Effect of stocking density on performance, survival and nutrient composition of super worm Zophobas Morio (Coleoptera:Tenebrionidae)

As the global demand for animal protein continues to increase, the need for sustainable and resource-efficient alternatives for animal feed becomes increasingly paramount. Insects have gained significant attention as promising candidates to support the sustainable development of the feed industry, and their utilization in animal feed has seen substantial growth in recent years. Therefore, this study was conducted to optimize the superworm ( Zophobas morio ) larvae rearing stocking density on the biomass production, survival, and nutrient composition. Two-weeks-old Z. morio larvae were maintained at 25 ± 2 o C and 70% relative humidity, and at densities of 0.5, 0.75, 1 and 1.25 cm 2 space per larva, respectively. The insects reared with a density of 1.25 cm 2 per larvae had higher feed intake (FI) and weight gain (WG) ( P