Influence of dietary composition on the nutritional profile and feed conversion efficiency of Tenebrio molitor.

Insects, such as mealworm larvae, are promising sustainable protein sources due to their high reproductive ability, nutritional value, efficient organic matter conversion, cost-effective rearing, and minimal environmental impact. This study evaluates the nutritional composition and feed conversion e...

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Main Authors: Raziye Rashidi Ilzoleh, Vahid Akmali
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2025-01-01
Series:PLoS ONE
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0325262
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author Raziye Rashidi Ilzoleh
Vahid Akmali
author_facet Raziye Rashidi Ilzoleh
Vahid Akmali
author_sort Raziye Rashidi Ilzoleh
collection DOAJ
description Insects, such as mealworm larvae, are promising sustainable protein sources due to their high reproductive ability, nutritional value, efficient organic matter conversion, cost-effective rearing, and minimal environmental impact. This study evaluates the nutritional composition and feed conversion efficiency of mealworm larvae reared on seven diets: W (100% wheat bran) as a control, A (50% wheat bran + 50% barley bran), B (75% wheat bran + 25% barley bran), C (50% wheat bran + 50% chickpea bran), D (75% wheat bran + 25% chickpea bran), E (50% wheat bran + 50% corn bran), and F (75% wheat bran + 25% corn bran). Results showed that diet C yielded the highest protein content and feed conversion efficiency, while diet B had the lowest. Fat content peaked in diets B and F. Variations in fiber, carbohydrates, ash, moisture, and minerals were also observed. Factors such as food intake, digestibility, and conversion ratios varied significantly among diets. The study highlights the critical role of dietary composition in optimizing mealworm larvae's nutritional profile and feed efficiency, offering a sustainable, cost-effective protein source for poultry and broilers. These findings support the strategic use of cereal brans to enhance feed quality, reduce costs, and improve scalability in insect farming, contributing to the sustainable production of animal protein.
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spelling doaj-art-6b67e4c57fff429bb1766087b2fecc5f2025-08-20T03:13:31ZengPublic Library of Science (PLoS)PLoS ONE1932-62032025-01-01207e032526210.1371/journal.pone.0325262Influence of dietary composition on the nutritional profile and feed conversion efficiency of Tenebrio molitor.Raziye Rashidi IlzolehVahid AkmaliInsects, such as mealworm larvae, are promising sustainable protein sources due to their high reproductive ability, nutritional value, efficient organic matter conversion, cost-effective rearing, and minimal environmental impact. This study evaluates the nutritional composition and feed conversion efficiency of mealworm larvae reared on seven diets: W (100% wheat bran) as a control, A (50% wheat bran + 50% barley bran), B (75% wheat bran + 25% barley bran), C (50% wheat bran + 50% chickpea bran), D (75% wheat bran + 25% chickpea bran), E (50% wheat bran + 50% corn bran), and F (75% wheat bran + 25% corn bran). Results showed that diet C yielded the highest protein content and feed conversion efficiency, while diet B had the lowest. Fat content peaked in diets B and F. Variations in fiber, carbohydrates, ash, moisture, and minerals were also observed. Factors such as food intake, digestibility, and conversion ratios varied significantly among diets. The study highlights the critical role of dietary composition in optimizing mealworm larvae's nutritional profile and feed efficiency, offering a sustainable, cost-effective protein source for poultry and broilers. These findings support the strategic use of cereal brans to enhance feed quality, reduce costs, and improve scalability in insect farming, contributing to the sustainable production of animal protein.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0325262
spellingShingle Raziye Rashidi Ilzoleh
Vahid Akmali
Influence of dietary composition on the nutritional profile and feed conversion efficiency of Tenebrio molitor.
PLoS ONE
title Influence of dietary composition on the nutritional profile and feed conversion efficiency of Tenebrio molitor.
title_full Influence of dietary composition on the nutritional profile and feed conversion efficiency of Tenebrio molitor.
title_fullStr Influence of dietary composition on the nutritional profile and feed conversion efficiency of Tenebrio molitor.
title_full_unstemmed Influence of dietary composition on the nutritional profile and feed conversion efficiency of Tenebrio molitor.
title_short Influence of dietary composition on the nutritional profile and feed conversion efficiency of Tenebrio molitor.
title_sort influence of dietary composition on the nutritional profile and feed conversion efficiency of tenebrio molitor
url https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0325262
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