Effects of Organic Substrates on Development and Survival of <i>Blattela germanica</i> for Food and Feed in Kenya

Abstract

Entomophagy has gained popularity as a novel approach to addressing food and nutrition insecurity, particularly in sub-tropical and tropical countries. Cockroaches, for example, have the potential to alleviate nutritional deficiencies, as well as the erratic supply of protein in feeds. They can also be reared on locally available organic substrates. This study investigated growth performance and survival of german cockroach (Blattella germanica) reared on locally available organic matter substrates as treatments; spent brewers' grain (Treatment A), Treatment B consisting of (40%: wheat bran: 40% spent brewers' grain: 20% Caridina nilotica), wheat bran (Treatment C), and C. nilotica (Treatment D) and in a completely randomised design (CRD). Each treatment was replicated four times, while in each replicate 20 -30 nymphs were reared for forty-two days. Feed intake for all the treatments was not significantly different. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in mature weight, average daily weight gain, live weight, and survival during rearing period. Cockroach performed well on treatment B and recorded highest mature weight, overall performance index, survival was 90.25 mg, 197.35, 96%. The least perfomance was reported in Treatment C; 1.78, 83, 143.17 and 72.5 for average growth rate, survival, overall perfomance and mature weight respectively. B. Based on these findings, a single feed as used in this study was inferior to the composite (Treatment B) in all parameters of growth performance and survival. The composite diet (Treatment B) could be suitable substrate for mass production of B. germanica for feed and food.

Edible cockroaches as food and feed – A systematic review on health benefits, nutritional aspects and consumer acceptance

“…Earlier studies have shown that the presence of food and water greatly influences the survival and growth of cockroaches. It was observed that the growth, molting phase, longevity, and reproduction of Blattella germanica Linnaeus, 1758 was visible in female cockroaches than males (Ngaira et al, 2022).…”

“…Based on several studies, the result shows that cockroaches can be an alternative protein source as feed for livestock. Cockroaches are comparable with soybean and fishmeal that contain 43.8-75.4% crude protein (Banaszkiewicz, 2011;Hopley, 2016;Ngaira et al, 2022;Vrabec et al, 2015). Blaptica dubia De Geer, 1752 yielded the highest crude protein content with a value of 64,4%.…”

“…Poultry's dietary protein needs are commonly fulfilled by including 17-22% of plant protein supplements, 1-2% of animal protein supplements, 0.2-0.5% of synthetic amino acids, and a daily intake of 1% linoleic fatty acid in their diet. A study conducted by (Ngaira et al, 2022) 10 and 11.…”

“…Defatting can be employed to reduce fat content and increase the concentration of crude protein. This makes a meal contain Blatella germanica Linnaeus, 1758 with a protein content ranging from 56% to 58%, is a SuperPRO feed and can serve as a protein ingredient to either replace or complement fishmeal in broiler chicken diets (Ngaira et al, 2022).…”

“…They made a trap from plastic stacked with carton egg trays to capture the cockroaches. The rearing room had the floor covered with wood shavings, cream-painted walls to minimise light reflection, and it was effectively sealed to ensure proper ventilation while preventing unwanted airflow (Ngaira et al, 2022). Meanwhile, simple cockroach farming in China has been rearing in a manipulated environment, similar to the natural habitat.…”