced production costs. Further exploration of the nutrient-dense mealworm larvae for the development of novel food and feed products is crucial.
Feeding Tenebrio Molitor meal has an important effect on promoting the growth, absorption, reproduction, and disease resistance of animals. In this study, 3×10 ⁸ cfu/ml Escherichia coli was used to establish a mouse diarrhea model. Different doses (8%, 5%, 2.5%) of tenebrio molitor meal were added to the basic diet, respectively. The feed intake, water intake, body weight, loose stool rate, diarrhea rate, intestinal flora number, immune organ index, intestinal enzyme, and serum enzyme activities of the diarrhea mice were detected. The results showed that compared with the model group, the feed intake, water intake, and body weight of mice with diarrhea were improved by adding tenebrio molitor meal, and the dosage was proportional to that of tenebrio molitor meal. The rate of loose stool and diarrhea decreased with the increase of tenebrio molitor meal. The total bacterial count and Escherichia coli count in the intestinal tract of mice with diarrhea were negatively correlated with the dosage of tenebrio molitor meal. The immune organ index of the diarrhea mice in the three tenebrio molitor meal supplementation groups was higher than that in the model group and was proportional to the dosage. The liver index of the 8% tenebrio molitor meal supplementation group was 11.79mg/g higher than that in the blank group. Compared with the blank group, diarrhea significantly decreased the activities of various enzymes in the intestinal tract and serum of mice (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the activities of intestinal and serum protective enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase), detoxification enzymes (glutathione-S transferase, acetylcholinesterase, acid phosphatase) and digestive enzymes (serum amylase, serum lipase, lactate dehydrogenase) in diarrhea mice were increased by adding tenebrio molitor meal (P < 0.05). The results showed that tenebrio molitor meal had a positive effect on the treatment of diarrhea in mice.
Feeding Tenebrio Molitor meal has an important effect on promoting the growth, absorption, reproduction, and disease resistance of animals. In this study, 3×108cfu/ml Escherichia coli was used to establish a mouse diarrhea model. Different doses (8%, 5%, 2.5%) of tenebrio molitor meal were added to the basic diet, respectively. The feed intake, water intake, body weight, loose stool rate, diarrhea rate, intestinal flora number, immune organ index, intestinal enzyme, and serum enzyme activities of the diarrhea mice were detected. The results showed that compared with the model group, the feed intake, water intake, and body weight of mice with diarrhea were improved by adding tenebrio molitor meal, and the dosage was proportional to that of tenebrio molitor meal. The rate of loose stool and diarrhea decreased with the increase of tenebrio molitor meal. The total bacterial count and Escherichia coli count in the intestinal tract of mice with diarrhea were negatively correlated with the dosage of tenebrio molitor meal. The immune organ index of the diarrhea mice in the three tenebrio molitor meal supplementation groups was higher than that in the model group and was proportional to the dosage. The liver index of the 8% tenebrio molitor meal supplementation group was 11.79mg/g higher than that in the blank group. Compared with the blank group, diarrhea significantly decreased the activities of various enzymes in the intestinal tract and serum of mice (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the activities of intestinal and serum protective enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase), detoxification enzymes (glutathione-S transferase, acetylcholinesterase, acid phosphatase) and digestive enzymes (serum amylase, serum lipase, lactate dehydrogenase) in diarrhea mice were increased by adding tenebrio molitor meal (P<0.05). The results showed that tenebrio molitor meal had a positive effect on the treatment of diarrhea in mice.
This study was conducted to determine the effects of Tenebrio molitor larvae inclusion in diets instead of soybean and fish oil on Japanese quail’s performance, carcass, and meat quality. A total of 180 7-day-old quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) of both sexes were housed in battery packs in a controlled environment room. Chicks were randomly allocated to three treatment groups, each with 5 replicate pens of 12 chicks. The dietary treatments were as follows: (1) control (C) group (soybean meal-based diet); (2) fish oil supplemented diet (FO, 30 g/kg DM fish oil); and (3) T. molitor larvae diet (TML, 100 g/kg DM), respectively. No differences were found between daily weight gain and daily feed intake (P>0.05). The final body weight was higher in quail-fed TML and lower in quailfed FO (P<0.01). The feed conversion ratio was improved with the TML diet in quail (P<0.05). Carcass weight was higher in the TML group than in the FO group (P<0.05). No differences between treatment groups were found in liver, heart, and spleen percentages (P>0.05); however, the proventriculus percentage was higher in FO than in the TML group. The chemical characteristics of breast meat were unaffected by dietary treatments (P>0.05). The fatty acids (FA) were similar primarily in quail breast meat fed C and TML diets; however, polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) was lower in the TML diet compared to the C diet (P>0.05). In the FO groups C14:0, C20:4 n6 and n-3 fatty acids (C18:3, C20:3, C20:5, C22:6), saturated FA, PUFA, and n-3/n-6 were increased, monounsaturated FA, PUFA n-6, and n-6/n-3 were decreased compared to the C and TML groups (P<0.01).
The role of insects in animal nutrition has been reconsidered during recent years, paving the way for an increasing market for edible insects. Their protein and amino acid balance make them a promising source of protein for replacing high value proteins. Yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor L. (TM; Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae, have shown positive effects on broiler performance in several research studies and have a strong potential as a sustainable alternative protein source for monogastric animals. This study aimed to assess the effect of replacing various ratios of basal diets with T. molitor larvae on broiler performance as well as on several meat and welfare characteristics. For the study, 120 one-day-old male chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated in 3 treatments and 4 replications (10 birds per pen). Birds of the control group (basal diet) were fed with typical commercial maize and soymeal-based rations in mash form. The other 2 groups were treated with the same diet, after replacing 5% and 10% with dried TM larvae, respectively. On d 35 (end of trial), meat samples were collected and analysed. Body weight, feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio during the periods of 1 to 10 d (starter period), 11 to 24 d (grower period), 25 to 35 d (finisher period) and 1 to 35 d (total period) were assessed. Pododermatitis, diarrhoea, feather score and litter conditions were also assessed during the trial. The results indicated that TM larvae inclusion in the broilers’ diet positively affected body weight gain values, as well as the carcass yield, the meat composition and various welfare traits. Additionally, the dietary treatments with TM larvae favourably affected meat composition and colour parameters, whereas there were also some positive effects on lipid and protein oxidation. Saturated fatty acids were decreased by the dietary supplementation whereas the polyunsaturated fatty acids to SFA ratio increased. In general, the study showed that whole TM larvae addition can provide a promising alternative to soybean meal in the diet of broilers, demonstrating a positive impact on growth, welfare and meat characteristics.
Although increasingly used in animal feeding, the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens - HI) and mealworm (Tenebrio molitor - TM) larvae and pupae require the characterization and modulation of their fat profile for use in the feed industry. In this study, we provide a comprehensive fatty acid profile of the total lipid triglycerides and phospholipids, and sterol composition. For a more detailed characterization of the nutritional properties, we defined the profile of esterified fatty acids (FAs) in the sn-2 position of the triglycerides, which represents the most adsorbed fraction by animals during digestion. Twenty-four batches (12 batches per species divided into 6 batches of larvae and 6 batches of pupae) of 70 subjects were used for the analysis. For each of the developmental stages, individuals in the intermediate stage were considered (2 months and 8 days for TM larvae and pupae respectively; 9 days and 7 days for HI larvae and pupae respectively). Some fatty acids (decanoic, lauric, or myristic acid) were more abundant in HI than in TM. These FAs were produced de novo, indicating that HI produce them from carbohydrates as a source of acetyl-CoA. Hermetia illucens showed a higher level of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers, a class of fatty acids with positive health effects. In contrast, TM showed a similar fatty acid profile to the plant lipid source (such as soy and sunflower) due to the high level of linoleic acid. Analysis of the triglyceride fraction showed a different affinity for the three glyceride positions. In particular, lauric acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids n-3 and CLA isomers esterified preferentially in sn-2, and therefore were the most adsorbed by the animal during digestion. As for the phospholipids, HI showed a higher level, above all in terms of the phosphatidylethanolamine fraction. Interestingly there was no sphingomyelin in the pupae of both species. The high level of phospholipids is a useful feature for the emulsion of fats in animal feed diets. Lastly, we observed a considerable amount of phytosterol in the sterol profile of both species, which makes these insects a valid alternative to other food sources of plant origin for animal nutrition. We believe that our findings provide new nutritional information for the use of TM and HI in the animal diet.
