The nutritional profile of the yellow mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) reared on four different substrates

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Authors

Langston, Keandra Leigh
Selaledi, Letlhogonolo
Tanga, Chrysantus M.
Yusuf, Abdullahi Ahmed

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Elsevier

Abstract

The utilisation of Tenebrio molitor L. (the yellow mealworm) as a cheaper, alternative and readily available ingredient for food and feed is gaining interest globally. However, there has been limited research on locally and readily available substrates for mealworm mass rearing in South Africa. This study evaluated the impact of four substrates; wheat bran (control diet), wheat flour, maize flour, and Lucerne (pellets) on the rearing of mealworm larvae under controlled conditions over two generations and analysed the nutrient composition using standard nutritional analysis techniques. The results revealed that the crude protein contents of T. molitor larvae ranged between 28 – 36 % when raised on different substrates and varied significantly in the order Lucerne > wheat bran > wheat flour > maize flour. The major minerals found in the larvae included sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and zinc. The larvae were also rich in saturated, mono and polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (FAs) with oleic, linoleic, and palmitic as the main FAs. The nutritional profiles of first- and second-generation larvae raised on the same substrates remained the same. Wheat flour was found to be the best alternative to wheat bran. The finding demonstrates the suitability of local, inexpensive substrates for commercial production of yellow mealworm without compromising their nutritional quality and utilisation for food and feed.

Description

DATA AVAILABILITY : Data will be made available on request.

Keywords

Edible insects, Food and feed, Insect rearing diets, Nutritional quality, Sustainable development goals (SDGs), SDG-02: Zero hunger, SDG-01: No poverty, SDG-03: Good health and well-being, SDG-05: Gender equality, SDG-08: Decent work and economic growth, SDG-10: Reduced inequalities, SDG-11: Sustainable cities and communities, SDG-13: Climate action, SDG-15: Life on land, Yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor)

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG-01:No poverty
SDG-02:Zero Hunger
SDG-03:Good heatlh and well-being
SDG-05:Gender equality
SDG-08:Decent work and economic growth
SDG-10:Reduces inequalities
SDG-11:Sustainable cities and communities
SDG-13:Climate action
SDG-15:Life on land

Citation

Langston, K., Selaledi, L., Tanga, C. & Yusuf, A. 2024, 'The nutritional profile of the yellow mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) reared on four different substrates', Future Foods, vol. 9, art. 100388, pp. 1-6, doi : 10.1016/j.fufo.2024.100388.