Effects of two diets on adults’ survival and productivity in mass-rearing of Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
S. Naser El Deen ◽  
F. Lamaj ◽  
V. Verrastro ◽  
L. Al Bitar ◽  
F. Baldacchino
Keyword(s):  
Wheat Bran ◽  
Larval Growth ◽  
Mass Rearing ◽  
Tenebrio Molitor ◽  
Nutritional Composition ◽  
Alternative Protein ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
By Products ◽  
Coleoptera Tenebrionidae

Yellow mealworm is a grain infesting pest that is receiving attention nowadays as an alternative protein source for humans and animals. Its ability to convert low quality feed, like organic by-products, into high-quality food increases its production sustainability. The feeding diet is one of the most important factors in rearing Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), which affects its growth, longevity and nutritional composition. Many by-products have been tested on larvae, but studies are scarce on adults. This work aimed to compare the effect of chicken feed diet (C) and wheat bran (B) by-product, as well as integrating yeast (CY and BY), on the adults’ reproduction and larval growth. Experiment was set up in a complete productive cycle of mass-rearing. The evaluation was done on the reproductive stage of the adults and the development of the larvae until harvesting (appearance of the first pupa). Results showed that the bran-based diets significantly improved the adults’ survival; after 50 days, mean of 110 and 146 adults survived on B and BY diets respectively compared to mean of 23 adults when reared on both chicken feed diets. Besides, wheat bran supplemented with yeast improved the total number of larvae (6,448.2 larvae) compared to bran diet (4,016.7 larvae). Whereas the two chicken feed-based diets had significant positive effect on the average larval weight; the maximum weight reached was 116.3 mg and 145.8 mg for larvae read on C and CY diets respectively compared to 47.8 mg and 57.3 mg on B and BY diets. Nevertheless, in 50 days of reproduction, the total larval biomass was highest on bran supplemented with yeast (283.1 g). In conclusion, the increase of sustainability and efficiency in mass-rearing of mealworms is possible by using appropriate diets on respective stages; bran-based diets for reproduction and chicken feed-based diets for larval growth.

Productivity and larval growth of Tenebrio molitor reared on differently composed diets of similar nutritional composition

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
S. Naser El Deen ◽  
F. Lamaj
Keyword(s):  
Wheat Bran ◽  
Larval Growth ◽  
Tenebrio Molitor ◽  
Nutritional Composition ◽  
Brewer’S Yeast ◽  
Larval Weight ◽  
Brewer's Yeast ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Spent Grain ◽  
By Products

The artificial diet of Tenebrio molitor has been a focal point of many studies that aimed to design the best diet combination. Recently, studies are focusing on the use of by-products and their efficiency as diets for rearing T. molitor. The rearing was successful on a wide range of by-products-based diets. The feed has a profound impact on the lifespan, growth, productivity and nutritional composition of T. molitor. Productivity is one of the traits highly influenced by the diet’s composition, especially macronutrients. This work aims to study the effect of eight different diets on the weight and productivity of females and their progeny weight: larval weight. Wheat bran, brewer’s yeast, spent grain and bread remains were used to compose the diets, based on different inclusion percentages of each by-product. The nutritional composition, mainly the macronutrients, of the diets had a narrow range of differences. The diets were designed in a way to avoid the effect of different nutritional compositions and study the effect of the by-products type only. Results showed that the female’s weight-change during the egg-laying period was not significant under different rearing diets. Moreover, the female’s productivity measured by the larval number showed no significant difference between the different diets. However, the total larval biomass (452.4 mg) was significantly higher for larvae reared on diet A composed of wheat bran and brewer’s yeast. Also, the total mean larval weight was significantly higher for larvae reared on diets A (3.1 mg) and G (3.2 mg) composed of wheat bran, brewer’s yeast and spent grain. The mentioned diets although composed of different by-products have similar amounts of protein and carbohydrates. These results prove that the type of by-products included in the experimental diets does not affect the reproductive performance of T. molitor, while it can affect larval growth.

scholarly journals Impact of some local organic by-products on Acheta domesticus growth and meal production

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
C. Jucker ◽  
S. Belluco ◽  
S. Bellezza Oddon ◽  
A. Ricci ◽  
L. Bonizzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Nutritional Composition ◽  
Acheta Domesticus ◽  
Common Source ◽  
Alternative Protein ◽  
Major Interest ◽  
Maize Grain ◽  
By Products