Nowadays, it is urgent to produce in larger quantities and more sustainably to reduce the gap between food supply and demand. In a circular bioeconomy vision, insects receive great attention as a sustainable alternative to satisfy food and nutritional needs. Among all insects, Tenebrio molitor (TM) is the first insect approved by the European Food Safety Authority as a novel food in specific conditions and uses, testifying its growing relevance and potential. This review holistically presents the possible role of TM in the sustainable and circular solution to the growing needs for food and nutrients. We analyze all high value‐added products obtained from TM (powders and extracts, oils and fatty acids, proteins and peptides, and chitin and chitosan), their recovery processes (evaluating the best ones in technical and environmental terms), their nutritional and economical values, and their biological effects. Safety aspects are also mentioned. TM potential is undoubted, but some aspects still need to be discussed, including the health effects of substances and microorganisms in its body, the optimal production conditions (that affect product quality and safety), and TM capacity to convert by‐products into new products. Environmental, economic, social, and market feasibility studies are also required to analyze the new value chains. Finally, to unlock the enormous potential of edible insects as a source of nutritious and sustainable food, it will be necessary to overcome the cultural, psychological, and regulatory barriers still present in Western countries.
Większość wiedzy, na której bazują obecnie nauki biologiczne, opiera się na wynikach badań, które na przestrzeni wieków przeprowadzano na zwierzętach. Idealnymi zwierzętami laboratoryjnymi są organizmy cechujące się małym rozmiarem, szybkim wzrostem, dużą płodnością oraz krótkim okresem międzypokoleniowym. Obecnie możliwość wykonywania doświadczeń na zwierzętach w naszym kraju reguluje Ustawa z dnia 15 stycznia 2015 r. o ochronie zwierząt wykorzystywanych do celów naukowych lub edukacyjnych, zgodnie z której treścią żaden z gatunków drobiu nie został uznany za zwierzę laboratoryjne. Mimo to drób stanowi istotny model w wielu pracach naukowych począwszy od badań żywieniowych, przez behawioralne czy genetyczne, kończąc na eksperymentach z zakresu nauk medycznych. Celem pracy było przedstawienie szerokiego wykorzystania drobiu w badaniach naukowych. 1. Wstęp Badania na zwierzętach prowadzone są niemal od początku historii nauki. Idealnym modelem zwierzęcym w badaniach naukowych są zwierzęta cechujące się małym rozmiarem, szybkim wzrostem, dużą płodnością oraz stosunkowo krótkim cyklem życiowym. Wszystkie wymienione warunki spełniają idealnie gatunki zaliczane do drobiu. Obecnie możliwość wykonywania doświadczeń na zwierzętach w naszym kraju reguluje Ustawa z dnia 15 stycznia 2015 r. o ochronie zwierząt wykorzystywanych do celów naukowych lub edukacyjnych (Dz.U. 2015 poz. 266, 1-25). Ustawa ta dopuszcza wykonywanie procedur jedynie w wypadku zastosowania się do tzw. zasady 3R (zasada zastąpienia, ograniczenia i udoskonalenia; z ang. Replacement, Reduction, Refinement). W myśl tej zasady przeprowadzenie procedury na zwierzętach jest możliwe tylko jeśli nie można zastosować danej metody badawczej bez wykorzystania zwierząt zgodnie z celami naukowymi określonymi w art. 3 Ustawy (zasada zastąpienia), liczba wykorzystanych zwierząt zostanie ograniczona do niezbędnego minimum (zasada ograniczenia) oraz gdy zwierzętom wykorzystanym w procedurach naukowych zapewni się odpowiednie warunki, a same procedury zostaną wybrane tak, aby ograniczały do minimum lub całkowicie eliminowały ból, cierpienie lub możliwość trwałego uszkodzenia organizmu zwierzęcia (zasada udoskonalenia). Do zwierząt laboratoryjnych zaliczane są mysz domowa (Mus musculus), szczur wędrowny (Rattus norvegicus), kawia domowa (Cavia porcellus), chomik syryjski (Mesocricetus auratus), chomiki chiński (Critetulus griseus), myszoskoczek mongolski (Meriones unguiculatus), królik europejski (Oryctolagus cuniculus), pies domowy (Canis familiaris), kot domowy (Felis catus), żaba trawna (Rana temporaria), żaba lamparcia (Rana pipiens), platana szponiasta (Xenopus laevis), platana tropikalna (Xenopus tropicalis), danio pręgowane (Danio rerio) oraz ściśle określonej grupy zwierząt z rzędu naczelnych. Wśród wymienionych gatunków nie ma drobiu mimo że posiada on wszelkie * SKN działa pod patronatem Krajowej Rady Drobiarstwa
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.
Objective
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary protein sources (soybean meal, SBM; low-gossypol cottonseed meal, LCSM; double-zero rapeseed meal, DRM) on laying performance, egg quality, and plasma parameters of laying hens.
Methods
A total of 432 32-wk-old laying hens were randomly divided into 6 treatments with 6 replicates of 12 birds each. The birds were fed diets containing SBM, LCSM100, or DRM100 individually or in combination with an equal amount of crude protein (CP) (LCSM50, DRM50, and LCSM50-DRM50). The experimental diets, which were isocaloric (metabolizable energy, 11.11 MJ/kg) and isonitrogenous (CP, 16.5%), had similar digestible amino acid profile. The feeding trial lasted 12 weeks.
Results
The daily egg mass was decreased in the LCSM100 and LCSM50-DRM50 groups (p<0.05) in weeks 41 to 44. The LCSM50 group did not affect egg production compared to the SBM group in weeks 41 to 44 (p>0.05) and showed increased yolk color at the end of the trial (p<0.05). Compared to the SBM group, the LCSM100 and LCSM50-DRM50 groups showed decreased albumen weight (p<0.05), CP weight in the albumen (p<0.05) and CP weight in the whole egg (p<0.05) at 44 weeks. Plasma total protein (TP) levels were lower in the LCSM100 group than in the SBM group at 44 weeks (p<0.05); however, TP, albumin, and globulin levels were not significantly different between the LCSM50 group and the SBM group or between the DRM50 group and the SBM group (p>0.05).
Conclusion
Together, our results suggest that the LCSM100 or DRM100 diets may produce the adverse effects on laying performance and egg quality after feeding for 8 more weeks. The 100.0 g/kg LCSM diet or the148.7 g/kg DRM diet has no adverse effects on laying performance and egg quality.
An experiment was conducted to determine the performance of broiler chicks to the replacement of fishmeal with the larvae of Cirina forda. Three diets, namely Diet A (100% C. forda larvae and 0% Fish meal); Diet B (50% C. forda larvae and 50% Fish meal); and Diet C, which was the control (100% Fish meal and 0% C. forda larvae) were compounded and fed to the birds. The results showed that the consumption rate, the mean weight gain and specific growth rate of birds fed with Diets A and B did not differ significant (P > 0.05) when compared with the control. The potentials of the edible C. forda larvae as a protein source, which can replace and elicit similar growth trends in broiler chicks like the protein present in conventional fish meal, are discussed.
