Development of Optimized Feed for Lipid Gain in Zophobas morio (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) Larvae

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The aim of this study was to develop feed using organic waste to increase the lipid content of the super mealworm Zophobas morio larvae (ZML). Feed prepared from fermented food waste (FFW) using three microorganism species was found to be suitable for increasing the lipid content of ZML. These results revealed that feed made from FFW is an environmentally friendly and economical feed suitable for breeding ZML for biodiesel production. ABSTRACT: Super mealworm Zophobas morio (Coleoptera: Tenbrionidea) larvae (ZML) are being investigated as potential candidates for biodiesel production. Several studies have revealed that the crude fat content of ZML can be enhanced by increasing the feed consumed. We aimed to develop an optimized ZML feed that enhances the lipid gain using 10 different ingredients. The results revealed that the highest lipid content was observed in ZML fed food waste (FW). Furthermore, we found that the weight gain of ZML improved when fed fermented FW using three selected microorganisms (3M), Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Pediococcus acidilactici. We also analyzed the effects of preservatives on the weight gain of ZML, and the results revealed that ZML fed 5-day 3M-fermented FW (FFW) containing 0.05% sorbic acid exhibited the highest weight gain. Based on these findings, we produced solid FFW containing 0.05% sorbic acid using 5% agar and established a manufacturing process. Body composition analysis revealed that the lipid content of the ZML fed manufactured feed was higher than that of the ZML fed wheat bran. Therefore, this study suggests that solid FFW containing 0.05% sorbic acid should be used as a commercial feed for ZML breeding to enhance lipid gain, making it an economical substrate for raw biodiesel production.