Dampwood Termite Hodotermopsis sjostedti as a Dietary Source for Broiler Chickens

Abstract: Insects are commanding increasing attention as a sustainable and alternative nutritional source in animal feed. In this study, the safety and nutritional profile of the dampwood termite, Hodotermopsis sjostedti, were evaluated as a novel ingredient in chicken feed. Colonies were lab-reared, and individual termites were collected by carefully crushing the wood, freeze-drying, and grinding. The resulting termite meal contained 65.6% crude protein, 16.0% fat, and 5.2% ash, on a dry matter basis. No minerals were present at toxic concentrations. Two feeding experiments using Ross 308 female broilers were conducted to evaluate the effects of termite meal inclusion. In Experiment 1, 20 chickens (8-d-old) were assigned to four treatments consisting of a commercial diet plus: 5.0% fish meal, 4.5% fish meal + 0.5% termite meal, 2.5% fish meal + 2.5% termite meal, and 5.0% termite meal. In Experiment 2, 18 chickens (9-d-old) were assigned to three diets: control, control + 2.5% termite meal, and control + 2.5% fish meal. Body weight and feed intake were recorded daily, and samples were collected at 21 d of age. Growth performances, organ weights, and blood plasma profiles were generally comparable across treatments. Chickens receiving 5.0% termite meal had greater alanine aminotransferase values, suggesting a potential hepatic burden. No adverse effects on growth, meat, or organ weight were observed. In conclusion, H. sjostedti meal demonstrated strong potential as a novel dietary component for broiler chickens. However, further long-term studies with larger numbers of birds are necessary to ensure a safe and effective use in poultry diets.