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. 2019 Dec 9;8(1):69-78.
doi: 10.1002/fsn3.1242. eCollection 2020 Jan.

Acheta domesticus (Cricket) feed resources among smallholder farmers in Lake Victoria region of Kenya

Jackline A Oloo  1   2 , Monica Ayieko  1   2 , John Maina Nyongesah  3
Affiliations

Acheta domesticus (Cricket) feed resources among smallholder farmers in Lake Victoria region of Kenya

Jackline A Oloo et al. Food Sci Nutr. .

Abstract

The quality of domesticated crickets depends on the choice of feed substrate that has a direct impact on the economic viability of the farming operation. This study assessed the popular local cricket feeds in the Lake Victoria region. Data were collected through individual interviews, focus group discussions, personal observations, and growth experiments. Kales, sweet potato leaves, ugali, and banana peels were the most preferred by the farmers. Crickets fed on kales and sweet potatoes had a significantly higher weight gain and maturity rate than those fed on ugali and banana peels (p < .05). Additionally, crickets fed on kales and sweet potatoes had higher (82.4% and 78.6%, respectively) crude proteins compared to those fed on ugali (57.9%) and banana peels (62.9%). Kales and sweet potatoes can serve as cheaper, alternative local feeds for cricket farming. Empowerment of farmers through subsidies or provision of loans can enhance local cricket feed production.

Keywords: crickets; feeds; food; nutrition.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Map of Kenya with the study regions highlighted in yellow (Bondo Subcounty in Siaya), jungle green (Kisumu East and Kisumu West Subcounty in Kisumu County), and bright green (Kabondo/Kasipul in Homabay County)
Figure 2
Figure 2
Average weight gain in crickets fed on selected feeds for week 1–5 (a), week 6–10 (b), and week 11–15 (c). Values represent mean ± SE
Figure 3
Figure 3
Average weight gain (g) of crickets fed on selected feeds for the 14‐week growth period. Value represents mean ± SE
Figure 4
Figure 4
The trend in weight gain during the 14‐week experimental period
Figure 5
Figure 5
Maturity period of crickets fed on selected feeds
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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