Analysis of Proximate Composition and Oil Yield from Spent Pupae of Mulberry Silkworm, Bombyx mori L. & eri silkworm, Samia ricini D

The present investigation focused on analysis of proximate composition, energy value and oil yield from spent pupae of mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori and eri silkworm, Samia ricini. Moisture content (9.28%, 9.87%) and energy (Kcal/ 100g) value (451.24, 462.92) differed between mulberry and eri silkworm pupae. However, no significant difference was observed with ash (4.82%, 3.77%), crude fibre (3.50%, 3.42%), nitrogen content (8.89%, 8.70%), crude protein content (55.49%, 54.41%), fat content (24.42%, 25.80%) and carbohydrate (2.11%, 2.25%) content. Among the different solvents, viz., acetone, chloroform, hexane, petroleum ether and xylene used for oil extraction from spent pupae, hexane was significantly better in oil recovery (g/100g) (24.70, 21.36) followed by acetone (21.90, 14.87) and xylene (21.88, 10.81). Results of the present study could be further explored for opening up new ventures in the field of human nutrition, poultry, aquaculture, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry.