Use of Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) to recycle organic wastes and as feed for broiler chickens.
Several dried waste materials from different origins were used as a substrate to grow Tenebrio molitor L. Nutrient/amino acid values differed depending on both larval size/weight and substrate. These larvae were experimentally used as a broiler feedstuff. Seven-day-old chicks of a commercially available strain with an average weight of 126 g were randomly distributed into nine six-broiler groups. Three levels of Tenebrio molitor larvae (0, 5, and 10% dry weight) were used in a 19% protein content sorghum-soybean meal basal diet, to evaluate feed intake, weight gain, and feed efficiency. Results after 15 d showed no significant differences among treatments. These data indicate that Tenebrio molitor has the potential to be used as protein source for raising broilers.
Ramos-Elorduy
Julieta
J
Instituto de Biologiá, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuidad Universitaria, México DF. relorduy@ibiologia.unam.mx
González
Ernesto Avila
EA
Hernández
Alma Rocha
AR
Pino
José Manuel
JM
D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens / Q000254:growth & development; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D012037:Refuse Disposal; D013712:Tenebrio / Q000254:growth & development*