Nutritional and anti-nutritional characteristics of the larva of Oryctes monoceros

Abstract

The proximate analysis and amino acid profile of the larva of Oryctes Monoceros were investigated. The mineral profile and antinutritional factors were also determined. A high protein content (36.45% dry weight) was recorded with the larva containing the essential amino acids in varying proportions in the amino acid profile. An ash content of (4.00% dry weight) was recorded containing high proportions of sodium, magnesium, iron and potassium.(440.0mg/100g, 175.0mg/100g, 85.00mg/100g, 38.40mg/100g, respectively). The other mineral elements, zinc, manganese and copper were also present in smaller quantities. The result of the antinutritional factors showed that levels of phytic acid (178mg/100g), tannin (14.3mg/100g) oxalate (2.1mg/100g) all fell within acceptable levels. In addition, the larva protein had a digestibility of 58.05%. The insect larva could serve as an alternative source of protein and other nutrients supplement in human and animal diet.