Performance of Slow-Growing Chickens Fed with Tenebrio molitor Larval Meal as a Full Replacement for Soybean Meal

[EN] 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 i...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Abecia, José-Alfonso, Nieto de la Losa, Jaime, Plaza Martín, Javier, Lara, Javier, Revilla Martín, Isabel, Palacios Riocerezo, Carlos
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2022
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Salamanca (USAL)
Repositorio:GREDOS. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Salamanca
OAI Identifier:oai:gredos.usal.es:10366/167750
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10366/167750
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Alternative poultry farming
Slow-growth chicken
Insect meal
Alternative protein sources
Tenebrio molitor
Avicultura alternativa
Pollo de crecimiento lento
Harina de insectos
Fuentes alternativas de proteínas
5102.11 Ganadería
3104.09 Avicultura
3104.90 Sistemas de Producción Ganadera
3309.20 Propiedades de Los Alimentos
Descripción
Sumario:[EN] 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.