INCLUSION OF GIANT MEALWORM (ZOPHOBAS MORIO) AS AN ALTERNATIVE PROTEIN SOURCE IN DIETS FOR P.VANNAMEI SHRIMP (BOONE, 1931)

Abstract

This work investigates the inclusion of giant mealworm (Zophobas morio) as an alternative protein source in diets for the shrimp Penaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931). The main objective is to evaluate the effects of this inclusion on the growth performance of shrimp. The methodology used involved the formulation of experimental diets with different levels of inclusion of Zophobas morio and the performance of feeding trials under controlled conditions. The results indicated that the inclusion of giant mealworm can fully replace fishmeal without compromising shrimp performance, as well as presenting additional benefits in terms of health and environmental sustainability. It is concluded that Zophobas morio is a viable and promising alternative for the formulation of shrimp diets, contributing to the diversification of protein sources in aquaculture.