This study evaluated the effects of diets containing Tenebrio molitor (TM) larvae meal on growth performances, somatic indexes, nutrient digestibility, dorsal muscle proximate and fatty acid (FA) compositions of rainbow trout. Three hundred sixty fish were randomly divided into three groups with four replicates each. The groups were fed diets differing in TM inclusion: 0% (TM0), 25% (TM25) and 50% (TM50) as fed weight basis. Weight gain was not affected by treatment. Feeding rate was significantly higher in TM0 than TM50. Feed conversion ratio was significantly higher in TM0 than TM25 and TM50, while an opposite trend was observed for protein efficiency ratio and specific growth rate. The survival rate was significantly lower in TM0 than TM25 and TM50. The apparent digestibility of protein was significantly lower in the TM50 group than the other groups, while the apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and lipids was unaffected by treatment. If compared to control, the protein and lipid contents of fillets were respectively increased and decreased following TM inclusion in the diet. The Σn3/Σn6 FA ratio of fish dorsal muscle was linearly (TM0>TM25>TM50) reduced by TM inclusion in the diet. Results suggested that TM could be used during the growing phase in trout farming; however, additional studies on specific feeding strategies and diet formulations are needed to limit its negative effects on the lipid fraction of fillets.
The aim of this study was to determine the apparent digestibility coefficients of the total tract (CTTAD) of nutrients and the apparent metabolizable energy (AME and AMEn) of two insect larval meals (Tenebrio molitor and . Hermetia illucens) for broiler chickens. The amino acid (AA) apparent ileal digestibility coefficients (AIDC) was also determined. The experimental diets were: a basal diet and two diets prepared by substituting 250. g/kg (w/w) of the basal diet with . Tenebrio molitor meal (TM) or . Hermetia illucens meal (HI). No statistical difference was found between the two insect larval meals for the CTTAD of the nutrients, except for the CTTAD for ether extract (P . <. 0.001) where the HI meal proved to be more digestible than the TM meal (0.99 and 0.88, respectively). The CTTAD for DM was 0.60 and 0.53; 0.66 and 0.66 for OM; 0.60 and 0.51 for CP, whereas it was 0.64 and 0.69 for GE, for TM and HI, respectively. No difference was observed between TM and HI (P . >. 0.05) for AME or AMEn (AME =16.86 and 17.38. MJ/kg DM, respectively; AMEn =16.02 and 16.60. MJ/kg DM, respectively). The average AIDC of the 17 analyzed AAs was higher (P . <. 0.001) in TM than in HI (0.86 and 0.68, respectively) because the AIDC of isoluecine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, valine, alanine, aspartic acid, glycine, glutamic acid and tyrosine was higher (P . <. 0.05) in TM than in HI. Overall, the present results have shown that TM and HI meals are excellent sources of AME for broilers and a valuable source of digestible AA, particularly as far as TM meal is concerned.
1. The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with Tenebrio molitor larvae (TML) meal in growing broilers diet. 2. A total of 80 30-d-old male Shaver brown broilers were divided into two groups fed on two isoproteic and isoenergetic diets differing for protein source (SBM vs. TML). 3. Up to 62 d of age, body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly and body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and European Efficiency Factor (EEF) were calculated. At 62 d blood samples were collected from 16 birds/group for evaluation of blood profiles. 4. Feed intake was not different between groups considering the entire period of the trial. The FCR was more favourable in the TML than SBM group from 46 d of age and in the entire period of the trial (4.13 vs. 3.62). The PER was higher in the SBM than in the TML group (1.92 vs. 1.37) while the EEF was higher in broilers fed on the TML diet (132.6 vs. 156.2). 5. Albumin to globulin ratio was higher in broilers fed on SBM than in the other group (0.44 vs. 0.30). AST and ALT were higher in TML than SBM (195.1 vs. 178.6 U/l and 82.07 vs. 46.71 U/l, respectively). Uric acid was higher in broilers fed on SBM than TML (5.40 vs. 4.16 mg/dl). 6. TML did not affect feed intake and growth rate of broilers from 30 to 62 d of age when compared to an isoproteic and isoenergetic SBM diet, but FCR of the TML group was more favourable than that of the SBM group. The lowest albumin to globulin ratio in broilers fed on TML suggests a higher immune response, probably due to the prebiotic effects of chitin.
An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of outdoor access days on growth performance, carcass yield, meat quality, and lymphoid organ index of a local chicken breed. In total, 864 twenty one-day-old male Suqin yellow chickens, with similar body weight (536 ± 36g), were selected and raised in indoor floor pens that measured 1.42 × 1.42 m (2 m(2), 18 birds/m(2)) in conventional poultry research houses (36 birds per pen). Two hundred and sixteen birds were allowed outdoor access treatments at 21, 28, 35, and 42 d of age, respectively (access to outdoor for 35, 28, 21, and 14 days, respectively). Each treatment was represented by 6 replicates (pens) containing 36 birds (216 birds per treatment). In the outdoor access treatment, the birds had an outdoor free-range paddock that measured 3 × 8 m (24 m(2), 1.5 birds/m(2)). The body weight of birds at 56 d of age increased linearly with increasing outdoor access days (P < 0.001), but there was no effect of the outdoor access days on the body weight at 42 d of age (P = 0.161). The daily weight gain, daily feed intake, and feed per gain from 21 to 42 d of age were unaffected by outdoor access days (P = 0.401, P = 0.463, P = 0.223, respectively). However, the daily weight gain and daily feed intake from 42 to 56 and from 21 to 56 d of age increased linearly with increasing outdoor access days (P = 0.002, P < 0.001; P = 0.001, P = 0.004; respectively), while the feed per gain tended to decrease linearly from 21 to 56 d of age (P = 0.060). The mortality from 21 to 56 d of age was unaffected by outdoor access days (P = 0.261). At 56 d of age, the breast yield increased linearly with increasing outdoor access days (P < 0.001), while the foot yield decreased linearly (P = 0.016). The light (L*) and red (b*) values of leg meat color increased linearly with increasing outdoor access days (P = 0.032, P = 0.013, respectively). The spleen: the body weight ratio showed a decreasing and then increasing quadratic response to increasing outdoor access days (P = 0.047). The litter moisture content at 42 and 56 d of age increased linearly with increasing outdoor access days (P < 0.001, P = 0.013, respectively). The findings of this study suggest that increasing outdoor access days advantageously affects the body weight, daily weight gain, feed per gain and breast yield as well as the light (L*) and red (b*) values of leg meat color, while decreasing foot yield.
© 2015 Poultry Science Association Inc.
This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of transport and genotype on the welfare and fear response of laying hens through a comparison of three breeds reared in free-range conditions: a commercial strain, the Isa Brown (IBh), and two local chicken breeds, the Bionda Piemontese (BPh) and the Bianca di Saluzzo (BSh). After a journey of 67 km (75min) from the farmhouse of origin to the experimental station, ninety hens, divided according to breed, were free-range reared for two months. Body weight (BW), tonic immobility (TI), red and white blood cells, heterophil to lymphocyte (H/L) ratio and 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) were assessed at four different sampling times: at the farmhouse of origin (T1), at 1 day (T2), 15 days (T3) and at 2 months (T4) after arrival at the experimental station. No statistical differences were found between the four sampling times for BW, total red and white blood cells or for AGP. An increase in the H/ L ratio (P< 0.05) was recorded at time T2 for IBh and BSh, compared to BPh ( P< 0.05). TI was significantly higher (P< 0.05) for the local breeds, BPh and BSh, than for the commercial strain IBh. The results of this study suggest that genetic and adaptive differences can affect both, physiological and ethological parameters.
http://authors.elsevier.com/a/1Qmwj1LwJ1rYNY
The decrease in the availability and the increase in the prices of fishmeal and fish oil have prompted the search for sustainable alternatives for aquaculture feeds. Insects, which are part of the natural diet of fish, leave a small ecological footprint and have a limited need for arable land, may represent a good candidate. Over the last decade, studies of the replacement of fishmeal with insects in the diet of fish have emerged and the promising results have encouraged further research. The present review displays these results in tables and emphasizes the achievable dietary inclusion levels. It discusses the potential of locusts, grasshoppers, termites, yellow mealworms, Asiatic rhinoceros beetles, superworms, domesticated silkworms, common houseflies, common mosquitoes and black soldier flies for use as fishmeal and/or fish oil replacement in the fish diet. The review succinctly compares the composition of the insects with the requirements of the fish (proteins and amino acids, lipids and fatty acids, vitamins and minerals). This review also discusses the potential hurdles of using insects in fish feeds (toxicity of insects through bioaccumulation, deficiencies in amino acids or fatty acids, chitin content, palatability, digestibility), and the available ways of avoiding these drawbacks (control of the dietary substrate of insects in mass rearing units, manipulation of the diet of insects, mixture of dietary proteins, use of aquatic insects, processing of insect meal). Finally, it suggests paths worthy of future research on these new fishmeal alternatives.
