The Effects of Addition to Different Levels of Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) to Quail Diets on Performance and Carcass Traits

Abstract

In this study investigated that an addition of different levels of mealworm to diets on performance, carcass traits in quails. A total of 200 mixed sex one-day-old quail chicks were used in the study. The basal diets were supplemented with 0, 2, 4 and 6 % mealworm (Tenebrio molitor). Four levels of dietary mealworm were arranged in completely randomized design and the treatments were replicated five times with 10 birds. The chicks were randomly assigned to among 20 cage pens. Feed and water were supplied ad-libitum. In the first week of the study, all quails were fed with control diet. During the next four weeks the quails were fed with 4 diets consisting of different levels of mealworm. The results of the study, there were significant differences in body weight gain and feed conversion ratio between the treatment groups (P<0.05; P<0.01). The body weight gain was significantly reduced fed with 4 and 6 % dietary mealworm when compared to the group of containing 2 % mealworm. Feed conversion ratio was significantly increased fed with 6 % dietary mealworm when compared to the control group (P<0.01). Feed intake, carcass weight and carcass yield were no significantly affected by the dietary treatments. The according to study results that performance parameters were decreased when dietary mealworm meal level was higher than 2 % of quails.