Giant Mealworm (Zophobas Morio) as a “Vehicle” to Transport Healthy Nutritional Ingredients from Seaweed (Ascophyllum Nodosum) towards Fish Cultured: Amino Acids

This study is the first step investigating a new food chain, using Zophobas morio as a potential " vehicle " to transport amino acids (AA) from Norwegian kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum) into the insect body. Additionally, suitability of Z. morio as a dietary protein substitute for fishmeal (FM) in aquaculture feeds, was evaluated. Proximate composition (dry matter, ash, protein, fat and energy) and complete (free + hydrolysed + tryptophan) AA profiles were determined for Z. morio fed with kelp granulate or oat meal. Using principle component analysis we identified similarities and differences in essential AA between diets and Z. morio fed with these diets. AA scores were calculated to evaluate protein quality of Z. morio. Results showed a slight enrichment in several essential AA for Z. morio fed kelp granulate. Protein level of Z. morio in this study fell within the ranges of protein requirements for fish. All essential AA for fish were present in Z. morio. Based on AA scores it was concluded that methionine would be first limiting. Overall, protein levels and AA profiles showed that Z. morio fed with kelp granulate can be seen as an interesting candidate to replace FM in aquatic diets.