The house cricket Acheta domesticus is one of the species of major interest as alternative protein source for humans in the recent research of sustainable and nutritious sources of food. However, grain feeds, feed for poultry and soybean still represent common source of feeds for the insect industry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of some agro-food by-products on the growth parameters of the crickets and the nutritional composition of the final cricket meal. Our study included five by-products (maize grain distiller, fruits and vegetables, grape marc, and two brewery’s wastes), while hen feed was used as a control diet. Substrates were analysed for their microbiological contamination prior to be provided to crickets. No Listeria and Salmonella were detected, but high microbial counts were observed. Crickets grown on the given by-products showed significant differences on the insect’s weight starting from the third week. High mortality was observed on all substrates, except on maize distiller and the control diet. The final cricket meal showed a similar protein content (66-68% as is), while the lipid content was higher in the meal from cricket reared on maize distiller (22% as is). Finally, microbiological and chemical analyses on the cricket meals did not show safety concerns for the consumers. The by-products studied, except maize grain distiller, did not support an optimal cricket rearing, but more studies are necessary to identify a mix-formulation meeting the cricket nutritional requirements.

scholarly journals Influence of Temperature, Relative Humidity and Protein Content on the Growth and Development of Larvae of the Lesser Mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer)

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (19) ◽  
pp. 11087
Author(s):  
Konstantina Kotsou ◽  
Christos I. Rumbos ◽  
Georgia V. Baliota ◽  
Marina Gourgouta ◽  
Christos G. Athanassiou
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Larval Growth ◽  
Mass Rearing ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Alphitobius Diaperinus ◽  
Protein Sources ◽  
Biotic And Abiotic Factors ◽  
Alternative Protein ◽  
Lesser Mealworm

The human population is rapidly growing, subsequently leading to an increase in food and protein demand. Therefore, alternative protein sources have to be evaluated as food and feed. Among the most promising alternative protein sources with significant advantages are insects. Nevertheless, insect rearing conditions have to be optimized prior to insect mass production. In the present study, using laboratory bioassays, we evaluated the effect of several biotic and abiotic factors on the development of the larvae of the lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer). In the first series of bioassays, we investigated A. diaperinus larval growth at three temperatures (25, 30 and 32 °C) and two relative humidity (r.h.) levels (55 and 75%). Furthermore, in the second series of bioassays, the larval growth was assessed on wheat bran-based substrates with different percentages of yeast, i.e., 0%, 10%, 17.5%, 25%, 32.5% and 40%. According to our results, the temperature was shown to be highly important for larval development, with A. diaperinus larvae performing better at the higher temperatures tested, i.e., 30 and 32 °C. In contrast, relative humidity did not have a significant effect on A. diaperinus growth, at least for the relative humidity levels tested. Finally, the increase in the percentage of yeast in the diet increased larval growth, development and survival. Our study aims to highlight the significance of several biotic and abiotic factors for the rearing of A. diaperinus larvae, providing parameters that can be further utilized in mass rearing protocols of this species.

scholarly journals Optimized pupal age of Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) enhanced mass rearing efficiency of Chouioia cunea Yang (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tian-Hao Li ◽  
Peng-Fei Che ◽  
Xiangbing Yang ◽  
Li-Wei Song ◽  
Chao-Ran Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Rearing ◽  
Tenebrio Molitor ◽  
Chouioia Cunea ◽  
Coleoptera Tenebrionidae

scholarly journals Valorisation Potential of Using Organic Side Streams as Feed for Tenebrio molitor, Acheta domesticus and Locusta migratoria

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 796
Author(s):  
Meggie Van Peer ◽  
Lotte Frooninckx ◽  
Carl Coudron ◽  
Siebe Berrens ◽  
Carlos Álvarez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Locusta Migratoria ◽  
Tenebrio Molitor ◽  
Nutritional Composition ◽  
Acheta Domesticus ◽  
Protein Source ◽  
Research Information ◽  
Migratory Locust ◽  
Alternative Protein ◽  
Mass Conversion ◽  
The Eu

