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Defatted silkworm pupae meal as an alternative protein source for cattle
K M Rashmi1, M Chandrasekharaiah2, N M Soren3
1Animal Nutrition Division, ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute (Deemed University), Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India. rashmikm999@gmail.com.
Tropical Animal Health and Production
|September 29, 2022
Summary
Defatted silkworm pupae meal (DSWP) can replace soybean meal (SBM) in cattle diets up to 30%. This inclusion does not negatively impact rumen fermentation, microbial protein synthesis, or nutrient utilization in cattle fed finger millet straw-based diets.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Ruminant Physiology
- Sustainable Feedstuffs
Background:
- Silkworm pupae meal (SWP) is an abundant, protein-rich byproduct with under-explored potential in ruminant nutrition.
- Current research on SWP utilization in ruminants is limited, necessitating further investigation into its efficacy and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of incorporating defatted silkworm pupae meal (DSWP) at varying levels (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%) into concentrate mixtures for cattle.
- To assess the impact of DSWP on rumen fermentation, microbial protein synthesis, and nutrient utilization in cattle fed a finger millet straw-based diet.
Main Methods:
- Two-phase study involving a 4x4 Latin square design for rumen fermentation in steers and a completely randomized design for digestibility and microbial protein synthesis in cattle.
- Four isonitrogenous concentrate mixtures were formulated, with DSWP progressively replacing soybean meal (SBM).
- Rumen parameters (pH, NH3-N, VFA), nutrient intake and digestibility, urinary purine derivatives, microbial protein synthesis, and blood biochemical profiles were analyzed.
Main Results:
- No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in rumen fermentation parameters (pH, ammonia nitrogen, total volatile fatty acids) across DSWP inclusion levels.
- Nutrient intake, digestibility, microbial protein synthesis, and urinary purine derivative excretion remained unaffected by DSWP substitution for SBM.
- Blood biochemical parameters showed no significant changes, indicating no adverse health effects.
Conclusions:
- Defatted silkworm pupae meal (DSWP) can be effectively incorporated into cattle diets at up to 30% inclusion, replacing soybean meal (SBM), without compromising rumen function or nutrient utilization.
- DSWP presents a viable, protein-dense alternative feed ingredient for ruminants, offering potential economic and sustainability benefits.
- Further research could explore higher inclusion levels or different processing methods for DSWP in cattle rations.
Keywords:
Alternative feedstuffsDefatted silkworm pupae mealPurine derivativesRumen fermentationSoybean meal