The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and intensity of parasitic gastrointestinal infections in free-range chickens from the West Pomerania province. Experimental material for the study was taken from 10 farms. Breeds raised in farms participating in the study included miniature chickens called Polish Lilliputians and Green- legged Partridge. A total of 104 samples of faeces were examined. The Willis-Schlaff flotation method was used to assess the prevalence of infection, and McMaster's method to evaluate the intensity. The presence of gastrointestinal parasites was found in 9 of the 10 farms. Oocysts of the genus Eimeria and eggs of gastrointestinal nematodes Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum and Trichostrongylus tenuis were isolated from the chicken faeces. Coccidiosis was found to be dominant parasitosis. The prevalence of infections on these farms with protozoa of Eimeria spp. was on average 32.7%, while for nematode species they amounted to 9.6% for Ascaridia galli, 5.7% for Heterakis gallinarum and 12.5% for Trichostrongylus tenuis. The results indicate the need to take preventive measures, designed to eliminate/reduce the risk of parasitoses in poultry from free-range systems. Focus should be placed on the hygiene of the farming conditions.
A 60-70% increase in consumption of animal products is expected by 2050. This increase in the consumption will demand enormous resources, the feed being the most challenging because of the limited availability of natural resources, ongoing climatic changes and food-feed-fuel competition. The costs of conventional feed resources such as soymeal and fishmeal are very high and moreover their availability in the future will be limited. Insect rearing could be a part of the solutions. Although some studies have been conducted on evaluation of insects, insect larvae or insect meals as an ingredient in the diets of some animal species, this field is in infancy. Here we collate, synthesize and discuss the available information on five major insect species studied with respect to evaluation of their products as animal feed. The nutritional quality of black soldier fly larvae, the house fly maggots, mealworm, locusts-grasshoppers-crickets, and silkworm meal and their use as a replacement of soymeal and fishmeal in the diets of poultry, pigs, fish species and ruminants are discussed. The crude protein contents of these alternate resources are high: 42 to 63% and so are the lipid contents (up to 36% oil), which could possibly be extracted and used for various applications including biodiesel production. Unsaturated fatty acid concentrations are high in housefly maggot meal, mealworm and house cricket (60-70%), while their concentrations in black soldier fly larvae are lowest (19-37%). The studies have confirmed that palatability of these alternate feeds to animals is good and they can replace 25 to 100% of soymeal or fishmeal depending on the animal species. Except silkworm meal other insect meals are deficient in methionine and lysine and their supplementation in the diet can enhance both the performance of the animals and the soymeal and fishmeal replacement rates. Most insect meals are deficient in Ca and its supplementation in the diet is also required, especially for growing animals and laying hens. The levels of Ca and fatty acids in insect meals can be enhanced by manipulation of the substrate on which insects are reared. The paper also presents future areas of research. The information synthesized is expected to open new avenues for a large scale use of insect products as animal feed.
The proximate analysis, amino acid content and true amino acid digestibility and TMEn for poultry of adult Field crickets Gryllus testaceus Walker, were investigated. The insect was also used as partial replacement of protein supplements in the broiler diet on an equal CP percentage and TMEn basis. The results indicated that the adult insect contained: crude protein 58.3%; fat 10.3%, chitin 8.7% and ash 2.96% on dry matter basis, respectively. The total amounts of methionine, cystine and lysine in the Field crickets were 1.93%, 1.01% and 4.79%, respectively, and their true digestibility coefficients, determined in cecectomized roosters, were 94.1%, 85% and 96%, respectively. The TMEn of this insect meal was 2,960 kcal/kg determined in cecectomized roosters. When cornsoybean meal diets were formulated on an equal CP percentage and TMEn basis, up to 15% Field cricket could replace control diet without any adverse affects on broiler weight gain, feed intake or gain:feed ratio from 8 to 20 d posthatching.
Whole mature seeds of eight selected varieties, subspecies and accessions of three Vicia L. species grown in Tunisia were investigated for their fatty acid (FA) profile. The FA composition ranged from lauric (C12:0) to lignoceric (C24:0) acids. The total FA content was 1235.14 to 1580.34 mg 100 g–1 dry matter (DM). Linoleic acid (C18:2 c9c12; 647.87 to 801.93 mg 100 g–1 DM, i.e. >50% of total FA), oleic acid (C18:1 c9; 181.32 to 346.79 mg 100 g–1 DM, i.e. 13.2 to 24.6% of total FA) and a-linolenic acid (C18:3 c9c12c15; 42.01 to 97.72 mg 100 g–1 DM, i.e. 3.4 to 7.1% of total FA) were the most abundant unsaturated FA. Palmitic acid (C16:0; 189.86 to 281.07 mg 100 g–1 DM, i.e. 15.4 to 17.8% of total FA) and stearic acid (C18:0; 24.35 to 52.75 mg 100 g–1 DM, i.e. 2.0 to 4.0% of total FA) were the major saturated ones. The sum of all other FA did not exceed 3.0% of TFA. The favourable FA profile of the studied vetch seeds makes them interesting cheap diet components to be used in the nutrition of ruminants and non-ruminants reared in the dryland agricultural regions of Mediterranean countries.
This article describes some of the milestones in research concerned with protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria that infect birds and cause the disease coccidiosis. The time period covered is from 1891, when oocysts were first found in the ceca of diseased chickens, to the present. Progress in our understanding has lagged behind that of other protozoan parasites such as Toxoplasma and Plasmodium despite the enormous importance of Eimeria to animal livestock production. Nevertheless, applied research by universities, government agencies, and private industry has resulted in the successful development of methods of control, research that continues today. The topics covered and the references provided are selective and include life cycles and biology, pathology, ultrastructure, biochemistry, immunity, genetics, host cell invasion, species identification, taxonomy, chemotherapy, vaccination, and literature concerned with avian coccidiosis. This review is primarily concerned with the avian species of Eimeria that infect poultry, but some important advances, principally in immunology, have been made using species that infect rodents and rabbits. These are included where appropriate.
This experiment studied the influence of delayed placement (HI) and digestible lysine level (DL) on the morphometrics of the intestinal mucosa and on the performance of broilers. A total number of 1,705 Cobb 500 male chicks were used in a completely randomized experimental design in a factorial arrangement with four HI (12, 24, 36 and 48h), and two DL level in the starter diet (1.143 and 1.267%), with four replicates and 55 birds per experimental unit. The amino acids methionine-cystine, threonine, and tryptophan were balanced according to the ideal protein (IP) concept. Small intestine morphometrics was evaluated using histology slides of the duodenum and jejunum. There was no interaction between HI and DL levels for any of the studied parameters. The 1.143% level of DL promoted better performance results at 21 and 42 days of age, as well as higher duodenum and jejunum crypt depth, and duodenum villi height at 21 days of age. HI negatively influenced the morphometrics of the small intestine during the starter phase, and the performance of broilers up to 42 days of age. There was no effect of the treatments on yolk sac utilization or abdominal fat percentage. It was concluded that the use of 1.143% DL and HI of 12 hours promoted better development of the small intestine mucosa up to 21 days of age, and broiler performance at market age.
