Mealworms - Less Chitin Than Crix

[Germ]

Quite some time back (My first Posts on this forum), I was in quite a discussion on this forum about Mealworms & Supers.
viewtopic.php?f=76&t=116230
I found/find that this forum goes way overboard on 'Ditzing' Mealies as feasible feeders.

I'd be interested in feedback on this study by:

Authors
Joni B. Bernard, PHD
Department of Zoology
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824

Mary E. Allen, PhD
National Zoological Park
Smithsonian Institution
Washington, DC 20008

Reviewer
Duane E. Ullrey, PhD
Department of Animal Science
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824

http://nagonline.net/Technical%20Papers/NAGFS00397Insects-JONIFEB24,2002MODIFIED.pdf

That states, by it's #s that Mealies have less chitin than common Crickets or Roaches (American anyway) with a similar Ca ratio. It also shows that Roaches have a little less protein than Crix & over twice the fat, similar to a mealworm, contrary to common belief (Myself included, have been led to believe that Roaches had very little Fat & very high in protein.). In case you don't care to read the whole document & simply want to check the chart, the column 'ADF' is considered the chitin, EE=Fat, CP=Protein, Ca=Calcium, P=Phosphorus. The legend for the rest of the abbreviations is a little further down the document.

Has any one actually done an analysis, as these people have done? Where does this negative info actually stem from, other than simply someone's possibly unsubstantiated opinion on a caresheet?

Your feedback please,
Germain

 

[TheWolfmanTom]

It isnt the chitin that stops me from using them its the amount of meat so to speak. Why fed 5 to 10 small worms when 1 cricket or roach will do the trick.
Not saying feed 1 roach or cricket either. Just making a point...lol

 

[Germ]

That may be your reasoning, & not a bad one at that, very similar to why I have only fed them once, they are simply too small. But that is not what the majority 'Preach' on this site.

A search for "Mealworms", brings up all sorts of negative feedback on this forum, generally pertaining to them 'Supposedly' containing too much, hard to digest Chitin, leading to impaction & therefore, are a seriously bad feeder. I am curious exactly where it comes from, as it seems that the previously attached scientific analysis document, refutes the claim that the majority of this particular forum, seems to be 'Brainwashed' with ...

G.

 

[lauraj1055]

Do you breed and sell mealworms??? Just kidding!! I always read don't use mealworms, and my breeder told me the same thing.. so I never have.. I do use supers however, and small ones for my baby and the large ones for my older. Crickets and Roaches gross me out for some reason, however the worms just don't.

 

[Jess]

The reason I don't feed them is because of their lack of meat/high fat. I do like my superworms though.
I fed some mini mealies and regular mealies once in a while when I had Wink, and he loved them. Personally, I don't think they are half as "deadly" as some people on this forum do. And I go to a very knowledgeable herp vet that says they are fine.

Just my opinion.

 

[Gail]

I feed mealies but I do notice that there is more undigested parts coming back out then when feeding roaches/crickets. Leads me to believe that maybe the chitin on mealies is a bit thicker or tougher.
I do tell people not to feed mealies though and my reason for it is due to the number of newbies trying to fed mealies to very small, weak dragons who are not being kept at correct temps.
Just because something can be done safely doesn't mean it should be done by everyone. I always think of the possible out come for the dragon when I give advice. If there is a practice that has potential dangers, I steer people away.

 

[Jess]

^^^ Agreed.
Older beardies (at least a couplle months old) with proper temps can handle them much better than a tiny baby can.