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Jankauskienė A, Kiseliovienė S, Aleknavičius D, Miliūnaitė I, Kerzienė S, Gaižauskaitė Ž, Juknienė I, Zaviztanavičiūtė P, Kabašinskienė A. Innovative Applications of Tenebrio molitor Larvae in the Production of Sustainable Meat Sausages: Quality and Safety Aspects. Foods 2024; 13:1451. [PMID: 38790751 PMCID: PMC11119166 DOI: 10.3390/foods13101451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
With the world's population continuing to grow, ensuring sustainable protein sources for everyone is becoming increasingly challenging. Despite meat being considered unsustainable, people find it challenging to abstain from consuming it. However, one solution to this dilemma could be the incorporation of mealworms into conventional meat products, i.e., sausages. The incorporation of mealworms into sausage formulations appears to shift the fatty acid profile towards higher levels of monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly omega-3s, potentially enhancing the nutritional value and offering health benefits. Therefore, our study aimed to improve the nutritional value and safety parameters of traditional sausages by enriching them with the flour of mealworm larvae. For this purpose, the larvae were reared on a sustainable substrate with brewery by-products, brewer's yeast, and carrots. They were used frozen and freeze-dried in sausage recipes, replacing pork in different proportions. The analysis of the product's chemical safety parameters (biogenic amines, nitrates and nitrites, volatile fatty acids (FA), and peroxide) and nutritional value (including collagen, cholesterol, amino acids, FA, and hydroxyproline) was carried out in an accredited laboratory. The results of our study have demonstrated that the incorporation of mealworms into sausages, particularly through freeze-drying, increased fat content and enhanced the profile of FA, including omega-3s while reducing protein and cholesterol levels, and altering collagen content, suggesting improved nutritional value and potential health benefits without compromising the safety of the product. Therefore, we are highlighting that the addition of mealworms influences the quality of amino acids positively and maintains biogenic amine levels within safe limits, alongside a negligible impact on nitrates and nitrites and a reduction in peroxide values. These findings indicate an overall improvement in sausage quality and safety without compromising safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnė Jankauskienė
- Department of Food Safety and Quality, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes St. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (I.M.); (I.J.); (P.Z.)
| | - Sandra Kiseliovienė
- Food Institute, Kaunas University of Technology, Radvilenu pl. 19, LT-50254 Kaunas, Lithuania; (S.K.); (Ž.G.)
| | | | - Ieva Miliūnaitė
- Department of Food Safety and Quality, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes St. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (I.M.); (I.J.); (P.Z.)
| | - Sigita Kerzienė
- Department of Physics, Mathematics and Biophysics, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes St. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Žydrūnė Gaižauskaitė
- Food Institute, Kaunas University of Technology, Radvilenu pl. 19, LT-50254 Kaunas, Lithuania; (S.K.); (Ž.G.)
| | - Ignė Juknienė
- Department of Food Safety and Quality, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes St. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (I.M.); (I.J.); (P.Z.)
| | - Paulina Zaviztanavičiūtė
- Department of Food Safety and Quality, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes St. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (I.M.); (I.J.); (P.Z.)
| | - Aistė Kabašinskienė
- Department of Food Safety and Quality, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes St. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (I.M.); (I.J.); (P.Z.)
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Baldacchino F, Spagnoletta A, Lamaj F, Vitale ML, Verrastro V. Validation of Diets with Tomato Pomace in Complete Cycle Breeding of Tenebrio molitor (L.) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). INSECTS 2024; 15:287. [PMID: 38667417 PMCID: PMC11050266 DOI: 10.3390/insects15040287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
By-product-based diets have the potential to improve the environmental and economic sustainability of Tenebrio molitor (Linnaeus, 1758) production. However, evaluations of the efficacy of new diets are generally focused on larval performance, while the effect on adults is poorly understood. This aim of this study was to evaluate diets enriched with tomato pomace over a complete breeding cycle. The results showed that when used as an oviposition substrate, all the tested diets, including tomato pomace (T), outperformed the control bran-yeast diet (WY, 95:5 ratio), possibly due to the presence of cholesterol and linoleic acid. The adults fed with the bran-tomato pomace-brewer's spent grain diet (WTB, 50:27:23 ratio), the bran-tomato pomace-yeast diet (WTY, 50:41:9 ratio), and the bran-tomato pomace diet (WT, 50:50 ratio) produced significantly more larvae than those fed with the WY diet. The WTB diet (despite being yeast-free) performed similarly to the WY control diet during the subsequent larval growth phase, making it suitable for the entire production cycle. In conclusion, the results show that tomato pomace can be used a valid by-product in the formulation of efficient diets for the breeding of T. molitor and also provide an alternative to expensive yeast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinando Baldacchino
- Laboratory of Bioproducts and Bioprocess, ENEA-. Trisaia Research Centre, S.S. Jonica 106, km 419.5, I-75026 Rotondella, Italy
| | - Anna Spagnoletta
- Laboratory of Bioproducts and Bioprocess, ENEA-. Trisaia Research Centre, S.S. Jonica 106, km 419.5, I-75026 Rotondella, Italy
| | - Flutura Lamaj
- CIHEAM-Bari, Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, Via Ceglie, 9, I-70100 Valenzano, Italy; (F.L.); (M.L.V.); (V.V.)
