ISSN 2360-7971
Abstract
This study was aimed at evaluating the proximate and mineral composition of Macrotermes subhyalinus, an edible termite species, with a view to revealing any possibility of its use as a base for the formulation of new food/feed products as a possible means of combating malnutrition. A minimum size of 2 kg of adult winged termites was collected, oven-dried at 40°C to a constant weight and analysed according to official methods of analysis recommended by the Association of Official and Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The analysis revealed high protein (3.5 - 5.0 + 0.12%), fat (33.3 + 0.29%) and carbohydrate (24.1 + 0.12%) contents, yielding a calculated energy value of 560.1 kcal/100 g. Mineral analysis showed significant levels of 361.41 mg/g and 230.60 mg/g for phosphorus and calcium, respectively. The low moisture content (3.10 ± 0.02%) enhanced self-stability. These results indicated that this delicacy is a potentially rich source of nutrients that may be necessary for combating protein-related disease conditions prevalent in developing countries of the world.
Keywords: Macrotermes subhyalinus; edible insects; proximate analysis; mineral analysis; Nigeria.