Effect of post-harvest processing techniques on the mineral composition of dung beetle larva in parts of Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the effect of frying and sundrying on the mineral composition of dung beetle larva consumed as a delicacy in Niger State, Nigeria. Analysis was carried out on fresh, sundried and fried dung beetle larval samples using standard methods. Results revealed that sundried dung beetle larva, SDB had the highest contents of manganese (8.85 ±0.21), copper (5.65±0.21), iron (224.0±5.66) and potassium (416.50 ±2.12) while fresh dung beetle larva, FDB had the least manganese (0.35 ±0.03), copper (1.07 ±0.03), iron (0.81 ±0.03) and potassium (18.50±1.27). Fried dung beetle larva prepared in the laboratory (FDBL) had the highest content of zinc (1.22±0.01), sodium (247.5±30.41), magnesium (315.00 ±2.83) and phosphorus (140.36 ±1.87) while FDB had the least zinc (0.24 ±0.02), sodium (27.55±1.63) and phosphorus (83.45 ±0.35). Fried dung beetle larva obtained from the market (FDBM) had the highest calcium content (1327.50±10.61) while SDB had the least calcium (84.50 ±0.28) and magnesium (22.40±6.42) contents. Similar manganese and iron contents were obtained in FDBL and FDBM. The results of this study showed that dung beetle larva processed by sundrying and frying retained many mineral elements. Therefore, sundried and fried dung beetle larva may serve as alternative source of minerals that could compliment the nutritional needs of individuals.