| | - Maria Luisa Vitale
- CIHEAM-Bari, Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, Via Ceglie, 9, I-70100 Valenzano, Italy; (F.L.); (M.L.V.); (V.V.)
| | - Vincenzo Verrastro
- CIHEAM-Bari, Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, Via Ceglie, 9, I-70100 Valenzano, Italy; (F.L.); (M.L.V.); (V.V.)
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3
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Frunze O, Kim H, Lee JH, Kwon HW. The Effects of Artificial Diets on the Expression of Molecular Marker Genes Related to Honey Bee Health. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4271. [PMID: 38673857 PMCID: PMC11049949 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Honey bees are commonly used to study metabolic processes, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying nutrient transformation, particularly proteins and their effects on development, health, and diseases, still evoke varying opinions among researchers. To address this gap, we investigated the digestibility and transformation of water-soluble proteins from four artificial diets in long-lived honey bee populations (Apis mellifera ligustica), alongside their impact on metabolism and DWV relative expression ratio, using transcriptomic and protein quantification methods. Diet 2, characterized by its high protein content and digestibility, was selected for further analysis from the other studied diets. Subsequently, machine learning was employed to identify six diet-related molecular markers: SOD1, Trxr1, defensin2, JHAMT, TOR1, and vg. The expression levels of these markers were found to resemble those of honey bees who were fed with Diet 2 and bee bread, renowned as the best natural food. Notably, honey bees exhibiting chalkbrood symptoms (Control-N) responded differently to the diet, underscoring the unique nutritional effects on health-deficient bees. Additionally, we proposed a molecular model to elucidate the transition of long-lived honey bees from diapause to development, induced by nutrition. These findings carry implications for nutritional research and beekeeping, underscoring the vital role of honey bees in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Frunze
- Department of Life Sciences, Incheon National University, 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea; (O.F.); (J.-H.L.)
- Convergence Research Center for Insect Vectors (CRCIV), Incheon National University, 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjee Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Incheon National University, 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea; (O.F.); (J.-H.L.)
- Convergence Research Center for Insect Vectors (CRCIV), Incheon National University, 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hyeon Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Incheon National University, 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea; (O.F.); (J.-H.L.)
- Convergence Research Center for Insect Vectors (CRCIV), Incheon National University, 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Wook Kwon
- Department of Life Sciences, Incheon National University, 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea; (O.F.); (J.-H.L.)
- Convergence Research Center for Insect Vectors (CRCIV), Incheon National University, 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
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Kotsou K, Chatzimitakos T, Athanasiadis V, Bozinou E, Lalas SI. Exploiting Agri-Food Waste as Feed for Tenebrio molitor Larvae Rearing: A Review. Foods 2024; 13:1027. [PMID: 38611333 PMCID: PMC11011778 DOI: 10.3390/foods13071027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The agri-food industry generates substantial amounts of waste, including by-products and residues. The increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly practices in the agri-food sector has sparked an interest in finding alternative uses for such waste materials. One promising approach is the utilization of waste from the agri-food industry as feed for the rearing of mealworms (Tenebrio molitor). Since agri-food waste is rich in proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and vitamins, as well as other bioactive compounds, all of which are essential for insect growth and development, incorporating such waste into the diet of mealworms promotes sustainable insect production, reducing the economic and environmental problems associated with waste disposal. This practice can also be beneficial for the rearing of mealworms since their nutritional value can also be enhanced. To this end, various waste materials, such as fruit and vegetable peels, spent grains, and food processing residues, have been investigated as potential feed sources, leading to increased mass production, lower cost, and enhanced nutritional value. This review aims to highlight the potential of agri-food waste as a feed source for mealworms, as well as their potential to enhance their nutritional value. Furthermore, the potential applications of mealworms reared on agri-food waste are highlighted, including their potential as a sustainable protein source for human consumption and as feed ingredients in the livestock and aquaculture sectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Kotsou
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Thessaly, Terma N. Temponera Str., 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (T.C.); (V.A.); (E.B.); (S.I.L.)
