Influence of agricultural waste-based diets on growth performance, gut microbiome composition, and volatile organic compound profiles in Zophobas morio

With growing concerns over agricultural waste management and sustainable protein sources, insect farming has emerged as a promising waste valorization strategy. However, the effects of agricultural waste-based diets on the growth, gut microbiota, and flavor quality of edible insects remain unclear. This study investigates how different agricultural waste-based feeds influence the biological and flavor characteristics of Zophobas morio Fabricius (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), providing insights into its potential applications in waste recycling and edible insect production. Over a 32-day feeding period, Z. morio were fed wheat bran (WB), edible mushroom sticks (EMS), or apple pomace (AP). Growth performance, gut microbiota, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing and gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS). WB-fed Z. morio exhibited the highest weight gain, with increased Lactobacillus and Lactococcus, while EMS increased Spiroplasma without improving growth. AP maintained survival but reduced weight gain while enriching Chryseobacterium and Kosakonia. Gut microbiota influenced the VOC profile, with Lactobacillus and Lactococcus promoting the formation of esters and ketones, Chryseobacterium enhancing sweet and fruity volatiles, and Spiroplasma potentially reducing the production of alcohols and sulfur-containing compounds. These findings provide a basis for optimizing Z. morio as a sustainable solution for agricultural waste recycling and enhancing its potential as an edible protein source.