Biomass Production of Acridids as Possible Animal Feed Supplement

Abstract

Experiments were done to estimate biomass production by mass rearing of Oxya fuscovittata (Marschall) and Spathosternum prasiniferum prasiniferum (Walker) under laboratory condition, in order to utilize them as non conventional protein rich animal feed supplement. For this purpose fecundity, fertility, adult emergence, sex-ratio, fresh and dry body weight, protein and energy content in acridid tissue were determined. This study has shown that taking a single pair of male and female as starting point, O. fuscovittata may produce 225.07 kg dry biomass/year by mass rearing. Thus O. fuscovittata with high protein content and ability to produce high biomass can be utilized in animal feed as protein supplement through establishment of acridid farms.