Use of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) in broiler nutrition as an alternative protein source

In this study, use of mealworm as an alternative protein source in broiler diets was investigated. Total of 60 a day old male broiler chicks were divided 4 groups, each 15 birds. A mealworm-free diet and %2, %4, %6 mealworm (MW) supplemented diets were prepared for the groups. For the first week, the chicks were reared as groups in brooder, than they were reared in individual metabolism cages. The study was lasted a 42 days. Live weights, live weight gains, feed intakes, feed convertion ratios, digestibility of nutrients, digestive organ's weights with ratios of their to live weight, other organ's weights with ratios of their to live weight, breast and drumstick nutrient composition were investigated and a taste panel was organized. By the end of the study, group %4 MW and %6 MW gave higher live weight at 2 to 6 wks and higher live weight gain at 0 to 3 wks and 0 to 6 wks more than the others. Group %6 MW gave higher feed intake at 0 to 6th wks more than the others. Group %4 MW gave the lowest crude fat digestibility value between at 3 to 42 wks. Furthermore, there is no significantly differences in digestibility between the groups (P<0,05). The results obtained show that mealworm is utilisable as an alternative protein source in broiler diets. Nevertheless, more research regarding this issue are needed.