Consumption of Macrotermes Subhyalinus: Effects on the Physiological Parameters of Wistar Strain Rats

Protein deficiency is a public health problem in developing countries. The search for available and cheaper animal proteins is recommended as a solution. The objective of this study is to promote winged Macrotermes subhyalinus termites as a source of protein to contribute to the resolution of protein-energy malnutrition. The overall composition of these termites was first determined, followed by an animal experiment conducted on 12 growing Wistar rats, with soy as a control feed. Two isoenergetic and isoproteic diets were formulated (a control diet containing fish meal (RFP), and a diet containing dried termite flour (RFT)). The experiment evaluated growth parameters, blood biochemistry, and organ biometrics of the animals. The results for the overall composition showed 97 ± 0.35% dry matter, 30.187 ± 0.6% protein, 56.89 ± 2.1% fat, 9.92 ± 1.38% of total carbohydrates with an energy content of 672.44 ± 0.15 Kcal/100 g of dry matter. Regarding biochemical blood parameters and organ biometrics, the comparative analysis revealed similar values in rats subjected to both diets, except for total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels. These termites are likely to provide essential nutrients to humans in their diets.