Effect of Replacing Blood Meal for Mealworm Larvae (Tenebrio molitor) Meal in Broiler Starter Diets on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits and Meat Sensory Test

The study was conducted to determine effects of replacing blood meal for mealworm larvae Tenebrio Molitor (TM) meal on growth performance, carcass traits and meat sensory test of broiler chickens. A total of 150day old broiler (Ross 308) chicks were allocated five dietary groups with three replicates pen (10birds/pen). Five starter were formulated with TM meal replacing at control (0) %, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100 % of blood meal and administered for a period (1-14days). A regular finisher and grower diets were offered to all groups during the 15–35 days of age. At the 35th day, 4 chickens per replicate were randomly selected and slaughtered to evaluate the carcass traits and meat sensory test. Replacement of blood meal for TM meal in broiler starter diets did not (p>0.05) influenced growth performance and carcass traitsto all parameters measured. In contrast, replacing blood meal for TM meal significantly(P<0.05) influenced meat tenderness to all diets containing TM meal compared to control diet. Diet containing TM meal significantly (P<0.05) affected colour of cooked meat at 50%, 75%, 100% replacement rate. Diets containing TM meal can reduce meat tenderness and also change colour of cooked meat.