A preliminary study on the entomophagous response of Gallus gallus domesticus (Galliformes: Phasianidae) to adult Periplaneta americana (Blattaria: Blattidae)

Insect-enhanced diets of Periplaneta americana (L.), in separate combinations with Zeamays L. and starter mash/finisher, were fed to 4-week-old birds, Gallus gallus domesticus L., over a period of 13 weeks to identify alternative and relatively cheaper sources of protein for poultry birds. Within the first 3 weeks of feeding, the body weight of the birds was not significantly (P > 0.05) different fromeach other, whereas a significant (P = 0.009) trend arose at week 8. This preliminary study shows that insect-enhanced meals could be used as an alternative feed within the formative stage of development of G. domesticus.