Insect as an alternative source of animal protein in Southeast Asia

Petra Svobodová

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

Human society often perceives insects as annoying creatures, which are good only as food for insectivores. However, insects can also be part of a human´s diet. Due to its high nutritional value, it is even very suitable to be consumed. Over 1 900 species of insects are currently consumed worldwide. The objectives was the investigation of available literature sources and electronic information databases to analyse insect as an alternative source of animal protein in Southeast Asia. This study analysed 62 insect orders and described processing methods of five insect species more detailed, namely red palm weevil, grasshoppers, wasps, crickets and giant water bugs. The result of this study showed that insects have very good nutritional values, which are essential for human diet. Species with the highest protein content were as follows: order Hymenoptera (range 13 – 77 percent of dry matter) and order Hemiptera (range 42 – 74 percent of dry matter), highly depending on life cycle stage. Therefore high protein content makes insects a suitable alternative source of animal protein. Insects also contain other necessary substances such as high fat, calcium, iron and zinc. The content of these substances is the same as in beef, chicken and even fish. Even the insect farming is more environmentally friendly, less water and feed are consumed, still prevails insects captured from wildlife and then sold in markets.

Keywords

edible insect, human diet, protein, Southeast Asia, nutrition values, insects farms, entomophagy

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 27. 8. 2018

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 28. 5. 2018
• Supervisor: Ing. Iva Kučerová, Ph.D.
• Reader: Adéla Fraňková, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Bachelor programme / field:
Agricultural Specialization / Agriculture in Tropics and Subtropics