Vol. 6 No. 1 (2023): The Reality of Women in Science

• Anhwange B. A.
  Department of Chemistry, Benue State University Makurdi
  




• Gbertyo J. A.
  Department of Chemistry, Benue State University Makurdi
  




• Tarnande C. I.
  Department of Biochemistry, Benue State University Makurdi
  




• Ingbian N. I.
  Department of Chemistry, Benue State University Makurdi
  

Cirina butyrospermi (caterpillar) was purchased and analyzed forrnproximate, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and anti-nutritionrncompositions to investigate the nutritional potential of the insect. Thernresults of the analyses revealed that Cirina butyrospermi containedrnhigher protein content (48.98%), moderate fat content (19.00%), andrncarbohydrates (16.53%). It was observed to contain low ash (7.00%),rnmoisture (6.75%) and fiber (1.75%). The predominant minerals foundrnwere mainly; potassium (574.27 mg/100g), calcium (125.33 mg/100g),rnphosphorus (85.56 mg/100g), sodium (55.56 mg/100g), magnesiumrn(48.66 mg/100g) and manganese (35.64 mg/100g). The insect wasrnobserved to be rich in essential amino acids with the predominant onesrnlike glutamic acid (12.43%), Aspartic acid (7.57%) and Tryrosinern(5.23%). Stearic acid (30.02%), Palmitic acid (27.131%) andrnTridecanoic acid (27.13%) were the most abundant fatty acids. VitaminrnB1rn and B2rn were present in low quantities (1.68% and 2.12%rnrespectively). The cirina butyrospermi was found to contain low levelsrnof anti-nutrients (alkaloids 10.45%, tannin 9.60%, saponin 3.20%,rnTrypsin Inhibitor 1.41%, phytate 0.09% and Oxalate 0.69%). Thernresults of the study indicate that Cirina butyrospermi is a potential sourcernof proteins, lipids, and minerals for human and animal feeds. The lowrnlevels of anti-nutritional factors suggest that it is less toxic and can bernincorporated into dietary foods and livestock feeds without any adversernhealth effects.