Macronutrient and micronutrient profile of insect larvae for Tilapia nutrition

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.