Effects of mealworm (Tenebrio Molitor L.) larvae supplementation to alfalfa hay at different levels on in vitro gas and methane production

Authors : Merve Hanönü, Mustafa Özdemir, Selma Büyükkılıç Beyzi

Pages : 8-11

Doi:10.55257/ethabd.1393914

View : 105 | Download : 127

Publication Date : 2024-06-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The study was conducted to determine the effects of adding different levels of mealworm (Tenebrio Molitor L.) larvae to alfalfa hay on in vitro gas and methane production. For this purpose, mealworms were added to alfalfa hay at the rate of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% of the dry matter. In the study, rumen fluid was obtained from the slaughterhouse (2 healthy beef cattle). In the study, gas production was found to be higher in the groups supplemented with mealworms (PL 0.05). As a result, it was determined that the use of mealworm larvae as a feed additive in ruminant feeds could increase the digestibility of alfalfa without affecting the methane production. Additionally, mealworms may increase the sustainability of ruminant feeding. However, it is recommended that these results be supported by in vivo studies at different levels.
Keywords : yenilebilir böcek, ruminant, yem, gaz üretimi, metan