Fishmeal replacement by mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) in diet of farmed Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei): effects on growth performance, serum biochemistry, and immune response

Abstract

Reducing the use of fishmeal (FM) in shrimp feed means significant savings in the amount of FM consumed globally and subsequently reducing production costs and environmental impacts. Insect meal (IM) is one of the protein sources to replace FM in aquafeeds. In this regard, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of replacing FM with mealworm (MW, Tenebrio molitor) on the growth performance, haemolymph biochemical responses, and innate immunity of Litopenaeus vannamei. Shrimps with a mean weight of 7.41 ± 0.13 gram were cultured in 300-liter fiberglass tanks (with a useful drainage volume of 200 liters) with a density of 20 shrimp per tank over a period of 60 days. Dietary treatments, including the control treatment (no mealworm; T0), 15% (T15), 30% (T30), 60% (T60), and 100% (T100) level of replacing FM with mealworm (MW), each with three replications, were investigated in the form of a randomized design. The results of this study showed a significant difference in body weight gain (BWG), feed efficiency (FE), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and hepatopancreas index (HPI) among the treatments (P < 0.05). With the increase of the replacement of FM with MW up to 30%, BWG, FE, and HPI were significantly increased then reduced. The levels of cholesterol (Chol), triglycerides (Tg), and glucose (Glu) showed a decreasing trend with increasing replacement of FM with MW and revealed a significant difference with the control treatment at high levels of replacement (P < 0.05). Besides, the results showed that replacing FM with MW had a significant effect on the activities of superoxidase dismutase (SOD), phenol oxidase (PO), lysozyme (LZM), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and the total count of hemocytes (THC) in the practical diets compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Overall, the findings suggest that MW is a promising alternative protein source for L. vannamei, as it enhances both growth performance and the immune system. The study recommends the use of MW in the diet of farmed species in the aquaculture industry, given its lack of adverse impacts on growth performance and its potential to reduce environmental consequences resulting from its production. The results also underscore the importance of exploring alternative protein sources to reduce dependence on FM and enhance sustainability in the aquaculture industry.

First Optimization of Tomato Pomace in Diets for Tenebrio molitor (L.) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

“…Therefore, dueto the quality and quantity of its macronutrients and the presence of carotenoids in TP, the use of an optimal diet based on this by-product can support the production of mealworms and its products (flour and oil), to be used both as foods [121][122][123] and as feed [124][125][126] with high nutritional value and positive effects on human and animal health [59,127]. Great attention must be paid to the origin and traceability of by-products used in diets to avoid accumulating and biomagnifying heavy metals in larvae [128].…”

Reemplazo de la harina de pescado por harina de Tenebrio molitor en dietas para crustáceos: efectos en el crecimiento y la respuesta inmune

“…Another interesting aspect that has been confirmed in this review is that there is sufficient scientific evidence to assume that the inclusion of TMM to replace FM does not reduce the immune response of crustaceans, but, on the contrary, strengthens it. For instance, the study published by Sharifinia et al (2023) found that replacing FM with TMM up to 30% in the diet of L. vannamei increased the counts of THCs, although this increase was not significant. These findings were those described by Overall, the findings of this paper suggest that TMM is a promising alternative protein source for this shrimp species, as it enhances both growth performance and the immune system, which only contrasts with the results obtained by Li et al (2022), which indicates that TMM was less effective for L. vannamei compared to the control diet (0% of TMM).…”

“…Indeed, Sharifinia et al (2023) concluded that there is strong evidence that TMM can effectively replace FM in the diet of L. vannamei, resulting in enhanced growth of this crustacean. Furthermore, Zheng et al ( 2023) found no decrease in growth performance or feed utilization due to the dietary treatment with TMM proteins.…”

“…These findings were those described by Overall, the findings of this paper suggest that TMM is a promising alternative protein source for this shrimp species, as it enhances both growth performance and the immune system, which only contrasts with the results obtained by Li et al (2022), which indicates that TMM was less effective for L. vannamei compared to the control diet (0% of TMM). Sharifinia et al (2023) recommend the use of TMM in the diet of farmed shrimps, given its lack of adverse impacts on growth performance and its potential to reduce environmental consequences resulting from its production.…”

Biofloc Technology (BFT) in Aquaculture: What Goes Right, What Goes Wrong? A Scientific-Based Snapshot

“…Over the last 30 years, aquaculture has experienced unprecedented growth, currently accounting for more than half of the world's fish needs and playing a crucial role in food security, income generation, and economic development [ 1 , 2 ]. As a result, aquaculture has emerged as a significant driver of economic growth and poverty reduction in developing countries, with the potential to generate vital income through small-, medium-, and large-scale commercial aquaculture [ 3 – 5 ]. However, to meet the growing demand for safe and high-quality aquatic protein, especially fish and shrimp, aquaculture requires appropriate production systems capable of sustaining higher stocking densities, maintaining acceptable water quality levels, ensuring optimal health and performance, while addressing biosecurity and environmental concerns [ 6 ].…”