Mopane Worm ( Gonimbrasia belina Westwood) Meal as a Potential Protein Source for Sustainable Quail Production: A Review

Caven Mguvane Mnisi, Chika Ethelbert Oyeagu and Oziniel Ruzvidzo
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Caven Mguvane Mnisi: Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural Science, North-West University, Mafikeng 2745, South Africa
Chika Ethelbert Oyeagu: Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Applied Science, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Wellington 7654, South Africa
Oziniel Ruzvidzo: Department of Botany, School of Biological Sciences, North-West University, Mafikeng 2745, South Africa

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 9, 1-11

Abstract: Fast-growing and highly adaptable avian birds such as quail ( Coturnix coturnix ) possess great potential to meet the growing demand for animal protein by the rapidly increasing human population, and would contribute immensely to global food production and nutritional security. However, overreliance on conventional protein sources such as fish and soybean meals during the formulation of quail diets is economically and environmentally unsustainable. Alternatively, insect-based protein sources such as Gonimbrasia belina , commonly known as mopane worm (MW), can be used to increase quail production due to their high biological value and low feed-food competition. Indeed, MW is highly nutritious, with an average protein content of 55% and a well-balanced amino acid profile. Thus, its incorporation in quail diets could provide great potential to alleviate nutritional deficiencies in quail production and allow for their sustainable intensification. However, there are limited studies on the effect of partial or complete replacement of conventional protein sources with mopane worm meal (MWM) in quail diets. This paper reviews the nutritional profile and use of the MW as a protein source, as well as its potential future prospects in poultry diets. Finally, we postulate that mass production of this insect-based protein source and its sustainability would be an inventive strategy to develop a profitable quail business.

Keywords: food security; insect meal; mopane worm; protein sources; quail; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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