Insects have been utilized as food sources since decades ago as they are readily available, easy to rear, and less harmful to the environment. This study aimed to determine the nutritional value of Tenebrio molitor mealworms reared in Zimbabwe for the first time, as well as to carry out a feeding trial on broilers using the Tenebrio molitor mealworm powder formulated stockfeed. The methods used in the determination of the nutritional content were based on the standard methods by the Association of Analytical Chemists. The results show that mealworms that are currently being reared in Zimbabwe contain 4.75 % moisture content, 26 % crude fat, 54.8 % crude protein, 4.125 % ash content, 6.1 % crude fiber, and 4.22 % carbohydrates. For the feeding trial, broiler chickens were divided into three groups of 5 chickens each and fed with a feed of different compositions for 6 weeks. The control group (a) was fed with a basal diet of commercially available broiler stockfeed, the second group (b) was fed with commercially available broiler stockfeed, supplemented with 3 % dried Tenebrio molitor mealworms and the third group (c) was fed with the formulated Tenebrio molitor stockfeed. The chickens in groups a, b, and c were found to have average weights of 2.375 kg, 2.52 kg, and 2.3762 kg respectively. The feed conversion ratio for groups a, b, and c were 1.45, 1.37, and 1.452 respectively. Therefore, Tenebrio molitor mealworms may be a good source of protein for the production of stockfeed.

Insect production is a rapidly growing industry worldwide, as it presents a promising solution for the effective recycling of organic waste. The most abundant by-product of insect production is insect feces, scientifically known as 'frass'. Frass is produced in greater volumes than the actual insect products and therefore should be utilized in order to maintain a circular economy. Thus, this study focused on analyzing the potential of using frass from the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) as a fertilizer. Mineral analysis of frass was investigated using spectroscopic methods and in terms of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, mineral content was found to be 3.3 %, 2.8 %, and 2.3 % respectively. These values were in cognition with values that were found in literature, meaning that the frass can be used as a fertilizer replacement or complement. The fertilizing ability of frass was also investigated and results showed the best harvest from soil treated with complement (frass and mineral fertilizer), followed by frass having quality seeds, then mineral fertilizer which had a relatively good yield, and lastly control which had no treatment of the soil. However, more research should be conducted, especially on the immunestimulating aspect of frass, to collaborate on the promising results obtained during this project.