Tecniche di allevamento degli insetti e valorizzazione dei prodotti dell'entomocoltura

The present PhD thesis investigated different aspects of Tenebrio molitor (TM) farming and valorisation, with the aim of improving rearing efficiency, enhancing nutritional value, optimising processing quality, and assessing the potential of this species as an innovative ingredient for animal feeding. The use of insects, and in particular TM, as a sustainable and valid alternative to conventional protein and fat sources is gaining increasing interest worldwide due to the urgent challenges related to food security, population growth, and environmental impact. However, several challenges still limit the large-scale use of insects, including optimisation of rearing practices, improvement of processing protocols, safety assurance, and consumer acceptance. To address these challenges, the thesis was structured into five experimental contributions.