The aim of this research was to study
the effect of insect meal from Tenebrio molitor larvae
(Tenebrio molitor larvae meal [TML]) as complete
replacement of soybean meal (SBM) on growth performance,
nutrient digestibility, and carcass and meat
traits of broilers. A total of eighty 30-d-old male Shaver
brown broilers were homogenously divided into 2
groups (each consisting of 8 replicates of 5 birds). Up
to 62 d of age, the groups were fed 2 isoproteic and
isoenergetic diets differing for the ingredient used as
the main protein source: the control group was fed a
corn–SBM–based diet, whereas in the TML group,
the SBM was completely replaced by TML. Broiler
growth performance was measured during the trial. At
62 d of age, 2 broilers per replicate (16 per group) were
slaughtered and apparent ileal digestibility coefficients
and carcass and meat traits were determined. The use
of TML as the main protein source in the broiler diet
had no significant effect on most growth performance
and carcass traits and chemical and physical properties
of meat, the latter being important for marketing
purposes. The feed conversion ratio in the entire experimental
period (from 30 to 62 d) was improved in
the TML group compared with the SBM group (P <
0.05). The apparent ileal digestibility coefficients of
DM, OM, and CP in broilers fed the SBM diet were
greater (P < 0.01) than the other group. The full digestive
system in broilers fed SBM had a lower (P <
0.05) absolute and relative weight than that of broilers
fed TML. Also, the weight and the percentage of the
spleen in the SBM group were lower (P < 0.05) than
those in the TML group. The length of the entire intestine
in the group fed TML was greater (P < 0.05) than
the other group and the same happened when intestinal
length was expressed as percentage of broiler BW (P <
0.05). Among the different intestinal tracts, the ileum
and ceca of broilers fed TML had a greater (P < 0.05)
length than that of broilers fed SBM. Also, ceca weight
(as an absolute value or percentage on live weight) in
broilers fed TML was greater (P < 0.05) than that of
broilers fed SBM. Breast pH and cooking losses in
broilers fed TML were greater (P < 0.05) than those
of broilers fed SBM. Chemical characteristic of meat
obtained from right breast of slaughtered broilers were
unaffected by dietary treatments. Tenebrio molitor larvae
meal can be a suitable alternative protein source
for growing broilers and also when used as principal
protein contributor to the diet.