Low-Fat Tenebrio molitor Meal as a Component in the Broiler Diet: Growth Performance and Carcass Composition

<i>Tenebrio molitor</i> is considered a sustainable protein source for diets in poultry. It has been investigated in regard to the performance, health status, and product quality in different poultry species. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of low-fat <i>Tenebrio molitor</i> meal (LFTM) included in the broilers' diet on the growth performance and carcass composition of the birds. The trial was conducted at the Institute of Animal Science-Kostinbrod, Bulgaria. A total of 120 male one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were allocated to 5 groups. After an adaptation period of 14 days, the birds were fed a basal diet (C) and diets including LFTM in amounts of 2.5% (T2.5), 5% (T5), 7.5% (T7.5), and 10% (T10). The growth performance of the birds was measured during the trial. At 35 days of age, 8 birds per group were slaughtered, and their carcass quality was evaluated. We found a linear response of BWG and FCR towards the inclusion of <i>Tenebrio molitor</i> meal (TM) in the diet. For the whole period (14-35 d), the BWG decreased (<i>p</i> = 0.0002), while the values of FCR increased (<i>p</i> = 0.0001) with the increase in the levels of the insect meal. The doses of 7.5% and 10% of the insect meal were associated with lower carcass weight and also decreased the yield of the breast. The results of the study indicated that the incorporation of LFTM, especially in amounts of 7.5-10%, could not be appropriate for broilers due to adverse effects on the growth performance and carcass composition.