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Adamaki-Sotiraki C, Choupi D, Vrontaki M, Rumbos CI, Athanassiou CG. Go local: Enhancing sustainable production of Tenebrio molitor through valorization of locally available agricultural byproducts. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 355:120545. [PMID: 38447512 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Insects receive increasing attention as an alternative source of protein for animals and humans, and thus, the production of low-cost insects for meeting the dietary demand on sustained basis is an ever-growing concept. This study aims to design dietswith locally available agricultural byproducts from Greece as feed for larvae of the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). This will considerably reduce the cost of insect feed and the environmental impact of insect farming by using locally available agricultural byproducts as economic insect feedstock. More specifically, five agricultural byproducts derived from the production of cereals and legumes were utilized to design twelve different diets at two protein levels, i.e., 17.4 and 22.5% protein content. All diets were evaluated both at laboratory scale, but also at pilot scale. Based on the obtained results, both bioassays revealed that the diets contained one legume and one cereal byproduct (i.e., lupin and triticale as well as lupin and oat) supported more efficiently the growth and performance of the larvae, irrespective of the protein level. Indicatively, individual larval weight of the best performed larvae from both groups ranged from 132 to 142 mg. Moreover, our results highlight the fact that data derived from laboratory scale bioassays are not always easy to be extrapolated to industrial production. For instance, the total harvest of larvae, a parameter assessed in the tray scale bioassay, exhibited a disparity between diet A2 (910 g) and diet A3 (749 g), despite both being deemed optimal in the laboratory-scale experiment. Our study aims to promote a circular approach for the industrial rearing of insects through integration of local agricultural byproducts into specific diets for T. molitor larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Adamaki-Sotiraki
- Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Phytokou Str., 38446, Volos, Greece.
| | - Despoina Choupi
- Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Phytokou Str., 38446, Volos, Greece
| | - Mariastela Vrontaki
- Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Phytokou Str., 38446, Volos, Greece
| | - Christos I Rumbos
- Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Phytokou Str., 38446, Volos, Greece
| | - Christos G Athanassiou
- Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Phytokou Str., 38446, Volos, Greece
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López-Gámez G, del Pino-García R, López-Bascón MA, Verardo V. Improving Tenebrio molitor Growth and Nutritional Value through Vegetable Waste Supplementation. Foods 2024; 13:594. [PMID: 38397571 PMCID: PMC10887794 DOI: 10.3390/foods13040594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Huge amounts of vegetable wastes are generated by the food industry. Their bioconversion into valuable products (e.g., insect flours or biofertilizer) through insect farming is a promising solution to reduce their negative environmental and economic impacts. This study evaluates the growth of Tenebrio molitor larvae and their nutritional profile after supplementing their diets with vegetable wastes. Over a 6-week period, 45-day larvae were fed a diet comprising wheat bran supplemented (1:1) with cucumber or tomato wastes from both conventional and ecological crops. The control diet consisted of wheat bran and an equivalent amount of water to compensate for the waste moisture. Larval weight was measured weekly, and length measures were taken fortnightly. Nutritional composition and fatty acid profile were analyzed at the end of the study in 90-day larvae. Regardless of using vegetable waste from conventional or ecological harvesting, the weight of 6-week supplemented larvae almost doubled that of larvae fed with just wheat bran, and their length was 15% higher. Supplementation also increased larval polyunsaturated fatty acid percentage by 22-37%, with linoleic acid being the most abundant. Likewise, larval protein content reached 50% after supplementation. This study demonstrates that both cucumber and tomato wastes from conventional or ecological crops are excellent supplements for T. molitor's diet, improving their nutritional value and reducing the time necessary for larvae growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria López-Gámez
- Research and Development of Functional Food Center (CIDAF), Avda. del Conocimiento, 37, 18016 Granada, Spain; (R.d.P.-G.); (M.A.L.-B.); (V.V.)
| | - Raquel del Pino-García
- Research and Development of Functional Food Center (CIDAF), Avda. del Conocimiento, 37, 18016 Granada, Spain; (R.d.P.-G.); (M.A.L.-B.); (V.V.)
| | - María Asunción López-Bascón
- Research and Development of Functional Food Center (CIDAF), Avda. del Conocimiento, 37, 18016 Granada, Spain; (R.d.P.-G.); (M.A.L.-B.); (V.V.)
| | - Vito Verardo
- Research and Development of Functional Food Center (CIDAF), Avda. del Conocimiento, 37, 18016 Granada, Spain; (R.d.P.-G.); (M.A.L.-B.); (V.V.)
