Evaluation of chemical composition of seven invertebrate species for applying in poultry and fish nourishment

Increasing level of population and elevated demand for more food production has led to higher protein need from animal sources like cattle, poultry and fish. Moreover, due to lower production cost, less physiological side effects and environmental pollutions, animal breeders are eager to use other potential protein resources such as insects and mollusks. Seven species of invertebrates were evaluated in this study: American cockroach, Italian grasshopper, honey bee, leech, Sunn pest, slug and snail. Several parameters were analyzed in all the species including fat by using Soxhlet method, protein by Kjeldahl method, calcium and phosphorus by colorimetric method, relative humidity, dry biomass, fiber by Fibertech method, energy, ash and carbohydrate by Manson-Walker method. According to the results, it could be concluded that among the studies species, American cockroach with high level of protein, calcium, dry biomass, fiber, phosphorus, energy and low level of fat could be a valuable option for poultry and fish food regime.