Volume: 3, 2024
3rd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: F006
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL3.F006
Published online: 24 April 2024
ICDSUPL, 3, F006 (2024)
Nutritional profile of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) reared in different conditions
Agnė Jankauskienė1*, Ignė Juknienė1, Aistė Kabašinskienė1
1 Department of Food Safety and Quality, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes 18, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
* Corresponding author: agne.jankauskiene@lsmu.lt
Abstract
The importance of sustainability is the possibility of ensuring the long-term well-being of both the environment and society, in this way, we can preserve natural resources for future generations, mitigate environmental degradation, and foster economic stability. Consequently, the research sought to examine the impact of the substrate on mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) nutritional profile, using various by-products: sprouted potatoes (1), wheat bran (2), brewers’ spent grain (3), comparing the results with the control group – agar-agar gel substrate (4). The tests were carried out in three accredited laboratories. The energy value, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, fibers, trace elements, salts and contents of different sugars in mealworms and their substrates were determined. The energy value (708.26 Kcal) and fat content (35.55%) were the highest in the larvae grown on the substrate with wheat bran. The amount of proteins in the substrate ranged from 48.54 and 59.18% and did not affect the protein content of mealworm larvae. Meanwhile, the fiber content of T. molitor was particularly high and reached 8.07% when grown on brewers’ spent grain. In the sample with brewers’ spent grain, 8 elements out of 10 had the highest amount of trace elements and the concentrations of nitrogen, copper, and zinc were higher in larvae compared to their substrates. The study has also shown that glucose and arabinose were unique to larvae compared to their substrate. In general, the results underscore the possibility of repurposing different industrial and agricultural residues as mealworm substrates, converting them into a sustainable and nutrient-dense food option. This insight enriches the ongoing discussion regarding nutritional benefits and resource utilization efficiency.
Keywords: sustainability, by-products, chemical composition
How to cite
A. Jankauskienė, I. Juknienė, A. Kabašinskienė, 2024. Nutritional profile of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) reared in different conditions. In: 3rd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL3.F006