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Campus of Cartuja, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology Jose Mataix, Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Avda. Conocimiento s/n, 18100 Granada, Spain
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López-Gámez G, Del Pino-García R, López-Bascón MA, Verardo V. From feed to functionality: Unravelling the nutritional composition and techno-functional properties of insect-based ingredients. Food Res Int 2024; 178:113985. [PMID: 38309922 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.113985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using insects as a sustainable resource for biorefinery processes. This emerging field aims to convert insect biomass into valuable products while minimizing waste. The integration of emerging green technologies and the efficient extraction of high-value compounds from insects offer promising avenues for addressing the growing demand for sustainable food production and resource utilization. The review examines the impact of dietary modifications on the nutritional profile of insects. It highlights the potential for manipulating insect feed to optimize protein quality, amino acid profile, lipid content and fatty acid composition. Additionally, innovative green processing technologies such as ultrasound, high pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, cold plasma and enzymatic hydrolysis are discussed for their ability to enhance the extraction and techno-functional properties of insect-based ingredients. The review finds that dietary modifications can impact the nutritional composition of insects, allowing the customization of their nutrient content. By optimizing the insect feed, it is possible to increase the quantity and improve the quality of essential nutrients like proteins or lipids in the derived ingredients. Moreover, alternative processing technologies can improve the techno-functional properties (e.g., solubility, water and oil holding capacities, among others) of insect-based ingredients by modifying proteins' conformation. By harnessing these strategies, researchers and industry professionals can unlock the full potential of insects as a sustainable and nutritional food source, paving the way for innovative insect-based food products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria López-Gámez
- Research and Development of Functional Food Center (CIDAF), Avda. del Conocimiento, 37, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - Raquel Del Pino-García
- Research and Development of Functional Food Center (CIDAF), Avda. del Conocimiento, 37, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - María Asunción López-Bascón
- Research and Development of Functional Food Center (CIDAF), Avda. del Conocimiento, 37, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - Vito Verardo
- Research and Development of Functional Food Center (CIDAF), Avda. del Conocimiento, 37, 18016 Granada, Spain; Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Campus of Cartuja, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology 'José Mataix', Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Avda. Conocimiento s/n, 18100 Granada, Spain.
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Syahrulawal L, Torske MO, Sapkota R, Næss G, Khanal P. Improving the nutritional values of yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae as an animal feed ingredient: a review. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:146. [PMID: 38042833 PMCID: PMC10693714 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00945-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Yellow mealworm larvae (YML; Tenebrio molitor) are considered as a valuable insect species for animal feed due to their high nutritional values and ability to grow under different substrates and rearing conditions. Advances in the understanding of entomophagy and animal nutrition over the past decades have propelled research areas toward testing multiple aspects of YML to exploit them better as animal feed sources. This review aims to summarize various approaches that could be exploited to maximize the nutritional values of YML as an animal feed ingredient. In addition, YML has the potential to be used as an antimicrobial or bioactive agent to improve animal health and immune function in production animals. The dynamics of the nutritional profile of YML can be influenced by multiple factors and should be taken into account when attempting to optimize the nutrient contents of YML as an animal feed ingredient. Specifically, the use of novel land-based and aquatic feeding resources, probiotics, and the exploitation of larval gut microbiomes as novel strategies can assist to maximize the nutritional potential of YML. Selection of relevant feed supplies, optimization of ambient conditions, the introduction of novel genetic selection procedures, and implementation of effective post-harvest processing may be required in the future to commercialize mealworm production. Furthermore, the use of appropriate agricultural practices and technological improvements within the mealworm production sector should be aimed at achieving both economic and environmental sustainability. The issues highlighted in this review could pave the way for future approaches to improve the nutritional value of YML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linggawastu Syahrulawal
- Animal Science, Production and Welfare Division, Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Skolegata 22, Steinkjer, 7713, Norway
| | - Magnhild Oust Torske
- Animal Science, Production and Welfare Division, Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Skolegata 22, Steinkjer, 7713, Norway
| | - Rumakanta Sapkota
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, Roskilde, 4000, Denmark
| | - Geir Næss
- Animal Science, Production and Welfare Division, Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Skolegata 22, Steinkjer, 7713, Norway
| | - Prabhat Khanal
- Animal Science, Production and Welfare Division, Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Skolegata 22, Steinkjer, 7713, Norway.
