Question:

Does Whey Protein Help Growth in Darkling Beetles?

 

Hypothesis:

By Adding protein to the Darkling Beetles diet there will be an increase in mass.

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Methods:

WEEKLY:

-Weighed all groups (Grams)

-Weighed Individuals (Grams)

-Replaced flour in all containers(24g)

-Replaced Whey protein in all containers (12g)

-Replaced Potatoes in all containers (3.5g)

 

 

Other Scientific Studies:

Replacing fish meal and whey protein concentrate: effects on growth, immune status, and gut health (Zhao).

·         In this study they found that when they replaced whey protein with amino acids, there was no difference in growth and they saved money.

Another study was done was mice and the affect of whey protein (Crossland).

·         Results showed that the mice with lower protein in their diets were more exposed to anxiety, abnormal sleep patterns, and lower muscle mass on their hind legs.

Zhao, Y., Weaver, A., Fellner, V., Payne, R., Sung Woo, K.  2014.  Amino acid fortified for weanling pigs replacing fish meal and whey protein concentrate: effects on growth, immune status, and gut health.  Journal of Animal             Science and Biotechnology 5: 56-72.

Crossland, R., Balasa, A., Ramakrishnan, R., Mahadevan, S., Fiorotto, M., Van den Veyver, I.2017.  Chronic Maternal Low-Protein Diet in Mice Affects Anxiety,          Night-Time Energy Expenditure and Sleep Patterns, but Not Circadian Rhythm in Male Offspring.  PLoS ONE 12: 1-21.

 

 

Unexpected Results and Improvements:

·         Larvae versus beetle stage. 

·         Switching out the materials.

·         1st log of data was incorrect.

·         SPRING BREAK!