Calcium gut loading of mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) and the benefit of gel water over apple slices for maximum calcium gut loading

Citation

Granados D, Schmidt D, Schlegel M. 2007. Calcium gut loading of mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) and the benefit of gel water over apple slices for maximum calcium gut loading. In Ward A, Hunt A, Maslanka M, Eds. Proceedings of the Seventh Conference on Zoo and Wildlife Nutrition, AZA Nutrition Advisory Group, Knoxville, TN.

Abstract

The importance of gut loading insects with calcium is a critical component of an insectivorous animal’s diet. The insect used in this study for calcium supplementation was the regular mealworm (Tenebrio molitor). The standard operating procedure for most gut loading protocols includes feeding high-water produce items (i.e., apples, leafy green vegetables, etc.) in conjunction with a high calcium insect supplement. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of apple slices and gel water on supplement intake and resulting calcium concentrations in mealworms. Mealworms were separated into two treatment groups with three replicates in each group. On a daily basis, one treatment group received 100 g of apple slices and the other group received 100 g of gel water. Both groups received 75 g of insect supplement daily. An initial 30 g mealworm sample was taken at 0 hours. Additional 30 g samples were collected on days 1 and 2 with a 60 g sample collected on day 3. Results were analyzed using paired t-tests across treatments and paired observations within treatments. The results indicate the mealworms offered gel water had higher calcium concentrations at days 1, 2, and 3 than those offered water through apple slices. Within treatments, calcium concentrations were higher (P<0.05) on day 3 than on days 1 or 2.

Granados – CALCIUM GUT LOADING OF MEALWORMS {TENEBRIO MOLITOR) AND THE BENEFIT OF GEL WATER OVER APPLE SLICES FOR MAXIMUM CALCIUM GUT LOADING.pdf     1 MB