Effect of Tenebrio molitor Supplementation on Performance and Immunity of Broilers under Heat Stress Conditions
Effect of Tenebrio molitor Supplementation on Performance and Immunity of Broilers under Heat Stress Conditions
Fazli Amin1*, Amjad Usman1, Maqsood Shah¹ and Sarzamin Khan²
ABSTRACT
In broiler production, numerous feed additives have been utilized to promote growth, feed efficiency, immunity, and antioxidant capacity. Similarly, various techniques, including electric fans, cooling pad systems, and water sprinkling through foggers, have been employed to mitigate heat stress in poultry. However, due to cost constraints, these methods may not always be feasible, and alternative nutritional strategies can be followed, including the use of balancing of nutrients. One such nutritional strategy for reducing stress is the incorporation of Tenebrio molitor (mealworm) as a feed additive. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the impact of T. molitor as a feed supplement on the performance, immunity, and economics of heat-stressed broilers. A total of 150 (day-old) broilers were randomly allocated to five dietary groups: such as D0 (control), D1, D2, D3, and D4, provided with T. molitor at the rate of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2 g/kg of feed, respectively. The broilers were exposed to temperatures ranging from 32-38˚C during the trial. Results showed the highest significant total weight gain, improved feed conversion ratio, and dressing percentage, and reduced feed intake in the D4 group compared to all other groups. Similarly, the highest antibody titers against the Newcastle disease, and lower mortality rate were calculated in the D4 group than in the remaining groups. Meat quality was not affected. A significant increase in the net profit was observed in the D4 group as compared to the leftover groups. Based on the current findings, it is concluded that T. molitor at the rate of 2.0 g/kg in broiler feed improves the production performance, boosts the immune response against the Newcastle disease, and increases the economic return.
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