Sustainable Rearing of Tenebrio molitor Larvae Using Peatland Biomass

Area of Science:

• Insect Science
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Nutritional Biochemistry

Background:

• Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae are a sustainable food and feed source.
• Biomass recycling and food security are key global challenges.
• Novel feed ingredients are needed to optimize insect farming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of lignocellulose-rich organic products from rewetted peatlands (LPRP) on Tenebrio molitor larvae.
• To compare survival, growth, and nutritional composition of larvae fed varying LPRP inclusion levels.
• To determine the optimal LPRP inclusion for sustainable insect production.

Main Methods:

• Tenebrio molitor larvae were fed five diets: control (distillers' dried grains with solubles [DDGS] and wheat bran [WB]) and four experimental diets with 10-40% LPRP replacing WB.
• DDGS levels were adjusted to maintain consistent protein content (~21%).
• Survival, final body weight, and feed conversion ratio were measured; nutritional composition (crude protein, amino acids) was analyzed.

Main Results:

• Survival rates exceeded 90% across all dietary groups.
• Larvae fed control and 10-20% LPRP diets exhibited comparable final body weights.
• The 10% LPRP diet resulted in slightly higher crude protein content and a favorable feed conversion ratio.

Conclusions:

• Incorporating 10% LPRP into the diet offers the best balance of growth performance and nutritional quality for Tenebrio molitor larvae.
• LPRP shows potential as a sustainable feed ingredient for insect farming.
• This research supports sustainable biomass recycling and circular economy principles.