Evaluation of essential nutrients in edible locusts and grasshoppers in Kano Metropolis

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional composition of edible locusts and grasshoppers sold and consumed in Kano  metropolis, Northwestern Nigeria. Two species of locusts: (Schistocerca gregaria and Locusta migratoria) and two species of grasshopper (Zonocerus variegatus and Ornithacris turbida) were procured from Rimi market Kano. Proximate, mineral and amino acids compositions of the samples were analyzed using standard methods. The results obtained revealed a significant difference (P≤0.05) in the amount of proteins, fats, ash, carbohydrates and moisture contents. Similar result is found in the mineral compositions in terms of Na, Mg, K, Ca, Cu, Zn and Fe. More so, the amino acid composition of the samples was found to be significantly different (P≤0.05). No significant difference was found in the fibre contents. However, high protein (53.23-67.88%), fats (7.55-18.77%) and carbohydrate contents (10.71-16.01%) were found among the insect samples. Similarly, the amount of essential amino acids such as: threonine, valine, methionine and leucine were higher among the insects. It is therefore concluded that, the edible grasshopper and locust contain significant amount of nutritional components that can be beneficial in combating malnutrition and be incorporated in diet therapy.