Effects of superworms (Zophobas morio) as a dietary protein source on feed intake, nutrient digestibility and growth performance in male crossbred boar goats

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Published: Dec 29, 2025
Keywords:
Insect protein Superworm Meat goat Zophobas morio

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Penchan Kanchanarak
Department of Animal Production Technology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520
Jamlong Mitchaothai
Department of Animal Production Technology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520
Noratat Prachom
Department of Fishery Products, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
Chanya Kongrith
Department of Animal Production Technology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520
Nahatai Vijitrotal
Department of Animal Production Technology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520
Achara Lukkananukool
Department of Animal Production Technology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of incorporating superworms (Zophobas morio) as a protein source in concentrate diets on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance of male boar crossbred goats. Sixteen goats with an average initial body weight of 15±3 kg were randomly assigned, in a completely randomized design (CRD), to four treatment groups. The groups received concentrate diets containing 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% superworms on a dry matter basis. All diets were formulated to contain 18% crude protein, with corn silage provided as the main roughage source. The results showed no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) among treatments in total feed intake, nutrient digestibility, or growth performance. These findings indicate that superworms can be used as an alternative protein source in concentrate diets for fattening goats at inclusion levels up to 15% on dry matter basis without adverse effects. Further studies are recommended to evaluate long-term health effects, protein utilization efficiency, and on-farm practical applications.

Article Details

How to Cite
Kanchanarak, P., Mitchaothai, J. ., Prachom, N. ., Kongrith, C., Vijitrotal, N. . and Lukkananukool, A. (2025) “Effects of superworms (Zophobas morio) as a dietary protein source on feed intake, nutrient digestibility and growth performance in male crossbred boar goats”, Journal of Mahanakorn Veterinary Medicine, 20(2), pp. 29–38. available at: https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jmvm/article/view/267971 (accessed: 11 January 2026).
Issue
Vol. 20 No. 2 (2025): July-December
Section
Research Article
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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