Effect of Duckweed ( Spirodela polyrhiza )-Supplemented Semolina on the Production Parameters and Nutrient Composition of Yellow Mealworm ( Tenebrio molitor )

Odunayo A. Toviho (), Moutia Imane, Pusztahelyi Tünde and Bársony Péter
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Odunayo A. Toviho: Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi Str. 138, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
Moutia Imane: Central Laboratory of Agricultural and Food Products, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi Str. 138, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
Pusztahelyi Tünde: Central Laboratory of Agricultural and Food Products, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi Str. 138, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
Bársony Péter: Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi Str. 138, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary

Agriculture, 2023, vol. 13, issue 7, 1-15

Abstract: This research explores the potential of using common duckweed ( Spyrodela polyrhiza ) as a feeding substrate and supplement for yellow mealworm production. Duckweed is known for its high content of protein (20–35%) and essential amino acids. This study aims to assess the effect of the combination of semolina and duckweed as a feeding substrate for yellow mealworm larvae ( Tenebrio molitor) . The experiment involved different combinations of semolina and duckweed in varying proportions. The treatments included 100% semolina (S), 75% semolina + 25% duckweed (S75D25), 50% semolina + 50% duckweed (S50D50), 25% semolina + 75% duckweed (S25D75), and 100% duckweed (D). Over a six-week period, the production parameters, nutrient composition, amino acid composition, and fatty acid composition of the yellow mealworms were measured and analyzed. The results demonstrate that S75D25 and S50D50 feed combinations were recommended due to their positive effects on production parameters and nutrient composition. Although the D substrate exhibited the highest crude protein content, yellow mealworm larvae did not grow on this substrate. The inclusion of duckweed in the feed had no significant effect on the fatty acid composition of the mealworms, while substrates S25D75 and D induced an improved amino acid composition. In conclusion, incorporating duckweed into the feeding substrate can enhance the production parameters and nutrient composition of yellow mealworms.

Keywords: yellow mealworm; duckweed; nutrient composition; production parameters; amino acid profile; fatty acid profile (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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