SUMMARY By means of standardized methods, the nutritive value of some beetle species that are eaten in Mexico and that of Pachymerus nucleorum from Brazil was analyzed and compared. It is con- cluded that the edible beetles of Mexico and P. nucleorum show a high nutritive value in proteins, amino acids, fats, calories, and minerals. Their ingestion contributes to the nutrition of the people that use this kind of food resource, in accordance with their abun- dance during several seasons of the year when they are available.
The demand for animal protein is expected to rise by 70-80% between 2012 and 2050, while the current animal production sector already causes major environmental degradation. Edible insects are suggested as a more sustainable source of animal protein. However, few experimental data regarding environmental impact of insect production are available. Therefore, a lifecycle assessment for mealworm production was conducted, in which greenhouse gas production, energy use and land use were quantified and compared to conventional sources of animal protein. Production of one kg of edible protein from milk, chicken, pork or beef result in higher greenhouse gas emissions, require similar amounts of energy and require much more land. This study demonstrates that mealworms should be considered a more sustainable source of edible protein.
Selection for fast early growth rate and feeding and management procedures which support growth have lead to various welfare problems in modern broiler strains. Problems which are directly linked to growth rate are metabolic disorders causing mortality by the Sudden Death Syndrome and ascites. Fast growth rate is generally accompanied by decreased locomotor activity and extended time spent sitting or lying. The lack of exercise is considered a main cause of leg weakness, and extreme durations of sitting on poor quality litter produces skin lesions at the breast and the legs. Management factors which slow down early growth alleviate many welfare problems. Alternatively it may be considered to use slow growing strains which do not have the above mentioned welfare problems. Since growth is a main economical factor, there are problems of acceptability of these measures in the commercial broiler production. Stocking density is a central issue of broiler welfare. It is evident, that the influence of stocking density on growth rate and leg problems acts through its influence on litter and air quality. High moisture content of the litter enhances microbial activity, which in turn leads to increase of temperature and ammonia in broiler houses, and thus, high incidence of contact dermatitis. High stocking density impedes heat transfer from the litter surface to the ventilated room. This restricts the efficacy of conventional ventilation systems in alleviating heat stress. Lighting programmes with reduced photoperiods are considered essential for the stimulation of locomotor activity and the development of a circadian rhythm in the birds. Extended dark periods, however, reduce growth when applied in the first weeks of age. Compensation occurs when the time of the production cycle is substantially increased. Various methods to enrich the environment have shown only moderate effects on the behaviour and physical conditions of broilers.
With a growing world population and increasingly demanding consumers, the production of sufficient protein from livestock, poultry, and fish represents a serious challenge for the future. Approximately 1,900 insect species are eaten worldwide, mainly in developing countries. They constitute quality food and feed, have high feed conversion ratios, and emit low levels of greenhouse gases. Some insect species can be grown on organic side streams, reducing environmental contamination and transforming waste into high-protein feed that can replace increasingly more expensive compound feed ingredients, such as fish meal. This requires the development of costeffective, automated mass-rearing facilities that provide a reliable, stable, and safe product. In the tropics, sustainable harvesting needs to be assured and rearing practices promoted, and in general, the food resource needs to be revalorized. In the Western world, consumer acceptability will relate to pricing, perceived environmental benefits, and the development of tasty insect-derived protein products. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Entomology Volume 58 is December 03, 2013. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/catalog/pubdates.aspx for revised estimates.
1. Footpad dermatitis (FPD) is a recognised welfare problem in broiler chickens. Broiler feet (n = 54) were examined macroscopically and microscopically to determine a reliable correspondence between macroscopic and histological features, and to devise a scoring system that was relevant to bird welfare and easy to use at processing plants. 2. Three types of footpad lesion were defined based on their severity. Type I were mild lesions, visually characterised by scale enlargement and erythema, and histologically by hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis of the epidermis, superficial dermal congestion and oedema. Type II were moderate, superficial lesions, visually characterised by hypertrophic and hyperkeratotic scales covered with yellowish to brownish exudate, and histologically by a prominent pustular and crust-forming dermatitis. Type III lesions were the most pronounced, visually characterised by a thick dark adherent crust, and histologically by extensive ulceration. 3. On the basis of the severity and extent of these three types of lesions, a 5-point scale was devised, i.e. no or type I lesion (score 1), type II lesion (<50% or >50% of footpad, scores 2 and 3 respectively) and type III lesion (<50% or >50% of footpad, scores 4 and 5 respectively). 4. The scoring system has the advantage of making sense in terms of welfare compared with previous schemes. Furthermore, it is histologically validated and easy to use for the routine assessment of broiler welfare in processing plants.
Foot-pad dermatitis (FPD) is a widespread challenge to turkey production. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of using floor heating and exposure to litter with critical moisture content (35%) under experimental infection with Eimeria. adenoeides on the severity of FPD in turkeys. Two trials were done; in each trial, 4 groups of 2-wk-old female turkeys were reared over 4 wk. At the start of the experiment (d 14), each bird had normal foot pads. All birds were fed ad libitum on identical pelleted diets without any anticoccidial additive. The first 2 groups were kept on dry wood shavings with or without floor heating; the other 2 groups were housed on wet wood shavings of 35% moisture with or without floor heating. Two birds in each of the 4 groups were experimentally infected with E. adenoeides via crop intubation (~50,000 oocysts/bird). Foot pads were assessed weekly for external scoring and at d 42 of life for histopathological scoring. The number of oocysts eliminated via excreta was determined. In both trials, using floor heating resulted in significantly decreased FPD scores (2.06 ± 0.735; 1.47 ± 0.734, trials 1 and 2, respectively) compared with groups housed without floor heating (3.88 ± 0.812; 2.73 ± 1.25, trials 1 and 2, respectively). Birds continuously exposed to wet litter (35% moisture) showed significantly increased FPD scores (3.41 ± 1.23; 2.69 ± 1.34, trials 1 and 2, respectively) compared with the group not exposed to wet litter (2.53 ± 1.00; 1.53 ± 0.683, trials 1 and 2, respectively). The coccidial infection in both trials resulted in markedly lowered DM contents of excreta (14.8 and 15.1%, trials 1 and 2, respectively) and litter (58.0 and 57.6%, trials 1 and 2, respectively) in the groups exposed to wet litter without using floor heating. In both trials, using floor heating resulted in the highest mean DM content of litter (85.1 and 85.0%, trials 1 and 2, respectively) and the highest BW (2,693 and 2,559 g, trials 1 and 2, respectively). The results suggest that induced diarrhea caused by coccidial infection led to poor litter quality, and hence, increased the severity of FPD, which can be overcome by using floor heating.
To evaluate the effect of decreasing dietary protein on growth performance, carcass traits, and intestinal mucosal morphometry, 180 female Hubbard strain broiler chickens were divided into 3 groups and fed 3 isoenergetic diets ad libitum from 14 d of age until slaughter age (49 d). The treatments varied according to 3 protein levels: high-protein diet (HiP, 22.5% CP, DM basis), medium-protein diet (MedP, 20.5% CP), and low-protein diet (LowP, 18.5%). Diets were obtained by replacing wheat middlings with soybean meal and were formulated to meet or exceed broiler amino acid requirements of the NRC. Morphometric indices of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were measured at the end of the feeding period and included villus height, crypt depth, villus-to-crypt ratio, and apparent villus surface area. The dietary protein level had a significant effect on final BW of birds, whereas ADG, ADFI, and feed efficiency remained unaffected by dietary treatment. The muscle (breast and drumstick) yields were significantly higher in birds fed the HiP diet compared with those of the MedP and LowP diets. Meat quality traits were not affected by the protein level. The villus surface area of all intestinal segments did not change among groups. Instead, reducing the dietary protein level to 20.5% resulted in a higher villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio in the duodenum and ileum. On the basis of our findings, even if the high-protein diet promoted meat yield, a medium-protein diet could positively support broiler growth performance, as confirmed by favorable morphometric features of the intestine.
