Magella G. Briones and
Jayson S. Suhayon, from the institute of Philippines. wrote a Research Article
about, Photoperiod Effects on Larval Development in Superworms (Zophobas morio).
entitled, Photoperiodic Influence on Larval Morphogenesis in Superworms
(Zophobas morio) of the Coleoptera Order: A Tenebrionidae Investigation. This
research paper published by the International Journal of Biosciences (IJB). an
open access scholarly research journal on Biosciences. under the
affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an
open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.
Abstract
Superworms have gained
attention as an alternative protein source for animal feed due to their
nutritional value and easy cultivation in organic settings. A study conducted
in Sultan Kudarat State University, using in a Complete Randomize Design (CRD)
with five treatments replicated four times. These treatments involved different
durations of light exposure (24, 18, 12, 6, and zero hours) to investigate
their impact on superworm development. The results showed that the response of
superworms to light exposure varied at different stages of development.
Exposure to light for 24 hours was found to be beneficial for the weight and
size of pupa and adult superworms. However, it also led to higher mortality,
severe deformities, and the presence of undeveloped larvae. Less light exposure
resulted in significant abnormalities, but the effects were less severe
compared to prolonged light exposure. In summary, the study highlights the
complex relationship between light exposure and various aspects of superworm
development. Understanding these dynamics could contribute to better practices
for rearing superworms as a sustainable protein source for animal feed.
Read more : Growth Dynamics of Achatina fulica in a Controlled Breeding Environment | InformativewBD
Introduction
Insects are increasingly acknowledged as integral components within the realms of both alimentation and animal nutrition. Consequently, there exists a paramount imperative to unravel the nuanced implications of light exposure on their multifaceted biological facets encompassing growth, development, behavior, and overall physiological fitness. Projections from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2019) for the year 2050 anticipate a global population surpassing 10 billion. This demographic trajectory precipitates an acute necessity to recalibrate conventional practices in land utilization and resource allocation, particularly in the context of animal feed. The strategic reduction of these resources, entailing a concomitant optimization for sustainable animal protein production, becomes pivotal for long-term viability. The exigency for an alternative and sustainable protein source, capable of meeting the escalating nutritional requisites of the burgeoning global populace, is underscored by these circumstances. Insects, emerging as a prospective solution, warrant heightened attention in this pursuit. Simultaneously, the animal feed industry is actively engaged in the quest for avant-garde protein sources to alleviate the prevailing dependence on conventional constituents such as soy and fishmeal in livestock production. This imperative shift aligns with broader objectives aimed at enhancing the ecological sustainability and efficiency of the animal protein supply chain.
Several insect species have been identified as alternative protein sources to be included in human food and animal feed over the last decade due to their numerous benefits (Van Huis, 2013). The superworm, or giant mealworm, is an insect species with great potential as both food and feed that has been overlooked by researchers and insect producers (Coleoptera; Tenebrionidae). The species Zophobas morio belongs to the order Coleoptera, which includes beetles known as dark beetles in the case of this species (Kulma et al., 2020). It is commonly raised as a food source for birds, reptiles, and fish. As food, along with giant mealworms of Tenebrio molitor, superworms are commonly found in the pet animal industry. Humans can consume superworms as "chicha-worms" – crunchy treats packaged as "exotic" treats, considered one of the delicacies in Bohol, Philippines.
Due to their preference on the environments, Zophobas morio requires additional lighting during rearing. The aims to investigate the effects of varying light exposure on the larval morphism of superworms. The objectives of the study are to ascertain: The effect of different light exposures on the number of days required for pupation into an adult. The effect of different light exposures on the mass and size of pupa and adult. The occurrence of deformities in adults. The survival and mortality rates of superworms affected by different light exposures. The number of undeveloped larvae under five light treatments.
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