Effects of Tenebrio molitor and Zophobas Morio larvae meal supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, and gut histomorphology in Japanese quails

This study investigated the effects of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) and superworm (Zophobas Morio) meal supplementation on the growth performance, carcass traits, and gut histomorphology of Japanese quails. A total of 240 day-old quail chicks were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five replicates per treatment. The treatments included: a control diet without insect meal (A), a diet with 3 g/kg mealworm meal (B), a diet with 3 g/kg superworm meal (C), and a diet combining 3 g/kg mealworm and 3 g/kg superworm meal (D). Feed and water were provided ad libitum for 35 days. Growth performance parameters, carcass traits, and gut morphology were evaluated. Results indicated that insect meal supplementation significantly influenced feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion efficiency. The combination (MW+SW) diet reduced feed intake while enhancing growth and feed efficiency. Carcass traits analysis revealed that the MW+SW diet significantly increased dressing percentage. Gut histomorphology assessment showed improved villus height and crypt depth, suggesting enhanced nutrient absorption. Overall, the combination diet (MW+SW) demonstrated the most beneficial effects, highlighting its potential as an alternative protein source in quail nutrition.