IN most developed countries, approximately 90 per cent of laying hens are kept in cages ([Tauson 1998][1]). From 2012, European Council Directive 1999/74/EC will prohibit the use of conventional cages within the EU, but will permit the use of modified ‘enriched’ cages and non-cage systems.
A total of one hundred and fifty day-old anak broiler chicks were used to investigate the replacement value of silkworm caterpillar meal (SCM) for fish meal (FM) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and cost benefit of starter broilers. The birds were randomly allotted to five treatment groups of 30 birds with each treatment having two replicates of 15 birds each. Five isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets were formulated such that diet 1 which served as the control had 100% FM:0% SCM while diets 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively) had: 75% FM:25% SCM;50% FM:50% SCM;25% FM:75% SCM and 0%FM: 00% SCM, respectively. The birds were given feed and water ad-libitum . The performance in terms of feed intake (29.51-31.66g), body weight gain (16.56-19.03g), feed conversion efficiency (FCR) (1.60-1.72), protein efficiency ratio (PER) (2.67-2.77) and nutrient digestibility of the chicks indicated no significant (P > 0.05) differences among the treatment means. Cost per kg gain gradually declined with increasing dietary level of SCM indicating higher economic benefit. The results of this study demonstrated that cheaper silkworm caterpillar meal can be an excellent substitute for fish meal in formulating diets for starter broiler chicks leading to increased economic gains.
Recent studies have suggested the utilization of maggots as a feed supplement forenhanced broiler performance. Maggots, which are a major dietary source of protein, appear during the biodegradation of chicken droppings using house flies. The objective ofthe present study was to investigate the effect of maggot supplementation on the meat quality and growth performance of broiler chickens. A total of 600 one-day-old male commercial broiler chicks (Ross) were randomly assigned into 5 treatment groups consisting of 40 replicates of 3 birds. The birds were fed either a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with 5.0, 10.0, 15.0 and 20.0% maggots. Overall, broiler chicken performance was influenced by the optimal amino acid profile; high protein (63.99%) and essential amino acid content (29.46%), or high protein digestibility (98.50%) of the maggots. Maggot supplementation caused linear increases in live weight gain but not the feed conversion ratio. The diets of 10 and 15% maggots was the most efficient in terms of average weight gain forthe 4-5 week old broiler chickens (p<0.05). It also significantly increased dressing percentage, breast muscle, and thigh muscle (p<0.05). No differences were observed forliver abdominalfat, or meat color, and the crude protein contents of breast muscle were constant. However, in the maggot-fed broilers, breast muscle lysine and tryptophan levels increased significantly as compared to the birds fed the basal diet (p<0.05). These results indicate that feeding diets containing 10 to 15% maggots in chicken dropping after biodegradation can improve the carcass quality and growth performance of broiler chickens.
A total of 144 day old straight run Arber Acres broiler chicks were fed ad libitum up to 42 days of age on 4 isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets formulated by replacing dietary fishmeal (FM) by silkworm pupae (SWP) up to 42 days of age. Four diets; D<sub>0</sub> (6% FM + 0% SWP), D<sub>1</sub> (4% FM + 2% SWP), D<sub>2</sub> (2% FM + 4% SWP) and D<sub>3</sub> (0% FM + 6% SWP) were fed to observe the effect of dietary SWP on performance. The growth rate, feed conversion, livability, meat yield and profitability increased almost linearly on increasing level of SWP.
1. The objective was to compare the effect of two litter types (wheat straw and wood shavings) and two different rearing conditions (Treated and Control) on welfare indicators, broiler performance, carcase injuries, particularly hock and foot pad dermatitis (FPD), litter characteristics and meat quality.
2. Treated conditions were characterised by a low stocking density (11 birds/m²), short photoperiod (16 h light: 8 h dark) and a large amount of litter (3 to 4·5 kg/m², respectively, for wheat straw or wood shavings). Control conditions were a high stocking density (14 birds/m²), long photoperiod (23 h light:1 h dark) and small amount of litter (2·3 to 3 kg/m², respectively, for wheat straw or wood shavings). In addition, the effects of two widely used litter materials, wheat straw and wood shavings, were investigated.
3. The combined effects of lower stocking density, greater amount of litter material and a photoperiod similar to the natural one, reduced the occurrence of FPD in Treated groups keeping the FPD score under the European threshold.
4. Improved rearing conditions led to faster growth rate associated with inferior feed efficiency, whereas litter type exerted negligible effects on broiler performance.
5. Litter moisture content, nitrogen and ammonia released by the litter were lower in Treated groups than Control groups. The use of wood shavings resulted in lower moisture and nitrogen concentrations in the litter.
The small intestinal mucosa of 112 piglets aged between 21 and 32 days was examined to identify the effects on its structure of weaning and of consumption of creep food. In unweaned control pigs a gradual increase in crypt depth occurred with age, while villus height altered little. In contrast, weaned pigs showed a highly significant increase in crypt depth and an increase in the complexity of villus morphology with a dramatic reduction in villus height. Crypts elongated most in the distal small intestine, while the loss of villus height was greatest proximally. No inflammatory reaction was seen and the alterations were not influenced by consumption of creep food before weaning. This failed to support the hypothesis that hypersensitivity to dietary antigens is involved in the aetiology of such intestinal changes. The reduction in small intestinal absorptive area and the appearance of a less mature enterocyte population help to explain the increased susceptibility of the pig to diarrhoea and growth checks in the post-weaning period.
Matched samples of 100 chickens of each of growers and adult rural free-range chickens in Morogoro, Tanzania, were purchased from the beginning to the end of the long rainy season. At necropsy, the trachea, the gastrointestinal tract and the oviduct were examined for helminth infections. The helminth species isolated comprised 18 nematodes and 8 cestodes but no trematodes. Tetrameres fissispina is a new record in Tanzania. All the chickens harboured at least three different helminth species. Growers contained 4-14 and adults 3-12 helminth species. The number of species isolated per chicken increased as the rainy season advanced. The prevalence of the following species were significantly higher in growers than in adults (p < 0.05); Ascaridia galli (69% of growers, 29% of adults); Syngamus trachea (14%, 3%); Tetrameres americana (94%, 82%); Trichostrongylus tenuis (43%, 7%); Choanotaenia infundibulum (15%, 6%); Davainea proglottina (9%, 2%); and Raillietina tetragona (36%, 21%). Allodapa suctoria (3%, 20%) and Capillaria annulata (1%, 10%) had a significantly lower prevalence in growers than in adults (p < 0.05). There were significantly higher worm burdens (p < 0.05) in growers than in adults for A. galli, Capillaria caudinflata, R. tetragona, S. trachea, T. americana, T. fissispina and T. tenuis. Conversely, A. suctoria and C. annulata showed significantly higher worm burdens in adults (p < 0.05). The sex of the chickens influenced the burdens of Heterakis brevispiculum (p < 0.05). There was an interaction effect such that growing males and adult females had statistically higher (p < 0.05) burdens of T. tenuis and A. suctoria, respectively.
The objective of this study was to determine the effects of age and diet on intestinal morphology and large bowel fermentative end-product concentrations in healthy dogs. Small intestinal villus width, height, and area, and small intestinal and colonic crypt depth were measured. Large bowel digesta samples were analyzed for ammonia, SCFAs, and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs). SCFAs are considered to be beneficial fermentative end-products in the intestine because they exert trophic effects on intestinal cells. Twelve senior (age = 11.1 y +/- 0.6 at baseline; 6 male, 6 female) and 12 young adult (age = 8 wk old at baseline; 6 male, 6 female) beagles were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 dietary treatments, an animal product-based diet (APB) and a plant product-based diet (PPB). Diets were fed for 12 mo. Jejunal (P = 0.03) and ileal (P = 0.02) villus height, and duodenal (P = 0.04) villus width were greater for dogs consuming the PPB diet. Young dogs had greater (P = 0.04) jejunal villus height, whereas senior dogs had greater (P < 0.001) colonic crypt depth. Ammonia concentrations decreased (P = 0.03) from proximal to distal colon and were higher in dogs consuming APB (P = 0.03). Age and treatment affected butyrate concentrations, with senior dogs (P = 0.04) and dogs consuming APB (P = 0.04) having higher concentrations. Both diet and age affected small and large intestinal morphology, and colonic fermentative end-product concentrations in dogs.
