The potential of Imbrasia belina worm as a poultry and fish feed. A review

Abstract

This review is aimed to present the potential of Imbrasia belina as poultry and fish feed. Imbrasia belina worms contain substantial amounts of proteins, fats, essential amino acids, fatty acids, minerals and carbohydrates useful for the animal health. The worm as a source of protein could be utilised to minimise inadequate nutrition in poultry and fish. It has been documented as feed for such animals as fish, broilers, layers and guinea fowl. Imbrasia belina worm is an alternative source of animal protein, which is locally available, accessible and acceptable as food and feed source. However, using Imbrasia belina worm as animal feed has also some disadvantages as: chitin, the risk of being over exploited, unpalatability and a chance of indigestibility at higher inclusion levels in diets. Therefore, in this review the potential of I. belina worm as poultry and fish feed is assessed.