Due to increasing welfare and population, the demand for alternative protein sources, obtained with minimal use of natural resources, is rising in today’s society. Insects have the potential to be used as an alternative protein source since they are considered to be able to convert low-value biomass into high-value components, resulting in opportunities for valorisation of organic side streams. Moreover, insects are suggested to be a sustainable protein source, referring to the efficient “feed to body” mass conversion potential. The aim of this review was to explore the potential to rear the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), the house cricket (Acheta domesticus) and the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) on low or not yet valorised organic side streams within the food supply chain. This was performed by collecting research information focusing on the rearing of the insects in scope on organic biomass. In addition, the nutritional composition of the produced insects as well as their dietary requirements will be reviewed. Finally, the availability of side streams in the EU will be discussed as well as their potential to be used as insects feed.

scholarly journals Dietary zinc enrichment reduces the cadmium burden of mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor) larvae

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Keil ◽  
Maria Maares ◽  
Nina Kröncke ◽  
Rainer Benning ◽  
Hajo Haase
Keyword(s):  
Wheat Bran ◽  
Mass Rearing ◽  
Tenebrio Molitor ◽  
Future Production ◽  
Consumer Safety ◽  
Late Instar ◽  
Zn Homeostasis ◽  
Mealworm Beetle ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Mealworm Larvae

AbstractThe industrial production of Tenebrio molitor L. requires optimized rearing and processing conditions to generate insect biomass with high nutritional value in large quantities. One of the problems arising from processing is a tremendous loss in mineral accessibility, affecting, amongst others, the essential trace element Zn. As a feasible strategy this study investigates Zn-enrichment of mealworms during rearing to meet the nutritional requirements for humans and animals. Following feeding ZnSO4-spiked wheat bran substrates late instar mealworm larvae were evaluated for essential micronutrients and human/animal toxic elements. In addition, growth rate and viability were assessed to select optimal conditions for future mass-rearing. Zn-feeding dose-dependently raised the total Zn content, yet the Znlarvae/Znwheat bran ratio decreased inversely related to its concentration, indicating an active Zn homeostasis within the mealworms. The Cu status remained stable, suggesting that, in contrast to mammals, the intestinal Cu absorption in mealworm larvae is not affected by Zn. Zn biofortification led to a moderate Fe and Mn reduction in mealworms, a problem that certainly can be overcome by Fe/Mn co-supplementation during rearing. Most importantly, Zn feeding massively reduced the levels of the human/animal toxicant Cd within the mealworm larvae, a technological novelty of outstanding importance to be implemented in the future production process to ensure the consumer safety of this edible insect species.

scholarly journals Effects of Brewer's spent grain (BSG) on larval growth of mealworms, Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sun Young Kim ◽  
Hong Geun Kim ◽  
Kyeong Yong Lee ◽  
Hyung Joo Yoon ◽  
Nam Jung Kim
Keyword(s):  
Larval Growth ◽  
Tenebrio Molitor ◽  
Brewer’S Spent Grain ◽  
Spent Grain ◽  
Coleoptera Tenebrionidae

scholarly journals Brewery’s waste streams as a valuable substrate for Black Soldier Fly Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Jucker ◽  
M.G. Leonardi ◽  
I. Rigamonti ◽  
D. Lupi ◽  
S. Savoldelli
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Larval Growth ◽  
Mass Rearing ◽  
Developmental Time ◽  
Biological Traits ◽  
Hermetia Illucens ◽  
Spent Grain ◽  
By Products ◽  
Brewery Wastes

The growing population and, consequently, the demand for food, has led to an increase in the agro-food activities, causing irreversible exploitation of natural resources. The use of insects for the management and recycling of by-products of the agro-food industry and for the production of proteins is growing. The Diptera Hermetia illucens is of particular interest as larvae are able to grow rapidly on numerous organic matters and are rich in proteins and fats. The identification of a low-cost and low-impact substrate suitable for the mass rearing of H. illucens is consequently of great interest. In this study, we evaluated the suitability of brewery wastes, spent grain and trub (used separately or mixed), as rearing substrate for the larvae. We evaluated the effect of these diets on preimmaginal performance (survival, developmental time, and weight reached) and adult traits (sex-ratio, dimension, and female fertility). As a result, the different substrates significantly impacted different biological traits. Best results, both for larvae and adults, were reported when the brewery wastes were provided together, leading to similar results obtained in a control diet and comparable to other previous studies. We conclude that brewery by-products can be valuable substrate for larval growth and in this way can be efficiently recycled and valorised.

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