Evaluation of Nutritional Content of the Larvae of Tenebrio Molitor , and Formulation of Broiler Stockfeed

Abstract

Insects have been utilized as food sources since decades ago as they are readily available, easy to rear, and less harmful to the environment. This study aimed to determine the nutritional value of Tenebrio molitor mealworms reared in Zimbabwe for the first time, as well as to carry out a feeding trial on broilers using the Tenebrio molitor mealworm powder formulated stockfeed. The methods used in the determination of the nutritional content were based on the standard methods by the Association of Analytical Chemists. The results show that mealworms that are currently being reared in Zimbabwe contain 4.75 % moisture content, 26 % crude fat, 54.8 % crude protein, 4.125 % ash content, 6.1 % crude fiber, and 4.22 % carbohydrates. For the feeding trial, broiler chickens were divided into three groups of 5 chickens each and fed with a feed of different compositions for 6 weeks. The control group (a) was fed with a basal diet of commercially available broiler stockfeed, the second group (b) was fed with commercially available broiler stockfeed, supplemented with 3 % dried Tenebrio molitor mealworms and the third group (c) was fed with the formulated Tenebrio molitor stockfeed. The chickens in groups a, b, and c were found to have average weights of 2.375 kg, 2.52 kg, and 2.3762 kg respectively. The feed conversion ratio for groups a, b, and c were 1.45, 1.37, and 1.452 respectively. Therefore, Tenebrio molitor mealworms may be a good source of protein for the production of stockfeed.