Data from a large commercial-scale experiment in which 10 major broiler producer companies stocked whole houses of birds at 30, 34, 38, 42, and 46 kg/m2 were analyzed to identify 1) temperature and humidity profiles achieved throughout the growth cycle, 2) management practices and equipment that contributed to observed variation in environmental conditions, and 3) the extent to which environmental variables affected bird welfare. The study involved a total of 2.7 million birds in 114 houses on commercial farms with measurement of a wide range of environmental and bird variables. Much of the variation in broiler health and welfare was associated with the percentage of time a company could maintain house temperature and RH within limits recommended by the breeder company. RH in the first week of life was particularly important to later health, suggesting that better control of humidity might lead to improved welfare. Key management factors affecting bird welfare were those relating to good ventilation and air control such as the type of ventilation, type of drinker, numbers of stockmen, and litter type. Controlling the environment, particularly temperature, humidity, and air and litter quality, is crucial to broiler chicken welfare. This does not mean that stocking density is unimportant, but lowering stocking density on its own, without regard to the environment the birds experience, is not sufficient. Genuine improvements in bird welfare will come from setting standards that combine stocking density, safeguards on the environment, and the genetic makeup of the birds.
The development of a functionally intact intestinal tract is essential for the successful production of poultry, particularly meat-type birds and turkeys. Yet, a paucity of information exists on the development of the small intestine, especially in newly hatched chicks and poults. Several criteria are used by our group for examining intestinal maturation and functional development of the small intestine. Among them are morphological studies, enterocyte proliferation, migration and turnover time, and the biochemical activity and RNA expression of brush-border enzymes. Our observations have documented rapid morphological development after hatching with differing rates of increase in villus volume in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. When access to first feed is delayed, small intestinal development is slower. Proliferating cells are located in the crypt and up to the middle region of the villus, with the crypt region exhibiting a significantly higher number of proliferating cells. Different migration rates of enterocytes along the villi are observed in the three sections of the small intestine, with the highest rate in the duodenum and the lowest in the ileum. The brush-border enzyme activities differ in the three regions of the small intestine and are altered when first feeding is delayed or in vitamin A deficient diet. The use of cDNA probes detected the RNA expression of two brush-border enzymes. The understanding of molecular mechanisms regulating enterocyte proliferation and functional maturation will introduce a new dimension to poultry nutrition and will contribute to a better matching of the diet at an early age. Moreover, it will open a field of manipulations, administrated either by in-ovo treatments or in the first days after hatch, which will contribute to earlier development of the small intestine.
A pre-fattening trial was performed to evaluate the effect of replacement of fishmeal (FM) with insect meal (IM;
Tenebrio molitor) on growth performance and survival rate of common catfish (Ameiurus melas). Fingerlings of
A. melas (mean body weight 0.248±0.07 g) were randomly distributed over 4 indoor tanks of 2 m3 at a density of
2,000 fish/tank, and kept at a temperature of 23-25 °C in two separated recirculating aquaculture systems. Fish were
divided into two groups (two tanks per group): FM and IM. Fish of the FM group were fed with a control diet (51.6%
protein and 18.1% lipid), whereas those of the IM group received a diet (50.8% protein and 22.1% lipid) in which
50% of FM was substituted with IM. Chemical parameters (moisture, crude protein, total lipids, ether extract, and
ash) and fatty acid profile of the two feeds is reported. The feeding trial lasted 90 days and fish were weighed at the
beginning of the trial and then on monthly basis. Growth performance was good in both groups. However, fish of
the IM group reached a final mean body weight (4.2±0.6 g) significantly lower (P<0.01) than that of the FM group
(5.13±0.7 g). The survival rate of FM group (79%) was higher than that of IM (70%), too. In conclusion, the results
of this study demonstrated that the diet with insect meal was able to sustain growth in catfish fingerlings but fish
fed with FM performed better than those fed with IM.
An experiment with 210 male (Ross 308) 1-d-old broilers was conducted to test the hypothesis that a coarse diet improves performance of broilers fed a poorly digestible protein source. A highly digestible diet based on soybean meal was gradually replaced by a low digestible diet based on rapeseed meal (RSM) in 5 steps (RSM-0%, RSM-25%, RSM-50%, RSM-75%, and RSM-100%). Two diet structures (fine and coarse) were used as an additional factor. These 2 factors and their interactions were tested at different ages in a factorial arrangement with 10 dietary treatments. An increase in indigestible dietary protein negatively affected feed intake (P = 0.003), BW gain (P = 0.008), and feed conversion ratio (P = 0.034). This increase in dietary indigestible protein contents resulted in a decrease (P = 0.001) in total cecal volatile fatty acid concentration from 209.1 to 125.9 mmol/kg of DM digesta in broilers with increasing RSM in diets. Increase in the indigestible protein level, from RSM-0% to RSM-100%, resulted in a decrease (P = 0.042) in villus heights (1,782 vs. 1,574 µm), whereas crypt depths increased (P = 0.021; 237 vs. 274 µm). A coarse diet improved feed intake (P = 0.006), BW gain (P = 0.014), and feed conversion ratio (P = 0.009). Broilers fed coarse diets had approximately 11, 24, and 10% lower relative empty weights of the crop, proventriculus, and jejunum, respectively, whereas a 15% heavier gizzard was found compared with those fed the fine diets. Dietary coarseness resulted in approximately 16% lower gizzard pH, 21% greater villus heights, 27% lower crypt depths, 24% reduced branched-chain fatty acids, and 12% lower biogenic amines in the cecal digesta compared with broilers fed fine diets. In conclusion, feeding coarse particles improved broiler performance irrespective of digestibility of the diet. Hindgut protein fermentation can be reduced by coarse grinding of the diet.
The aim of the present research was to determine the effect of low protein diets on growth performance, carcass traits and ammonia emission from barrows and gilts during the growing and finishing periods. For each period, three diets were formulated. A control diet (C) with 160 and 155 g crude protein (CP)/kg for the growing and finishing, respectively, a medium level diet (M) and a low level diet (L) with 10 and 20 g CP/kg less than the C, respectively. All the diets were supplemented with crystalline amino acids on an ideal protein basis. Barrows (90) and gilts (90) were sorted by bodyweight and sex and housed in three identical manually ventilated chambers. No significant effects of diet on pig performance were observed. In the finishing period, barrows were heavier (P < 0.001) and had higher average daily gain (P < 0.01) and average daily feed intake (P < 0.01) than gilts. Pigs fed the L diet had higher backfat thickness than those fed the other diets in the growing period (P < 0.05). Backfat thickness was higher (P < 0.01) in barrows than in gilts. Muscle depth decreased in pigs fed the L diet in the finishing period. Muscle depth was not affected (P > 0.05) by sex. Average ammonia emissions during the last 6 days were 117.7, 94.2 and 85.5 mg ammonia/kg pig. day for pigs fed the C, Mand L diets, respectively. The results show that a reduction in dietary CP of 10 g/kg, accompanied by supplementation with crystalline amino acid reduced ammonia emission by 19.9% with no detrimental effects on growth performance and carcass characteristics, and a reduction of 20 g/kg reduced ammonia emission by 27.3% with no detrimental effects on growth performance but reduced muscle depth at slaughter.
