Local Maluku Feed Supplemented with Tenebriomolitor MealImproves Metabolic Status and Reproductive Performance in Sows

Nutritional status influences reproductive physiology in sows through its interaction with metabolic and endocrine regulation during the mating period. This study examined the effects of local Maluku feed supplemented with Tenebrio molitor meal on blood metabolites, reproductive hormones, and estrus–related caracteristics. Forty–five Dutch Landrace sows were randomly assigned to three treatment groups (n=15 per group): traditional feed (T0), commercial conventional feed (T1), and local Maluku feed with 7% Tenebrio molitor (T2). Blood samples were collected during estrus to quantify metabolic status, specifically total protein, glucose, cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and triglycerides, alongside reproductive hormone profiles including follicle–stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol. Additionally, estrus parameters such as vaginal temperature, estrus duration, and estrous cycle length were recorded. Data were analyzed using one–way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s b test. The results indicated that sows in the T2 group exhibited significantly improved profiles of blood metabolites and reproductive hormones compared to the T0 group across nearly all measured parameters (p<0.05). Sows in the T2 group showed significantly higher values than the T1 group (p<0.05) in several parameters, including triglycerides, and estradiol. Conversely, BUN levels were significantly higher in the T0 group compared to both the T1 and T2 groups (p<0.05). Regarding estrus expression, the T2 group demonstrated superior responses characterized by prolonged estrus duration, and a shortened estrous cycle. In conclusion, local Maluku feed supplemented with 7% Tenebrio molitor optimizes blood biochemical profiles and enhances reproductive performance of sows.These findings suggest that this alternative feed formulation is a viable substitute for commercial conventional feeds in porcine production. 2026 by the authors.