The use of live mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) in diet of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): effect on growth performance and survival, nutritional efficiency, carcass compositions and intestinal digestive enzymes

The present study investigated the effects of different levels using of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L., TM) on the growth and feed performance, body composition and digestive enzymes of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss.

Fish (8.58± 0.27 g) in a completely randomized design in 4 treatments and each with 3 replications. Rainbow trout with different levels of 0, 15, 30 and 60% diet (TM0, TM15, TM30 and TM60) (including 50% moisture) of live worm for 30 days. Data were analyzed by one-way (SPSS 17). When p values were significant (P<0.05), means were compared using Duncan's multiple-range test.

At the end of the experimental, there were significant difference between treatments in growth performance and feed utilization. The results revealed that fish growth parameters and efficiency of nutrient utilization tended to increase with increasing dietary TM levels from 0 to 60%. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) was significantly reduced in fish fed the diet with the highest worm level (TM60). The treatments fed TM showed highest protein and lower lipid content compared to fish fed control diet. The analysis of gastrointestinal enzymes showed that amylase, protease and lipase had a statistically significant difference between the control and other treatments. Protease and amylase activities were found to be significantly higher for fish fed the TM60 diet compared with fish fed TM0 diet.

The results showed that using 60% (TM60) of worm instead of the base diet can improve growth, carcass composition and digestive enzymes.