| Tenebrio molitor protein powder is revolutionizing animal nutrition during the weaning phase of piglets. Discover how this superfood enhances growth, strengthens gut health, and helps build a more sustainable and efficient livestock sector. |
Feeding piglets after weaning is one of the greatest challenges for producers. During this critical stage, animals are especially vulnerable, and any nutritional imbalance can significantly affect their long-term development. This is where Tenebrio molitor protein powder comes into play—an innovative, natural, and highly nutritious ingredient that is changing how modern farms care for their animals.
Why is Tenebrio molitor the new ally in piglet nutrition?
Tenebrio molitor protein powder stands out thanks to its unique features, making it a true superfood:
- Contains up to 65% highly digestible protein
- Rich in essential amino acids like lysine and methionine, crucial for growth
- Highly palatable, encouraging greater feed intake
But beyond its nutritional profile, the benefits go even further. Its natural composition supports gut health and immune system function—two essential aspects during the immediate post-weaning period. Including Tenebrio molitor helps reduce the typical drop in feed intake after weaning, lowers the risk of post-weaning diarrhea, and promotes better uniformity among piglets.
In short, Tenebrio molitor is not just a protein source—it’s a strategic tool for raising stronger, healthier, and more efficient pigs from day one.
Fun fact: Tenebrio molitor can convert agricultural waste into high-quality protein in just a few weeks, turning waste into sustainable nutrition.
Additionally, its use helps reduce the need for antibiotics after weaning by supporting a balanced gut microbiota.
How is Tenebrio powder used in prestarter and starter phases?
The post-weaning period is a critical stage in piglet development, as they shift from highly digestible sow’s milk to solid, plant-based feed. This transition often leads to reduced feed intake, intestinal issues, and increased susceptibility to pathogens.
The inclusion of Tenebrio molitor protein powder in early diets plays a key role by providing a highly digestible, palatable, and functional protein source that supports piglets during this sensitive stage.
Prestarter phase (5–10 kg body weight)
This phase includes the first days after weaning, a period marked by high stress and immature digestive systems. Nutritional strategies must focus on stimulating early feed intake, supporting gut health, and minimizing post-weaning growth lag.
- Recommended inclusion rate: between 3% and 7% of the feed
- Benefits: increases feed intake and strengthens the immune system
Tenebrio molitor powder offers a protein source with high digestibility (>85%) and a balanced amino acid profile (especially rich in lysine and methionine). Its palatability encourages piglets to eat earlier and more consistently, supporting a smoother transition to solid feed.
Starter phase (10–15 kg body weight)
As piglets adapt to solid feed and their digestive systems mature, nutritional needs shift toward promoting optimal growth and efficient nutrient use.
- Recommended inclusion rate: between 2% and 5% of the feed
- Benefits: improves daily weight gain and feed conversion efficiency
At this stage, Tenebrio molitor powder acts as a functional protein source, not only providing essential amino acids but also bioactive compounds (such as antimicrobial peptides) that support health and performance.
Additional fact: A weaned piglet can achieve up to 10% higher weight gain when its diet includes Tenebrio molitor protein compared to a conventional diet.
What are the environmental benefits?
Tenebrio molitor protein powder is not only excellent for animal health, but also for the planet:
- Reduces the use of agricultural land and water
- Emits fewer greenhouse gases compared to traditional protein sources like soy or fishmeal
- Utilizes agricultural waste, promoting a circular economy
- Free of antinutritional factors, improving nutrient absorption compared to conventional plant proteins
- Strengthens piglets’ immune systems, especially during the “immunity gap”—the period when they no longer receive maternal antibodies and are more susceptible to infection
Incorporating insects into animal nutrition not only enhances productivity but also supports more sustainable and responsible agriculture.
Final Reflection
Nature always offers smart solutions. Tenebrio molitor protein powder not only supports piglet health during a critical stage, but also drives more efficient and environmentally friendly livestock production.
Investing in new ingredients like Tenebrio is not just a trend—it’s the future.
References
- DiGiacomo, K., & Leury, B. J. (2019). Insect meal: a future source of protein feed for pigs? Animal, 13(12), 3022-3030.
- Gasco, L., Finke, M., & Van Huis, A. (2018). Can diets containing insects promote animal health? Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, 4(1), 1-4.
- Kierończyk, B., Rawski, M., Mikołajczak, Z., Homska, N., Jankowski, J., Ognik, K., … & Józefiak, D. (2022). Available for millions of years but discovered through the last decade: Insects as a source of nutrients and energy in animal diets. Animal Nutrition, 11, 60-79.
- Makkar, H. P., Tran, G., Heuzé, V., & Ankers, P. (2014). State-of-the-art on use of insects as animal feed. Animal feed science and technology, 197, 1-33.
