Journal of Entomological Research
SCOPUSWeb of Science
  • Year: 2025
  • Volume: 49
  • Issue: 4

Macronutrient and micronutrient profile of insect larvae for Tilapia nutrition

  • Author:
  • Benchiha Walid1,*, Megharbi Ahmed, Aouadj Sid Ahmed1, Hadj Habib Houari1, Guermit Mhamed
  • Total Page Count: 4
  • Page Number: 1068 to 1071

1Laboratory of Environment, Natural Plant Substances and Food Technology, Bourmadya, Relizane, 48000

Department of Ecology and Environment, Faculty of Science of Nature and Life, Ahmed Zabana Relizane University, 48000, Algeria

*Corresponding authors’ E-mail : walid.benchiha@univ-relizane.dz

Online Published on 24 December, 2025.

Abstract

This study aims to design a production of larva from the two species: Tenebrio molitor - Yellow mealworm (YMW) and Black soldier fly (BSF) according to a traditional approach then an evaluation of the nutritional values (protein, fiber and mineral elements and trace elements) larvae for their use as a source of protein for animal feed. The results obtained show total protein contents of the order of 155.42 mg/g BSA equivalent for yellow mealworms and 54.42 mg/g BSA equivalent for the black soldier fly according to the Micro-Lowry and Bradford methods. The quantity of raw fiber according to the Weende method reveals percentages of the order of 1.63% for the yellow mealworm and 0.25% for the black soldier fly. The content of chemical elements, particularly mineral elements such as (SI, P, S, Cl, K, Ca…...) and trace elements such as (Cu, Fe, Zn …...), presents significant differences between the two species. Additionally, to these nutritional values, maggots, through their production processes, allow on the one side to recycle organic waste.

Keywords

Fiber, Maggots, Mineral elements, Protein, Trace elements