Abstract
Prepupae and pupae of eri silkworm, Samia ricini collected from northern West Bengal, India were evaluated for proximate, fatty acid and mineral composition. Results revealed high protein (62.24 and 62.11 %) and lipid (26.01 and 26.21 %) content in eri silkworm prepuae and pupae respectively. Slightly higher protein was observed in males than the females whereas significant difference was found in lipid content but it was higher in females than the males. Moisture (7.16–8.55 %) among prepupae and pupae varied significantly exhibiting different atmospheric moisture absorption abilities. Fatty acid composition of male and female prepupae and pupae ranged from 28.73 to 30.29 % for saturates, 11.68–12.53% for monounsaturates and 54.07–56.83% for polyunsaturates. Estimation of mineral exhibited high concentration of potassium (784.96–794.57 mg/100 g) and trace elements like iron, manganese and zinc in prepupae and pupae of eri silkworm. Nutritional value of eri silkworm pupae with high protein and α-linolenic acid and low ω-6/ω-3 and Na/K ratio offers immense potential for industrial use of these byproducts as valuable food/feed resources.
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