Title of thesis:
Yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae as a novel feed ingredient: Improving their nutritional values and applications in laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus)
Evaluation Committee:
First opponent: Associate Professor - Ilaria Biasato, Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
Second opponent: Associate Professor - Carlos E. Hernandez, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, Sweden
Internal member (leader of committee): Associate Professor - Dr. Emma Matilda Ternman, Faculty of biosciences and aquaculture (FBA), Nord University, Norway
Supervisory Committee:
Associate Professor - Prabhat Khanal, Faculty of biosciences and aquaculture (FBA), Nord University, Norway (main supervisor)
Associate Professor - Geir Næss, Faculty of biosciences and aquaculture (FBA), Nord University, Norway
Associate Professor - Magnhild Oust Torske, Faculty of biosciences and aquaculture (FBA), Nord University, Norway
Associate Professor - Rumakanta Sapkota, Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark
Thesis summary:
The growing demand for sustainable protein sources has resulted in increasing interest in yellow mealworm larvae as an alternative feed ingredient for livestock. Yellow mealworm larvae are known for their nutritional flexibility. This thesis explores two gaps in the current body of knowledge: Improving the nutritional quality of yellow mealworm larvae through marine bioresources, and evaluating their potential as an alternative protein source in egg production.
Two feeding trials using the seaweed species Saccharina latissima and Ascophyllum nodosum showed that seaweed-based substrates can enrich the mineral composition of yellow mealworm larvae without negatively affecting their protein, fat, or heavy metal content. This shows that yellow mealworm larvae can convert unconventional feed materials, supporting circular bioeconomy principles. A subsequent feeding study in laying hens showed that partially replacing soybean meal with yellow mealworm larvae meal (25–50%) improved certain egg characteristics and promoted beneficial cecal microbiota, with no negative effects on feed digestibility.
Yellow mealworm larvae have potential as a nutritionally valuable and sustainable feed ingredient in egg production. However, further studies on economic feasibility and consumer acceptance are needed before large-scale implementation can be achieved.
