Use of Tenebrio molitor larvae meal as protein source in broiler diet: Effect on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and carcass and meat traits

The aim of this research was to study the effect of insect meal from Tenebrio molitor larvae (Tenebrio molitor larvae meal [TML]) as complete replacement of soybean meal (SBM) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and carcass and meat traits of broilers. A total of eighty 30-d-old male Shaver brown broilers were homogenously divided into 2 groups (each consisting of 8 replicates of 5 birds). Up to 62 d of age, the groups were fed 2 isoproteic and isoenergetic diets differing for the ingredient used as the main protein source: the control group was fed a corn-SBM-based diet, whereas in the TML group, the SBM was completely replaced by TML. Broiler growth performance was measured during the trial. At 62 d of age, 2 broilers per replicate (16 per group) were slaughtered and apparent ileal digestibility coefficients and carcass and meat traits were determined. The use of TML as the main protein source in the broiler diet had no significant effect on most growth performance and carcass traits and chemical and physical properties of meat, the latter being important for marketing purposes. The feed conversion ratio in the entire experimental period (from 30 to 62 d) was improved in the TML group compared with the SBM group (P < 0.05). The apparent ileal digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, and CP in broilers fed the SBM diet were greater (P < 0.01) than the other group. The full digestive system in broilers fed SBM had a lower (P < 0.05) absolute and relative weight than that of broilers fed TML. Also, the weight and the percentage of the spleen in the SBM group were lower (P < 0.05) than those in the TML group. The length of the entire intestine in the group fed TML was greater (P < 0.05) than the other group and the same happened when intestinal length was expressed as percentage of broiler BW (P < 0.05). Among the different intestinal tracts, the ileum and ceca of broilers fed TML had a greater (P < 0.05) length than that of broilers fed SBM. Also, ceca weight (as an absolute value or percentage on live weight) in broilers fed TML was greater (P < 0.05) than that of broilers fed SBM. Breast pH and cooking losses in broilers fed TML were greater (P < 0.05) than those of broilers fed SBM. Chemical characteristic of meat obtained from right breast of slaughtered broilers were unaffected by dietary treatments. Tenebrio molitor larvae meal can be a suitable alternative protein source for growing broilers and also when used as principal protein contributor to the diet.