Evaluación de harina de tenebrio molitor en dietas isoproteicas sobre el crecimiento y la eficiencia alimenticia de oreochromis mossambicus.

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of partial inclusion of Tenebrio molitor meal in isoproteic diets on the growth performance and feed conversion efficiency of Oreochromis mossambicus over a seven-week experimental period. Four treatments were formulated with different levels of fishmeal replacement: 0% (control), 80% (T-1), 60% (T-2), and 40% (T-3). Significant differences were observed among treatments in terms of weight gain, body length, and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Treatment T-1 recorded the highest final weight (2.52 ± 0.10 g) and length (5.16 ± 0.06 cm), surpassing even the control, while T-3 showed the lowest growth. Regarding FCR, the control achieved the best performance (1.87), followed by T-1 (2.05), T-2 (2.26), and T-3 (2.47). However, both T-2 and T-3 showed progressive improvements in feed efficiency over time, suggesting a possible digestive adaptation. These findings indicate that T. molitor meal can serve as a viable and effective alternative protein source, particularly at 60% and 80% inclusion levels, without compromising productive performance.