Determination of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) nutritional value as an animal and human food supplementation

Abstract

For many decades insects have been used as food sources and supplementation due to their availability and easiness in rising that is much less burdensome for environment than animal husbandry and breeding. Mealworms are typically used as a pet food for fish and the birds. Additionally they are good for their high protein content. The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional value and chemical composition of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) as afresh and sun dried larvae. Fresh and dried of mealworm contained 52.14 and 60.21% protein, respectively. This protein was also rich in amino acids such as Leucine, Lysine, Arginine and Serine. Fatty acid was detected with high value of Oleic acid, Linoleic acid and Palmetic acid in fresh and dried of mealworm. The determination of mineral content of mealworm are shown considerable amount of vitamins and minerals. The result of this study showed that fresh, dried and powdered larva is a high-grade product to be applied as a supplement to meals inclusion for animal and human nutrition.

Keywords

• yellow mealworm
• chemical composition
• amino acids
• protein
• fatty acid