Silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori) as a novel dietary protein source: Impact on nutritional, metabolomic and immunological parameters in normal weight and obese dogs and cats

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Nadine Paßlack
• Subject Area: Animal Breeding, Animal Nutrition, Animal Husbandry
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 502972007

Silkworm pupae are by-products of the silk industry and could be used as a novel protein source for pet food in the future. This would be not only relevant within the frame of a new and sustainable utilisation of resources, but also with regard to potential dietetic effects. In this context, first studies with rat and mouse models have demonstrated an impact of silkworm products on the fat and carbohydrate metabolism. In addition, an impact on the intestinal microbiota and the immune system can be assumed, i.a. resulting from the high protein and n-3-fatty acid concentrations of silkworm pupae. This may imply possible applications for both healthy and diseased individuals. In the first work package of the present project proposal, the possible use of silkworm pupae as a novel dietary protein source will be evaluated in healthy dogs and cats. Effects on the metabolism, the intestinal microbiota and the immune system, as well as their interplays, will be investigated. As these parameters may also be involved in the pathogenesis of obesity, the second work package will focus on the impact of a silkworm pupae based diet in obese dogs and cats during a weight loss programme. Principally, a low-grade inflammation is assumed to be associated with obesity, which may be (also) induced by the intestinal microbiota. Besides, changes in the secretion of adipokines and the metabolism in general may occur in obese patients. It is hypothesized that these parameters can be beneficially modulated by a silkworm pupae based diet. The investigation, however, takes also in consideration that human studies indicate allergenic properties of silkworm pupae. Thus, potential risks have to be evaluated before the use of silkworm pupae for (animal) nutrition. As silkworm pupae are not included in diets for dogs and cats in Germany so far, the study also implies the rare opportunity to comprehensively evaluate the reaction of the organism to a novel food protein. The results may not only be relevant for the target species, but may also allow general insights in the effects of insect protein on metabolomic and immunological variables and their interplays. To detect the underlying modes of action, innovative and specific methods as well as biostatistical modelling will be applied. Overall, the present investigation combines basic and clinical research and aims to provide new knowledge on the impact of a novel food protein in the organism, using dogs and cats as an interesting model.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants