SILKWORMS PUPAE AS PROTEIN SOURCE FOR PIGS- A REVIEW

This study aimed to identify whether the silkworm pupae (SWP) added to pigs' diets can be considered a valuable protein-rich alternative source. The silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) and its by-products are highly valuable in terms of nutrition, medicine, and commerce. The SWP is the main by-product of the sericulture, considered a well-balanced source of nutrients in terms of proteins, lipids, minerals, vitamins and various bioactive substances such as fatty acids, peptides, and polyphenols with antioxidant, anticancer, cardiovascular, hepato-protective properties. The mulberry silkworm's potential for use in human food has been previously extensively documented, whereas the preponderance of literature data on SWP used in the livestock industry specific focus on poultry. There is limited pig-related data. In this study, we reviewed the most recently published papers on PubMed, Elsevier, MDPI, and Research Gate, using the keywords "silkworm pupae", "composition", "protein", and "pigs". We did not find any negative consequence on pigs' growth and health parameters in the reviewed published data.