Zootechnical performance and nutritional composition of dubia cockroach (Blaptica dubia) fed commercial poultry feed

Abstract Insects such as the dubia cockroach ( Blaptica dubia ) are promising alternative protein sources for animal feed, but there is a lack of management information on their commercial rearing. These cockroaches are fed fruit and vegetables, as well as the commercial feed of various species, most commonly poultry feed. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of four commercial poultry rations (Initial-T1, Growth-T2, Fattening-T3, Laying-T4) on the zootechnical performance and nutritional composition of B. dubia . The cockroaches were reared from nymph age to adult age (five-month experimental period) and given one of the four diets. Weight gain, consumption, feed conversion, apparent digestibility, and mortality were assessed. The cockroaches’ bromatological and mineral composition was analyzed. There was no significant difference in weight gain, consumption, feed conversion, or mortality between the treatments. The digestibility of the T4 feed (72%) was significantly lower than the others (78–79%). The crude protein content was lower in T4 (1.76 g/kg DM) and higher in T2 (3.98 g/kg DM), resulting in Ca: P ratios < 1:1 in all treatments. The diet also influenced the levels of Cu and Zn. Overall commercial poultry diets perform well for Blaptica dubia . However, they have an inadequate mineral profile (low Ca: P), requiring attention for using dubia cockroach as a live feed.