Effect of stocking density on performance, survival and nutrient composition of super worm Zophobas Morio (Coleoptera:Tenebrionidae)

As the global demand for animal protein continues to increase, the need for sustainable and resource-efficient alternatives for animal feed becomes increasingly paramount. Insects have gained significant attention as promising candidates to support the sustainable development of the feed industry, and their utilization in animal feed has seen substantial growth in recent years. Therefore, this study was conducted to optimize the superworm (Zophobas morio) larvae rearing stocking density on the biomass production, survival, and nutrient composition. Two-weeks-old Z. morio larvae were maintained at 25 ± 2 ^oC and 70% relative humidity, and at densities of 0.5, 0.75, 1 and 1.25 cm² space per larva, respectively. The insects reared with a density of 1.25 cm² per larvae had higher feed intake (FI) and weight gain (WG) (P < 0.05). However, better feed conversion efficiency (FCE) was recorded with a density of 0.75 cm² per larvae (P < 0.05). The survival significantly increased with increasing the density per larvae (P < 0.05). High survival of Z. morio larvae was recorded at density of 1 and 1.25 cm² per larvae. The dry matter and fat contents of Z. morio larvae were higher at density of 0.5 cm² per larvae (P < 0.05). However, the protein content was higher at density of 1 and 1.25 cm² per larvae (P < 0.05). Moreover, the ash content was higher at 0.5, 0.75, and 1.25 cm² per larvae (P < 0.05). This study highlights that Z. morio larvae rearing stocking density has a profound influence on growth performance, survival and its nutrient composition.