Nutritional Composition of Four Edible Grasshopper Species Frequently Consumed in Madagascar: Insights for Nutritional Contribution and Alternative Insect Farming

Edible insects are a significant component of traditional diets in Madagascar, where food insecurity and malnutrition persist. This study examines the production parameters and nutritional composition of four laboratory-farmed edible grasshopper species commonly consumed by Malagasy people with the aim of upscaling their farming to mitigate malnutrition. The grasshopper species include: vlei grasshopper (<i>Paracinema tricolor</i>), rice grasshopper (<i>Oxya hyla</i>), emerald-legged grasshopper <i>(Eyprepocnemis smaragdipes</i>), and Madagascan slant-faced grasshopper (<i>Acrida madecassa</i>). The study involved the assessment of production parameters (survival rate, developmental time, feed consumed, feed conversion ratio, biomass yield, fecundity, and hatchability). The study also involved analysis of the nutritional content (moisture, protein, fat, ash, fibre, carbohydrates, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins) to evaluate the potential dietary contribution of these grasshoppers. The result show <i>P. tricolor</i> had superior survival, faster development, low feed intake, and higher fecundity and hatchability when compared to other species of grasshoppers. <i>Acrida madecassa</i> showed the highest biomass yield and feed conversion ratio followed by <i>P. tricolor</i>. The results further show that all four species are rich in protein, essential fatty acids, and key minerals, particularly calcium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. <i>P. tricolor</i> exhibited the highest protein and fat content. Moreover, <i>P. tricolor</i> showed the highest ash content, suggesting a superior mineral profile. <i>Acrida madecassa</i> showed the highest fibre content, reflecting its richness in chitin. These findings provide valuable insights into the nutritional role of grasshoppers in Malagasy diets. Furthermore, they offer reference values for selecting and optimizing the nutrient composition of insect species that are safe and easy to rear, which could serve as a sustainable alternative to wild collection. Future research should explore the bioavailability of nutrients in these species and identify suitable practices to mass rear these species to improve food security in Madagascar.