Larvenmehl von Hermetia illucens als Proteinträger im Futter für Hunde

„Larvae of Hermetia illucens as a protein source in dog feed“ This novel protein source may serve as an alternative to commercial protein sources for dog nutrition The goal of the present study was to examine the impact of larvae meal from Hermetia illucens origin on the physiology of digestion and the immune system in dogs. The experimental diet was compared to a commercial diet based on lamb meal. Twelve beagles were fed a control and experimental diet in a cross-over trial. Faeces and blood samples were collected and analysed after an adaptation period of four weeks. Immunological investigations, such as the phenotyping of the mononuclear cells and lymphocyte proliferative responses to food allergens and mitogens were carried out based on the blood samples. The apparent total tract digestibility was determined by analysing the faeces after the consumption of control and experimental diet. Faecal samples have been used for the determination of bacterial metabolites and chitinase activity. In addition, the chitin content was determined in faeces of the control and experimental group. There were no significant differences between both groups regarding the immune system and haematology. There was a slightly lower apparent digestibility of the crude protein after the experimental diet has been fed. While the results of the apparent digestibility were generally similar in control and experimental groups, there were significant differences in metabolites. Ammonium concentration and the total content of short chain fatty acids were constantly higher in the faeces of dogs of the control group. As expected, more chitin was detected in the experimental diet. The chitinase activity in the faeces was not influenced. No negative impact could be observed in the dogs fed the experimental diet with Hermetia illucens larvae meal. A good tolerability can be assumed for this dosage. These findings confirm that the use of Hermetia illucens larvae is possible in the feeding of dogs.