The effect of yellow flour worm (Tenebrio molitor) larves used as protein source on egg characteristics of blue-breasted quail (Excalfactoria chinensis)

In this study, some egg characteristics of blue-breasted quail (Excalfactoria chinensis) were investigated using two different experimental ration. In one of these diets, yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae were used as protein and fat source and in the other (control), soybean meal and vegetable oil were used as traditional vegetable protein and fat sources. There was a 14.1% increase in the weight of eggs of blue-breasted quails fed with the ration containing T. molitor larvae and a 5.65% decrease in feed intake. The most abundant fatty acid methyl esters in both experimental groups were oleic acid, palmitic acid and linoleic acid. The ratio of these in the total fatty acid composition in the insect experimental group, respectively; 48.92, 28.59 and 11.60. The eggs of the group fed with the ration containing T. molitor larvae contained 2.49% more unsaturated fatty acids than the control group. In addition, among these unsaturated fatty acids, omega 9 group fatty acids were 6.94% higher than the control group. Considering the results obtained in the study, T. molitor larvae can be an alternative source to soybean and vegetable oil, which are traditional protein and fat sources, for the production of E. chinensis dried egg powder.