Reproductive Characteristics of Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) Maintained in Captivityand Receiving Madagascar Cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) Meal

This research article describes the effects of including a Madagascar cockroach meal in the feed of cockatiels on their reproductive characteristics. The cockatiel is one of the most common species of the Psittaciformes order adopted as a pet and, despite this, information on the reproductive characteristics of this species and how nutrition can influence these characteristics is still scarce. However, the evaluation of this ingredient in the feed of cockatiels has not yet been performed. We observed that the inclusion of a cockroach meal in the feeds of cockatiels increased the number of viable chicks with 1 day of life, decreased the number of days for new laying, increased egg width and shape index, and influenced its lipid composition. Therefore, the present study provides important information about an alternative protein ingredient that can assist researchers and breeders in the management of these birds, ensuring better health for the animals as well as gains in productivity