Nutrient-enriched invertebrates to boost feed bioavailability
A group of researchers from the Tomsk State University, Russia, has claimed that it has developed a promising technology for improving the biological availability of feed nutrients by including them in feed as a biomass of invertebrates.
The scientists propose feeding invertebrates, including the marbled cockroach, the house cricket, the giant Achatina, and the Californian worm, with several vitamins, minerals, and valuable nutrients. After processing, the obtained enriched biomass of invertebrates has shown signs of higher biological availability, meaning that nutrients were digested better than when consumed in the original form.
During the studies, different species showed different potential to accumulate valuable nutrients.
“The results of the analysis showed that the change in mineral composition progresses differently. It is most clearly expressed in Achatina and worms. In cockroaches and crickets, only some elements demonstrate significant growth,” commented Anastasia Simakova, one of the authors of the study.
Several different strategies have been tried during the trials. Some invertebrates were fed with only one nutrient, which was described as the method of partial enrichment, while others had a complex of different nutrients.
“Interestingly, both with partial and complex enrichment, it was possible to stably increase the level of B vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins, and vitamin C. Moreover, cockroaches accumulate them faster than anyone else,” she added.
In the end, the scientists believe they managed to develop a formula for the optimal enrichment of invertebrates to gain the best biomass.
The scientists are confident in the potential of their research to improve animal health. By consuming feed with nutrient-rich invertebrate biomass, animals will not only receive the necessary substances in an accessible form but also get a significant share of animal protein, which is essential for growth. Vitamins and minerals found in the biomass of invertebrates in an active form will also provide increased immunity of animals and a balance of necessary macro- and microelements.