Biomass production, bromatological and histological profile of madagascar hissing cockroaches Gromphadorhina portentosa (Blattodea: Blaberidae) fed agro-industrial wastes

The aim was to evaluate different agro-industrial residues as to feed source for Madagascar hissing cockroaches (Gromphadorhina portentosa), aiming to optimize protein biomass production. 216 specimens Madagascar hissing cockroaches were used. cockroaches divided into four groups, each fed different diets: sugarcane bagasse (DB), forage palm bran (DP), moringa bran (DM), and wheat bran, control (DC). The experimental design was completely randomized, with three repetitions per treatment and 18 individuals per experimental unit. The results showed that the control diet (DC) resulted in an average biomass of 135.94 g (±7.92), superior to the other treatments (P<0.05). Forage palm bran also showed significant performance with 119.03 g (±20.48), while sugarcane bagasse and moringa bran resulted in lower biomass, 45.61 g (±19.35) and 58.11 g (±20.33), respectively. Feed efficiency varied according to the diet, with the control diet being the most efficient (0.48 g) and sugarcane bagasse the least efficient (0.13 g). Additionally, histological analyses indicated alterations in the gastrointestinal tract in response to the different diets. It is concluded that the food substrate significantly impacts the biomass and health of the cockroaches, suggesting that the choice of food is crucial for maximizing protein biomass production.