Nutrient content and lipid characteristics of desert locust (Schistoscerca gregaria) swarm in Kenya

Abstract

The desert locust (Schitocerca gregaria) swarms in numbers that decimate farmland, threatening an already vulnerable horn and Eastern region of Africa. The aim of this research was to assess the nutrient content and oil characteristics of the desert locust and for possible utilization as a food resource at industrial scale. The desert locusts were harvested from swarms in various regions of Kenya. Nutrient analysis was performed using standard protocols and physico-chemical characteristics of the extracted oil were evaluated. A 100 g sample contained 450Kcal energy, 46 g protein, 32 g fat and 4 g fibre. Calcium was the most abundant macro mineral (208.36 mg/100 g), iron was the most abundant trace mineral (4.83 mg/100 g) while α-tocopherol content of 267.47 µg/g was recorded. Oleic acid was the main fatty acid (30.78%) with total unsaturated fatty acids being 66.47% of the total fatty acids. The n-6:n-3 ratio of 2,4 was reported which indicated a significant nutritional quality of the locust oil. The locust oil had 0.94 specific gravity indicating potential industrial applications. Iodine value (75 g iodine/100 g oil), peroxide value (0.18 mEq/Kg) and saponification value (171 mg KOH/Kg) indicated an oil with relative stability and potential for industrial utilization in the food industry. As a result, locust control efforts could therefore include harvesting and consumption as part of the integrated management.