Fatty Acid and Amino Acid Profile of Emperor Moth Caterpillar ( Cirina f orda) in Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria

The proximate, amino acid, fatty acid and mineral compositions of emperor moth caterpillar ( Cirina forda ) were investigated. A high protein and lipid contents of 31.40 ± 0.3 and 16.12 ± 1.1 (% dry weight) respectively were recorded. The insect was found to contain varying proportions of essential and non-essential amino acids and also saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. An ash content of 7.62 ± 0.11 (% dry weight) was obtained containing high proportions of calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus (32.24, 45.50, 65.04, 67.31, and 111.00 mg/100g) respectively. Moderate amounts of iron, manganese and zinc were also detected. A K/Na ratio of 1.53 ± 0.04 obtained suggests that this insect could be a potential source of diet for the management of hypertension. The high protein and carbohydrate contents also suggest that the emperor moth caterpillar could serve as an alternative source of protein and other nutrient supplements in human and animal diet.