Volume: 1, 2022
1st International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A028
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL1.A028
Published online: 26 April 2022
ICDSUPL, 1, A028 (2022)
Effect of insect meal on small intestinal indices in piglets
Kinga Szczepanik1*, Małgorzata Świątkiewicz1
1 Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska 1, 32‐083 Balice, Poland
* Corresponding author: kinga.szczepanik@iz.edu.pl
Abstract
Piglets during the weaning period are particularly susceptible to a variety of diseases and require special feed selection. Protein is considered one of the most important nutrients. Therefore, new sources of this component are being sought. One of the more interesting alternative sources of protein is the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) meal. Insect production is far less environmentally burdensome, while more protein can be obtained per unit area compared to protein plant forages. Additionally, insects are an important component of biorecycling organic waste, including food waste. The purpose of this experiment was to test the effect of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal as a protein additive to feed on the concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), small intestinal histometry, and average daily gain. The experiment was conducted on 24 PBZ piglets, from weaning for 35 days. The first group (control group) received a standard feed mixture in which the main source of protein was soybean oil cake; groups II and III received the addition of 2.5% or 5% insect meal. After 35 days VFAs concentrations were measured and intestinal sections were taken for histometric analyses. Average daily gains were also calculated. Sections of jejunum and ileum were embedded in paraffin blocks and then cut into 4 um sections. The preparations were stained using the Pas-Alcian method. Histometric measurements of villi, crypts, muscularis, and mucosa were performed, and goblet cells were counted over a 100 um section. Statistical analyses (univariate analysis, Duncan’s test) were performed in the Statistica software. In groups II and III longer villi were observed in the ileum in comparison with group I. In jejunum longer villi were observed in group II in comparison with group I. No significant differences were noted in average daily gain or volatile fatty acid concentration in the ileum and jejunum. It can be concluded that the addition of insect meal has a beneficial effect on the length of villi in the jejunum and ileum, but does not affect the average daily gain and concentration of volatile fatty acid.
How to cite
K. Szczepanik, M. Świątkiewicz, 2022. Effect of insect meal on small intestinal indices in piglets. In: 1st International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL1/A028