PSXIII-26 compositional analysis and effects of dietary supplementation of insect meals on nutrient digestibility and gut health of adult dogs

Abstract

Entomophagy, the practice of eating insects, may provide nutrient-rich, environmental-friendly, and economically-sound alternative protein sources for the pet food industry. However, little is known about the nutritional value of insects for pets. Therefore, the objective of this research was to determine the nutritional adequacy of 3 insect meals [i.e., Nauphoeta cinerea (Speckled cockroach; SC), Gromphadorhina portentosa (Madagascar cockroach; MC),and Zophobas morio larvae (Superworm, SW)] added at 2 inclusion levels (7.5% and 15% as is) in diets of adult dogs. The study was performed at the Canine and Feline Nutrition Center at the Federal University of Lavras, Brazil. Six adult beagles (mean BW: 17.7 ± 2.64 kg) were randomly assigned to one of the 6 treatments using a Latin square design. Experimental periods were 15 d long; 10 d for diet adaptation and 5 d for fecal collection. A fresh fecal sample from each dog per period was collected to determine fermentative end-product concentrations (SCFA, BCFA, indoles and phenols) and microbiota (16S rRNA). Microbial DNA was extracted and PCR amplicons from the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene were used for Illumina sequencing. MiSeq data were analyzed with QIIME 1.9.1. Crude protein and fat concentrations varied substantially among the insect meals; 49–79% and 13–33%, respectively, whereas DM (94–95%), ash (3–4%) and chitin (8–10%) were similar. There was no interaction between insect meal type and inclusion level, and coefficients of digestibility did not differ among treatments and were within acceptable range (> 80% for DM, CP, and fat). Fecal microbial communities (i.e., richness and diversity) were not affected by treatment. Dogs remained healthy throughout the experimental period. The data gathered herein suggest that inclusion up to 15% of these insect meals are adequate for canine nutrition, being well accepted by dogs without affecting nutrient digestibility, fecal metabolites, and microbiota.