Acrides and the possibility of their use in the composition of feed and food

Locusts are insect species that can form migratory swarms, causing widespread destruction of crops and pastures, with significant impacts on food security. This article assesses the potential for beneficial use of locust swarms. Of the 21 known locust species, about ten species have traditionally been consumed by humans or fed to animals for thousands of years in 65 countries. Their nutritional composition is comparable to that of regular meat. However, insecticide residues, microbial contaminants and allergens can jeopardize the safety of their use. Several countries have developed regulations for edible insects, including locusts. In this article, prototypes of acrides were obtained and their chemical composition was determined - the content of crude protein, dry matter, crude fat, crude fiber, minerals, and the amino acid composition was determined. All studies were carried out according to generally accepted methods, based on the results of the studies, conclusions were drawn and possible methods of using acrides are described - locusts are rich in protein; minerals such as calcium, iron and zinc; a number of vitamins; useful fatty acids; in addition, the quantitative content of amino acids in locusts is higher than in meat products of slaughter. Safe and effective collection of locusts can help preserve agricultural land, as well as provide material as feed for animals and fish, and rearing locusts under incubation conditions can facilitate their use in food products in order to enrich them with protein or replace part of the raw materials.