Effect of fish meal replacement with mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) on growth performance and immune response of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Barkhordar , Mohsen

doi:10.22034/aer.2.4.27

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Effect of fish meal replacement with mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) on growth performance and immune response of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Mohsen Barkhordar Dr. ^*

Abstract: (453 Views)

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the possibility of partially replacing fishmeal, an expensive protein source dependent on marine resources, with mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) in the diet of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Increasing production costs and environmental sustainability concerns due to overexploitation of marine resources have necessitated the use of alternative protein sources such as insects.
Materials & Methods: In this study, five experimental diets were formulated with different levels of substitution (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% replacement of fishmeal with mealworm) while maintaining a crude protein level of 32%.
Results: The results showed that substitution up to 50% had no significant effect on growth performance (weight gain rate and feed conversion ratio) (p>0.05). However, higher levels of replacement (75% and 100%) resulted in significant reductions in growth rate and feed conversion ratio (p<0.05). Analysis of blood parameters showed that lower levels of replacement had a positive effect on the health status of the fish, as glucose and total cholesterol levels improved in the 50% group (p<0.05). Liver enzyme activities (AST, ALT) also increased in the groups where fish meal was completely removed, indicating greater metabolic stress (p<0.05).
Conclusion: This study shows that mealworm is a potential and sustainable alternative to provide part of the protein required in the diet of carp, but to achieve optimal growth performance, there is a need for more precise optimization of the diet formulation, especially the balance of essential amino acids.

Keywords: Mealworm, Fishmeal, Common Carp, Growth performance, Immune response

Full-Text [PDF 661 kb] (119 Downloads)

Type of Study: Research | Subject: Special

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