Mineral and Phytochemical Contents of Selected Insects and the Possibility of Their Inclusion in Diets for Livestock

Abstract The present study aimed to quantify the mineral and phytochemical contents of three commonly consumed insect species found in southern Africa. The mineral contents were analysed using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy, while the phenolic compounds were determined using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The results obtained demonstrate that locusts recorded the highest potassium and sodium than in stinkbugs and termites, respectively. Phosphorus was recorded the highest in termites than in stinkbugs and locusts. Furthermore, stinkbugs have the highest magnesium whereas the lowest concentrations were recorded in termites and locusts. With exception for iron, copper, manganese, and zinc were recorded higher in termites than in stinkbugs and locusts. Phenolic compounds such as Rehmaglutin D, Floripavidine, Rosmarinic acid, Acerosin, and Hyacinthacine C1;(+)-Hyacinthacine C were identified in abundance in termites. Crotanecine, 7beta-Hydroxycatuabine D, Acerosin, and N-Hydroxyannomontine were detected in abundance in stinkbugs. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed significant differences in the phenolic compounds profile, among insect species studied. Therefore, it can be concluded that the three edible insects contain sufficient minerals and exhibit considerable amounts of phenolic compounds that make these insects a potential source of minerals and pharmacology for use in livestock diets.