Effects of housing on growth performance of common house cricket (Acheta domesticus) and field cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus)

Abstract

Cricket rearing is emerging as an important component of animal food. However, suitable housing for medium and large - scale production still presents a major challenge. This study sought to investigate the effect of housing on growth performance of two cricket species: Acheta domesticus and Gryllus bimaculatus. Both species were reared in the two housing systems used in the experiment; the tunnel unit and the prefabricated house. The crickets were fed on growers’ mash ad libitum throughout the experiment period. Data on feed intake and weight gain were recorded weekly. Temperature and relative humidity profiles were recorded using a HOBO data logger (U12-012) installed in the two housing systems. Analysis of variance was done to evaluate the effects of both species and housing on growth performance of the crickets. Species of the cricket had a significant effect (productively in either of the housing types. The focus should therefore be on the evaluation of different feeds that can improve productivity.