Chemical Composition And Nutritive Value Of Two Edible Insects Of South Eastern Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Two castes of macrotermes analyzed for their nutrient Two castes of MaCrotermes spp were composition Using kjeldahl method, soxhlet extraction and spectroPh0t0metn method, the soldiers and winged reproduces Were found to contain carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, mineral elements and water. The calorific value for both caste were 470.40% (winged form) and 414.56% (soldier). The crude protein and fat content were higher in the winged reproductive form. The soldier forms had higher carbohydrate content (CHO). Vitamins contained include Niacin, thiamine, Riboflavin and Ascorbic acid. Iron (Fe) had highest mineral content in both the winged (51.3mg/100g) and soldier (53.08mg/100g) forms. Potassium (0.53%) and calcium (0.46%) were the highest value recorded for both the winged reproductive and soldier forms. Ash and crude fibre was also contained in both forms