DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjet.2026.v14i01.001

Pages: 1-9

Field cricket (Gryllinae) obtained in Sokoto State, Nigeria was evaluated for its nutritional compositions. The proximate compositions were analyzed using the methods of the Association of official Analytical Chemist (AOAC), while minerals were estimated using Flame Emission Spectroscopy (FES), and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Antioxidant vitamins and anti-nutrient compositions were determined using standard laboratory methods. The result of proximate analysis showed that the Field crickets are rich in protein (63. 54 ± 2.76 g/100g), crude lipids (10.78g/100g) and fiber (8.56g/100g). Minerals analysis indicated that, the Field crickets contain appreciable concentration of both macro and micro mineral elements with Calcium (725.00 mg/100g), Magnesium (8.14 mg/100g),) and sodium (20.08 mg/100g) as the predominant macro elements. However, iron (25.13 ± 1.35 mg/100g) and zinc (6.14 ± 2.11 mg/100g) are the micro elements present in higher amount. On the other hand, the content of antioxidant vitamins on dry weight basis are 1.18 mg/100g, 2.91 mg/100g, and 31.80 mg/100g for vitamin C, β –carotene, and vitamin E respectively. The anti-nutrients content are within the permissible limits and may not pose any threat to their usage as food supplement, the anti-nutrient to nutrient molar ration are below the critical value known to impair mineral bioavailability. The present study showed that Field crickets if properly utilized may be important supplementing protein, fat and minerals in our diet, also as an important raw material in the formulation of animal feeds.