Proximate and Mineral Analysis of Coconutrhinoceros Beetle (Oryctesrhinoceros Linnaeus 1758) Larva Meal

Insects are an important resource in an ecosystem needed for crop pollination, nutrient recycling, natural selection and nutrition for other animals. Edible insects such as coconut Rhinoceros Beetle can be utilized as a feed resource. Its larva consumes decomposing organic matter and can be converted into meal form for ease of handling, prolonging shelf-life and elimination of harmful microorganisms. This study aimed to determine the proximate and mineral analysis of coconut Rhinoceros Beetle larva meal. Results revealed that coconut Rhinoceros Beetle larvae are very efficient in converting low nutrient coconut fiber into a nutrient-dense larva meal. Its rate of recovery from fresh larva to meal form is 50%. Coconut RBLM could be incorporated in swine and poultry rations with developmental stage/s that needed low protein and high calcium and phosphorus mineral requirements. It is recommended, however, that future studies involving coconut Rhinoceros Beetle larva should include emptying and cleaning of its gut before processing into meal form.