Chemical composition of Mopane worm sampled at three sites in Botswana and subjected to different processing

Abstract

Effects of site and degutting on chemical composition of mopane worm were investigated. Samples were cooked for 30 min in either brine or in plain water. Samples from Moreomabele were high in acid detergent fibre (ADF) (P < 0.05) and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN) (P < 0.01) while samples from Sefophe had least ADF and ADIN concentrations. In vitro true dry matter digestibility (IVTDMD) tended (P = 0.06) to be high in samples from Maunatlala than those from Moreomabele and Sefophe. No site difference (P > 0.05) was observed on the rest of the variables. Degutted samples had high crude protein (CP), ADF and IVTDMD (P < 0.05) but lower (P < 0.001) concentrations of ash, acid detergent lignin (ADL) and condensed tannins. Acid detergent insoluble nitrogen was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in degutted than whole samples. Salting did not (P > 0.05) change concentrations of all but ADF which tended (P = 0.09) to be high in salted samples. Samples which were degutted and salted had higher (P < 0.01) ADF and ADIN than degutted and salted or those left whole and salted or left unsalted. Leaving samples as whole diluted the concentration of CP but increased the fibre components and condensed tannins content. However, mopane worm destined for livestock feeding may be left whole and salt added.

The potential of <i>Imbrasia belina</i> worm as a poultry and fish feed. A review

“…According to Madibela et al (2013) concentration levels of CP was reduced by 9% in a study determining the suitability of I. belina worm as feed. Whereas, in an earlier study Madibela et al (2009) noted an increase in the ADF, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and lignin in degutted I. belina worm samples. Hence, Madibela et al (2013) pointed that this could reflect that gut content of I. belina worm neutralises the CP content, while increases the concentration of lignin, ADF and NDF.…”

“…This could be attributed to the fact that mopane leaves (leaves on which I. belina feeds) are characterised by the high value of CP (Wessels et al, 2007). Furthermore, according to Madibela et al (2009) removal of the gut content improves the CP concentration of the I. belina worm by 10%. This is because the gut content consists of plant material which is mainly built of carbohydrates.…”

Growth performance, serum biochemistry and meat quality traits of Jumbo quails fed with mopane worm (Imbrasia belina) meal-containing diets

“…Mopane worm (MW) is a rich source of carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins and minerals ( Potgieter, Makhado, & Potgieter, 2012 ; Chiripasi, Moreki, Nsoso, & Letso, 2013 ; Kwiri et al., 2014 ). In addition, the amino acid profile of MWM is high in lysine, methionine, threonine, valine, phenylalanine and tryptophan than soybean ( Madibela, Mokwena, Nsoso, & Thema, 2009 ). Rapatsa and Moyo ( 2019 ) reported that MW contain unsaturated oil acids rather than typically fat, which are a good source of fatty acids (oleic linoleic and α-linolenic).…”

The Paleoanthropology and Archaeology of Big-Game Hunting

“…While most of these have emphasized the caterpillar's high (crude) protein content, which typically falls between about 48 and 62%, mopane worms are also rich sources of fat (average 15-19%), with unsaturated fatty acids making up as much as 65% of the fat, and the omega-3 fatty acid, a-linolenic, comprising around 30% (Dreyer and Wehmeyer 1982;Rahnema 2002, 2007;Madibela et al 2007Madibela et al , 2009Motshegwe et al 1998;Ohiokpehai 2006;Onigbinde and Adamolekun 1998;Pharithi et al 2004;Quin 1959;Sekhwela 1989;Yeboah and Mitei 2009;Zinzombe and George 1994). In terms of total energy, mopane worms provide about 450 kcal/100 g (Illgner and Nel 2000:346-347).…”