Asymmetrical blending of <i>Tenebrio molitor</i> and <i>Hermetia illucens</i> meals in broiler nutrition: a novel strategy.
The study indicates that using a 4:2 mixture of Tenebrio molitor and Hermetia illucens can improve growth performance and breast yield in broiler chickens.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the teriparatide (pth 1-34) corpusSummary and findings
The study measured the effects of asymmetric mixtures of Tenebrio molitor and Hermetia illucens meals on growth performance and other parameters in broiler chickens. A total of 1050 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were assigned to three diets over 42 days. The TM4-HI2 mixture resulted in higher body weight gain compared to the control group.
Abstract
The present study is the first to investigate the effect of asymmetric mixtures of <i>Tenebrio molitor</i> (<b>TM</b>) and <i>Hermetia illucens</i> (<b>HI</b>) meals (2:4 and 4:2) on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, blood parameters, and intestinal morphometry in broiler chickens. A total of 1050 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were assigned to three isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets for 42 days (14 pens/treatment, 25 birds/pen): a control diet (<b>Control</b>), 2% TM+4% HI (<b>TM2-HI4</b>), or 4% TM+2% HI (<b>TM4-HI2</b>). Over the trial, birds fed TM4-HI2 mixture showed higher body weight gain (BWG) than the Control (<i>P</i>< 0.05), resulting in significantly higher final body weight (<b>BW</b>) on day 42 (<i>P</i>< 0.05). Feed intake (<b>FI</b>), feed conversion ratio (<b>FCR</b>), and mortality was not significantly different among treatments. Breast yield increased in both insect-fed groups (<i>P</i>< 0.001). Breast meat lightness ( <i><b>L</b></i> *) was higher in TM4-HI2 than TM2-HI4 group (<i>P</i>< 0.05). Cooking loss (<b>CL</b>) was higher in TM2-HI4 group than Control (<i>P</i>< 0.05). Thigh meat fat content increased in both insect-fed groups (<i>P</i>< 0.001). Blood serum cholesterol was higher in TM4-HI2 group due to increased HDL, whereas LDL level was unchanged. TM4-HI2 group shorten small intestine and ileum lengths (<i>P</i>< 0.01), while cecal length was reduced in TM2-HI4 group (<i>P</i>< 0.05). The dietary inclusion of asymmetric TM-HI mixtures improved growth performance, enhanced breast yield, and altered intestinal morphology, indicating that combined TM and HI meals can be safely and effectively used in broiler diets, particularly the TM4-HI2 mixture.
Background
This paper investigates the impact of asymmetric blends of insect meals on broiler chicken nutrition, a topic of increasing interest due to the potential of insect protein as a sustainable feed source. Prior research has indicated that insect meals can enhance growth performance and meat quality in poultry. Understanding how different ratios of these meals affect various performance metrics is crucial for optimizing broiler diets.
Methods
The study utilized a controlled design with 1050 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers divided into three dietary groups over a 42-day period. The diets were isoenergetic and isonitrogenous, consisting of a control diet, 2% TM and 4% HI, and 4% TM and 2% HI. Primary outcomes included growth performance metrics, carcass traits, and blood parameters.
Results
The TM4-HI2 group exhibited a higher body weight gain compared to the Control group, with a significant p-value of less than 0.05. Additionally, breast yield was significantly increased in both insect-fed groups, with a p-value of less than 0.001. Cooking loss was significantly higher in the TM2-HI4 group compared to the Control, with a p-value of less than 0.05.
Interpretation
The findings suggest that the TM4-HI2 mixture may enhance growth performance and breast yield in broilers, aligning with previous studies on insect meal benefits. However, while the statistical significance is noted, the clinical relevance of these findings in broader poultry production contexts remains uncertain. Limitations such as the specific breed and controlled environment may confound the applicability of results to commercial settings.
Key findings
- Higher body weight gain in TM4-HI2 group compared to Control, P<0.05.
- Significantly higher final body weight on day 42 in TM4-HI2 group, P<0.05.
- Breast yield increased in both insect-fed groups, P<0.001.
- Cooking loss was higher in TM2-HI4 group compared to Control, P<0.05.
- Thigh meat fat content increased in both insect-fed groups, P<0.001.
- Blood serum cholesterol was higher in TM4-HI2 group due to increased HDL, LDL unchanged.
Limitations
- small n=1050 broilers
- specific to Ross 308 breed, limiting generalizability
- short follow-up of 42 days
- controlled environment may not reflect commercial conditions