Mealworm (<i>Tenebrio molitor</i> Larvae) as an Alternative Protein Source for Monogastric Animal: A Review

• Main Authors: Jinsu Hong, Taehee Han, Yoo Yong Kim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-11-01
• Series: Animals
• Subjects: alternative protein; <i>Tenebrio molitor</i> larvae; mealworm; pig; poultry
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/10/11/2068

Edible insects have been used as an alternative protein source for food and animal feed, and the market size for edible insects has increased. <i>Tenebrio molitor</i> larvae, also known as mealworm and yellow mealworm, are considered a good protein source with nutritional value, digestibility, flavor, and a functional ability. Additionally, they are easy to breed and feed for having a stable protein content, regardless of their diets. Therefore, <i>T. molitor</i> larvae have been produced industrially as feed for pets, zoo animals, and even for production animals. To maintain the nutrient composition and safety of <i>T. molitor</i> larvae, slaughtering (heating or freezing) and post-slaughtering (drying and grinding) procedures should be improved for animal feed. <i>T. molitor</i> larvae are also processed with defatting or hydrolysis before grinding. They have a high quality and quantity of protein and amino acid profile, so are considered a highly sustainable protein source for replacing soybean meal or fishmeal. <i>T. molitor</i> has a chitin in its cuticle, which is an indigestible fiber with positive effects on the immune system. In studies of poultry, the supplementation of <i>T. molitor</i> larvae improved the growth performance of broiler chickens, without having negative effects on carcass traits, whereas some studies have reported that there were no significant differences in the growth performance and carcass yield of broiler chickens. In studies of swine, the supplementation of <i>T. molitor</i> larvae improved the growth performance and protein utilization of weaning pigs. Furthermore, 10% of <i>T. molitor</i> larvae showed greater amino acid digestibility than conventional animal proteins in growing pigs. However, there are some challenges regarding the biosafety, consumer’s acceptance, and price for the use of <i>T. moiltor</i> larvae in animal feed. Consequently, <i>T. molitor</i> larvae could be used as an alternative or sustainable protein source in monogastric animal feed with a consideration of the nutritional values, biosafety, consumer’s acceptance, and market price of <i>T. molitor</i> larvae products.