Abstract

Natural protein is being overexploited gradually because of a huge population boom.Grasshoppers may be a good food resource to overcome this problem. The present studyevaluated the nutritional quality and anti-nutritional factors that is, the proximate composition, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and amino acid contents of Oedaleus abruptus. Results revealed that this species contains about 60% crude protein and nearly 587 kcal/100 g of energy. A total of six minerals were detected, where calcium and magnesium had the highest content. Among the fatty acids, palmitic acid, oleic acid and eicosenoic acid was present in quite good amount and a very high amount of linoleic and linolenic acid was also detected. Eighteen amino acids have been reported, among whichthe values of threonine, proline and tyrosine were more than 10%. Results of vitamins were also encouraging as a good amount of retinol, ascorbic acid and niacin were detected. The anti-nutritional factors showed a very low value. The results indicated the insects to be a good source of food that could be considered as an alternative to fish and meat and/or a supplement for both human and livestock consumption.

Key words: Nutrients, anti-nutrients, alternative food, Oedaleus abruptus.