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Baldacchino F, Spagnoletta A, Lamaj F, Vitale ML, Verrastro V. First Optimization of Tomato Pomace in Diets for Tenebrio molitor (L.) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). INSECTS 2023; 14:854. [PMID: 37999053 PMCID: PMC10672421 DOI: 10.3390/insects14110854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Tomato pomace (TP), an agricultural industrial waste product from the tomato processing industry, is valorized as a rearing substrate for Tenebrio molitor (L.). This study evaluated bran-based diets with increasing tomato pomace (0%, 27%, 41%, and 100%). Protein sources, such as brewer's spent grain and yeast, were used in TP27 and TP41 diets to ensure equal protein contents to the control diet. Results showed no different for larval and pupal weights between diets; however, the time of development significantly increases in TP100 compared to all diets. The feed conversion rate progressively increases from 2.7 to 4.3, respectively, from the control to the TP100 diet. Conversely, lycopene and β-carotene increase in the larvae. The fatty acid composition improves by increasing polyunsaturated fatty acids (mainly α-linoleic acid). Although the best nutritional quality was obtained in T100, the TP41 is the optimal diet for balance between larval performance and qualitative improvement of larvae. Therefore, tomato pomace is suitable for the formulation of mealworm diets, even in high dosages, when supplemented with sustainable protein and carbohydrate sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinando Baldacchino
- Laboratory of Bioproducts and Bioprocess, ENEA—Trisaia Research Centre, S.S. Jonica 106, Km 419+500, I-75026 Rotondella, Italy
| | - Anna Spagnoletta
- Laboratory of Bioproducts and Bioprocess, ENEA—Trisaia Research Centre, S.S. Jonica 106, Km 419+500, I-75026 Rotondella, Italy
| | - Flutura Lamaj
- CIHEAM-Bari, Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, Via Ceglie, 9, I-70100 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Vitale
- CIHEAM-Bari, Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, Via Ceglie, 9, I-70100 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Verrastro
- CIHEAM-Bari, Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, Via Ceglie, 9, I-70100 Valenzano, Italy
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Montalbán A, Martínez-Miró S, Schiavone A, Madrid J, Hernández F. Growth Performance, Diet Digestibility, and Chemical Composition of Mealworm ( Tenebrio molitor L.) Fed Agricultural By-Products. INSECTS 2023; 14:824. [PMID: 37887836 PMCID: PMC10607911 DOI: 10.3390/insects14100824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Humanity's growing demand for animal protein exceeds the capacity of traditional protein sources to support growing livestock production. Insects offer promising partial substitutes, converting low-nutritional quality materials into high-value biomass. Hence, the bioconversion ability of Tenebrio molitor larvae was assessed by using three types of agricultural by-products (broccoli by-product, tigernut pulp, and grape pomace) at different inclusion levels (0%, 25%, 50%, and 100%) in a carbohydrate-based diet. Ten diets were formulated to assess their impact on the growth, diet digestibility, and nutritional composition of the larvae. For each treatment, eight replicates were employed: five for the growth-performance-digestibility trial and three for the complementary test of uric acid determination. The growth was influenced by the type of diet administered. The broccoli by-product resulted in higher larvae weight and a better feed conversion ratio. However, diets based solely on a single by-product (100%) compromised the productivity and diet digestibility. The larvae changed their nutritional composition depending on the rearing substrate, although the amino acid profile remained consistent. In conclusion, the studied by-products have the potential for use in T. molitor rearing as part of the diet but not as the exclusive ingredients, indicating promising opportunities for using agricultural by-products in T. molitor rearing and production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Montalbán
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Regional Campus of International Excellence “Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (A.M.); (J.M.); (F.H.)
| | - Silvia Martínez-Miró
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Regional Campus of International Excellence “Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (A.M.); (J.M.); (F.H.)
| | - Achille Schiavone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy;
| | - Josefa Madrid
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Regional Campus of International Excellence “Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (A.M.); (J.M.); (F.H.)
| | - Fuensanta Hernández
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Regional Campus of International Excellence “Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (A.M.); (J.M.); (F.H.)
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