Biochemical Analyses and Nutritional Content of Four Castes of Subterranean Termites, Macrotermes subhyalinus (Rambur) (Isoptera: Termitidae): Differences in Digestibility and Anti-nutrient Contents among Castes

Abstract

Termite is used in many parts of the world but little is known about their biochemical properties and nutritional value as food. Protein digestibility and anti-nutrients of four castes (queen, worker, soldier and winged (alate)) of subterranean termite, <em>Macrotermes subhyalinus </em>were determined to evaluate the protein bioavailability and confirm nutritional value as food for human and animal consumption. Physico-chemical properties of the oil of each caste were also determined to reveal the potential uses of the oil and its stability in storage using standard analytical methods. The queen was the most easily digestible (84.72%) of the castes while the soldier was the least with a digestibility value 81.10%. The queen was significantly more digestible than the other castes. In general, all the four castes have low anti-nutrient (oxalate, phytate and tannin) values. Among the castes, worker has significantly higher anti-nutrient levels than the other castes. In general, worker and soldier have relatively higher digestibility values and significantly higher anti-nutrient contents as well as relatively higher values for most of the physico-chemical parameters tested, suggesting that they are the least edible caste. Overall, the results showed that all four castes of <em>M. subhyalinus</em> have very low levels of anti-nutrients tested for, are easily digested and produce edible oil. These findings confirm that all four castes of <em>M. subhyalinus</em>, and possibly other termite species, are safe for human and animal consumption, and therefore recommended for inclusion in human foods and livestock feeds

Human uses and indigenous knowledge of edible termites in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

“…13,14 These species are all naturally open-woodland or savanna dwellers and all termite castes -queen, soldiers, alates and workers -are eaten. 15,16 In South Africa, Bodenheimer 17 documented the alates of Macrotermes swaziae (Full) and Microhodotermes viator (Latreille) as edible termite species, while Quin 18 also reported Odontotermes badius (Haviland) and O. capensis (DeGeer) to be edible.…”

Evaluation of the Biochemical and Nutritional Quality of Some Edible Insects: An Alternative to Food Nutrient Sources in Cross River State, South-Eastern Nigeria

“…Edible insects constitute an important part of the diet of a large proportion of the population in many developing countries. The importance of edible insects as nutritional food source is beginning to be appreciated (Kampmeier and Irwin, 2009), due to the high cost of animal protein, which is beyond the reach of the poor (Adesina et al, 2010) and because edible insect species are rich in proteins, amino acids, fats, vitamins and trace elements (Igwe, 2011;Ajayi, 2012;Ntukuyoh et al, 2012;Kinyuru et al, 2013). The rapid growth of the world population requires proportionate increases in food production.…”

“…Globally, there are more than 500 edible insects, the most popular being ants, grasshoppers, silkworm pupae, locusts, beetles crickets and bamboo worms (Kinyuru et al, 2013). Edible insect species are rich in proteins, amino acids, fats, vitamins and trace elements (Igwe, 2011;Ajayi, 2012;Ntukuyoh et al, 2012;Kinyuru et al, 2013). However, the nutrient levels reported vary greatly by species, environmental conditions, geographical location, feeding habits and the developmental stages of the insects (Srivastava et al, 2009;Raksakantong et al, 2010).…”

Synergism of three botanical termiticides as wood protectants against subterranean termites, Macrotermes subhyalinus (Rambur, 1842)

“…In sub-Sahara Africa, Macrotermes subhyalinus (Rambur) is one of the commonest and most damaging termite species in agro-forestry areas (Pearce, 1997). This species of African subterranean termite has been reported in Nigeria by Ajayi (2012) as well as Ajayi, Adedara, and Oyeniyi (2018). M. subhyalinus was reported to be capable of causing total destruction of crops and wooden structures within few months under favorable climatic conditions due to their voracious feeding behavior (Malaka, 1996;Nyeko & Olubayo, 2005).…”

“…In spite of their beneficial role in increasing the soil fertility through the mixing of soil organic matter, termites are best described as pests of most plant products due to their deleterious activities on most timbers, agricultural crops, and wooden materials in buildings (Culliney & Grace, 2000;Ekhuemelo, Abu, & Anyam, 2017;Lax & Osbrink, 2003). In fact, the infamous activities of termites on plant products, especially wooden structures, have been attributed to their strong affinity for ligno-cellulolytic materials in wood (Ajayi, 2012). In cases of severe infestations, their activities could result in the loss of structural strength of buildings.…”