Partial replacement of soybean meal with Tenebrio molitor larvae meal in broiler finishing diets: growth performance and meat quality

Abstract

Content of image described in text. Abstract This study evaluated the effects of partially replacing soybean meal with Tenebrio molitor larvae meal (TMM) at dietary inclusion levels of 0%, 2%, 5%, and 8% in finisher diets fed to 180 broiler chickens (22–42 days). Growth performance was monitored during the finisher phase, and breast meat from the same birds was analyzed for sensory and physicochemical quality. Sensory evaluation was performed by a consumer panel of 92 participants. No significant differences were observed in body weight gain, feed intake, or feed conversion ratio, confirming the nutritional feasibility of TMM inclusion up to 8%. Sensory evaluation showed that appearance and aroma were unaffected, while juiciness, flavor, tenderness, and texture decreased at inclusion levels ≥5%, indicating a threshold effect. Despite this reduction, all sensory scores remained within acceptable ranges for consumer preference. Physicochemical parameters, including acidity, water activity, thawing loss, and cooking loss, were not significantly influenced by dietary treatment. Minor variations in pH were detected but remained within the physiological range reported for broiler breast meat and did not compromise overall meat quality. Overall, TMM can replace soybean meal at inclusion levels up to 8% in finisher broiler diets without adversely affecting growth performance or physicochemical meat quality. However, because sensory attributes declined at inclusion levels ≥5%, dietary inclusion of TMM below 5% is recommended when maintaining sensory quality is a primary objective. Beyond its nutritional benefits, the partial replacement of soybean meal with TMM may contribute to diversifying protein sources for poultry nutrition and reducing reliance on conventional soybean-derived ingredients, thereby contributing to the development of more sustainable poultry production systems.