Insects as a major animal group possess enormous biodiversity and form a colossal biomass in nature that generally is wasted. Insects offer us many benefits, including their use in human and animal nutrition, in medicine, religion, art, and handicrafts. Also, they are efficient recyclers of organic matter and provide a source of economic gain for the poor through their commercialization. Even if insects are considered by developed nations as an emergency and non-conventional food of low prestige, they are part of the daily diet of the larger part of humanity, that conceive them as a healthy, nutritious and savory meal, constituting sometimes the only significant source of protein of good quality. Up to date we have recorded around 2000 different edible insect species in the world. Because of their high nutritive value and ubiquitous presence, insects present a potential sustainable food source for humans. Once was select suitable species and develop appropriate breeding methods, insects can provide a reliable and sustainable source of high-quality animal protein.
This review examines the avian heterophil leucocyte and provides a morphological and cytochemical profile drawn from light and electron microscopy studies of these cells and their characteristic cytoplasmic granules. Other aspects covered include relative and absolute heterophil counts in different avian species and the response of heterophils to stress and to acute inflammation. Heterophils are round cells and, with Romanowsky stains, their primary fusiform granules appear brick-red in colour. A secondary type of round granule, less dense in the electron microscope and smaller than the primary granule, can be seen in most avian species. The primary granules frequently display a ‘central body’ that may be proteinaceous in nature. Unlike mammalian neutrophils, avian heterophils are devoid of myeloperoxidase. However, their cytoplasmic granules contain several lysosomal and non-lysosomal enzymes including acid phosphatase, arylsulphatase, β-glucuronidase, phosphorylase, uridine diphosphate glucose-glucogen glycosyltrans-ferase, neutral and acid α-glucosidases, acid trimetaphosphatase and lysozyme. In the majority of birds heterophils are the second most numerous cell in circulation, the exceptions being several species of the Psittacine and Anseriformes orders, ostrich, ring-necked pheasant, pigeon and rosy flamingo. Heterophils generally outnumber lymphocytes in chicks between hatch and one week of age. Their numbers increase during mildly or moderately stressful conditions and consequently the heterophil/ymphocyte ratio can be used to detect the presence of physiological stress for most stressors. A heteropenia can occur, however, during severe stress. Heterophils respond to a stimulus (chemotactic agent) within about 30 minutes during the early inflammatory phase and they may also have sensitive and selective phagocytosing properties. By seven days heterophils become unrecognizable and, with macrophage recruitment, the characteristic heterophilic granuloma develops.
This review on avian blood leucocyte responses to stress covers the literature from the early 1980s. It considers only non-infectious hormonal responses of leucocytes to stress mediated either by nutritional, parenteral, climatic/environmental (physical or social) or psychological stressors. The heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio after the administration of ACTH either in the diet or by injection and during food restriction studies has been studied. The ratio was found to be inadequate during severe food restriction studies, as some stressed birds responded with a heteropenia, lymphocytosis and a significant basophilia. Climatic and environmental stressors such as road transportation and heat stress produced significantly raised H/L ratios and basophilias, respectively. Psychological stressors such as fasting, frustration or noise showed different leucocytic responses and the times in which cells were mobilized also varied. Although the H/L ratio is a less variable indicator of avian stress than individual cell numbers and more reliable than corticosteroid levels in plasma, this rule applies only when mild to moderate stress exists. During extreme stress, as in life-threatening situations, a heteropenia and basophilia develop so the H/L ratio cannot always be accepted as an accurate measurement of stress in poultry. Thus, in some avian stress a two-phase cellular reaction may be present. This biphasic leucocytic response to stress may be unique to Aves.
An experiment was conducted to determine the value of housefly (Musca domestica) larvae as a nutrient source for poultry. Forty-eight turkey poults were allocated to 12 brooding cages and fed either dehydrated M. domestica larvae (MDL) or a commercial diet (CD). Gross energy, apparent metabolizable energy and crude protein of the MDL were 23.1, 17.9 MJ/kg, and 593 g/kg, respectively and in CD 17.0, 13.2 MJ/kg and 318 g/kg, respectively (P < 0.05). Coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility were high in the MDL. Dehydrated fly larva compares favorably to Soya bean meal as a protein supplement.
Two hundred and twenty five day old broilers were used to investigate the replacement value of maggot meal for groundnut cake (GNC) in the diets of broilers. Housefly maggot ( Musca domestica ) meal containing 37.2% crude protein, 35.5% crude fat, 7.15% ash, 9.05% crude fibre and 5.3kcal of energy was fed to replace dietary GNC at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in weight gain, feed intake, feed to gain ratio and nutrient retention with increasing levels of maggot meal in the diets of the broilers. The result obtained showed that maggot meal could replace up to 100% of dietary GNC level in the diets of broilers without adverse effect on performance.
Direct transesterification (DT) and solvent extraction with acid or basic derivatization procedure for fatty acid (FA) analysis in herbage were compared. The highest total FA, alpha-linolenic and linoleic acid contents were obtained with DT. However, DT also produced the highest amount of interfering compounds, identified as phytadienes and sugar derivative products, which may co-elute with FA. An additional step based on solid-phase extraction to produce clean samples was proposed. This procedure is simple and gives good recoveries for the FA fortified samples. Additionally, structural characterization of 16:1 trans-3 was conducted by covalent adduct chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry.
Wet litter induced severe ulceration of the skin of commercial broiler chickens over the plantar surface of the feet, the caudal aspect of the intertarsal joint and over the sternum. In addition constant sitting of the birds resulted in development of breast “busters”. Growth rates were also depressed. Reversion of litter conditons to dry resulted in rapid healing of most of the lesions with a compensatory recovery in growth rate. Resume Des litières humides induisent une sévère ulcération de la peau de poulets de chair au niveau de la surface plantaire des doigts, la partie postérieure de l'articulation intertarsienne et le sternum. De plus les oiseaux qui sont accroupis constamment développent des ampoules du brechet. La croissance est diminuée. L'amélioration de la qualité de la litière se traduit par une guérison rapide de la plupart des lésions avec une récupération du poids. Zusammenfassung Feuchte Einstreu veranlaβte schwere Hautulcerationen auf der Plantar Oberfläche der Füße, der kaudalen Seite der Intertarsalgelenke und über dem Sternum. Zusätzlich führte die ständig sitzende Stellung der Tiere zur Entstehung von Brustblasen. Die Wachstumrate war herabgesetzt. Durch eine Berichtigung der Einstreuverhältnisse wurde eine rasche Abheilung der Veränderungen und eine kompensa‐torische Erhöhung der Wachstumsrate erreicht. Resumen Una cama húmeda provocó ulceración severa de la piel de pollos de engorda comerciales, en la superficie plantar de las extremidades inferiores, en la parte caudal de la articulación intertarsal y en el esternón. El contacto constante de las aves con la cama húmeda favoreció el desarrollo de “ampollas” en la pechuga. Asimismo, las tasas de crecimiento se redujeron. La reversión de las condiciones de la cama y el secado de la misma condujo a una rápida cicatrización de la mayoría de las lesiones y a una recuperación compensatoria de la tasa de crecimiento.
The number of lymphocytes in chicken blood samples decreased and the number of heterophils increased in response to stressors and to increasing levels of corticosterone in the chicken feed. The ratio of heterophils to lymphocytes was less variable than the number of heterophil or lymphocyte cells, and the range of values for this ratio was greater than the range of values for heterophils and lymphocytes among control and experimental groups. The heterophil/lymphocyte ratio appears to be a more reliable indicator of levels of corticosterone in the feed and to social stress than were the plasma corticosteroid levels.
A method of classification of broiler foot-health status was developed to estimate the prevalence of foot-pad dermatitis in Swedish broilers. Data on foot health were collected from 101 commercial broiler flocks at slaughter. The producers were asked to fill in a questionnaire on rearing conditions and equipment for every flock. Lesions were commonly observed; only 62% of the birds were classified as being without lesions, 32% had mild lesions only (discoloration, erosions) and 6% had severe lesions (ulcers). Flocks reared in houses equipped with small water cups had significantly (P < 0.05) higher prevalences of foot-pad dermatitis than flocks reared with water nipples. Thick layers of litter, regardless of litter material, also resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) higher prevalences of foot-pad dermatitis than litter layers thinner than 5 cm.