Agro-industrial waste as sustainable substrate for mealworm production: a review of nutritional efficiency and biomass yield

Abstract T. molitor is identified as an acceptable sustainable protein source for consumption by animal and human’s feed. This occurs by their high nutritional content and efficient processing of feed into body mass. In this review paper, we discuss vital role of substrate choices in improving T. molitor farming and investigate how many food sources affect T. molitor survival, nutritional composition, and growth. Common substrates like wheat bran and maize flour are under research as well, and fresh ideas include trash from agricultural goods and brewery discarded grains. We explore fully how each substrate affects mealworm output and quality. Study shows that protein, mineral and fat content of mealworms greatly affected by composition of substrate. This highlights ability efficient in manufacturing using affordable, sustainable goods. The most frequently used substrate is wheat bran as its high level of protein supports ideal larvae growth. To boost nutritional content of T. molitor , several substrates such as maize flour, brewery wasted grains, and many agricultural by products have lately become reasonable and ecologically suitable choices. Mealworms’ nutritional makeup directly impacted by the substrates they eat; higher fat substrates cause mealworms to have greater fat content. The goal of this literature review is to determine which substrates work best and provide useful advice to farmers who want to improve mealworm farming methods and support sustainable food systems. Mealworms are a useful tool for tackling issues with food security and sustainability because of their capacity effectively transform organic waste into high quality protein. Farmers may minimize expenses and environmental effects while optimizing production efficiency by adding organic waste and agricultural by products to T. molitor diets.