Journal of Fisheries & Livestock Production
Open Access

Abstract

Despite being a capable alternative protein source in livestock diets, grasshoppers received fewer attentions regarding mass scale cultivation. Probable annual biomass of two short-horn grasshoppers of the genus Oxya has been estimated so far but both the works used an environmental chamber, the cost of which is a definite encumbrance for local livestock farmers. Hence it is essential to estimate the annual biomass in natural condition. In this context the present work explores whether the short-horn grasshopper Spathosternum praciniferum could be a suitable alternative protein supplement. Firstly, the proximate composition along with fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and anti-nutritional factors were estimated. Then they were reared in the laboratory with the host plant Sorghum halepense and nymphal mortality was calculated followed by estimation of sex ratio. Number of egg pods laid by each female and number of eggs hatched were also determined. Results revealed that the insects are highly nutritious with more than 65% protein and are affluent in essential amino acids. Total six fatty acids and five vitamins were detected. Anti-nutrients were also present in extremely low titer. The results have instated these insects as a rich nutrient resource; moreover, the projected annual biomass was found to be about 3.5 kg of dry weight obtained from a single pair. This is certainly lower than the earlier biomass estimations, but one should note that environmental chamber was not used in the present work. Hence the present findings strongly established the candidature of short-horned grasshoppers as an alternative protein source for livestock.

Biography

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