Assessment of chemical composition and metabolizable energy value of frog larvae (Rana ridibundus) powder for poultry nutrition

In this study, chemical composition (dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, crude energy, calcium and phosphorus) and metabolizable energy values (AME, AMEn, TME, TMEn) frog larvae powder (Rana ridibundus) for use in poultry nutrition were collected. So first we collected larvae by a tour from various dewatering and pond and then, placed them to sun exposed until dry completely which takes 2 days to dry. Then, a sample of frog larvae powder send to laboratory of Animal Science Research Institute and chemical composition evaluated by AOAC method and energy metabolism by Sibbald method. Results showed that 96.93% of dry matter, crude protein 30.80 percent, crude fat 7.73 percent, calcium 5.5 percent, phosphorus 0.9 percent, sodium 0.72 percent and crude energy 4700Kcal kg is in dry matter. The AME, AMEn, TME and TMEn were 3851, 3667, 4561 and 4050 Kcal/kg, respectively as fed was determined. The results showed that existence of dewatering and large ponds in various regions of the country, especially in northern regions, frog larvae powder can be partly used in poultry nutrition.