Department Of Zoology

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    A Study of the Use of Honey and Ethno-biological Components in Nigerian Trado-medical Practices
    (2014) Ajao AM, Oladimeji YU, Babatunde SK, Obembe A
    Trado-medical practice variously referred to as ethno-medicine, folk medicine, native healing, and alternative medicine, is an ancient and culture-bound method of healing used against various diseases threatening human existence and survival. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of honey and other ethno-biological components in the treatment of different ailments in Kwara State, North central Nigeria. Structured questionnaire and interview schedule were used to collect information from 280 respondents (120 herb sellers and 160 trado-medical practitioners). The result revealed methods of remedies’ preparation such as infusion, decoction, maceration, extraction, squeezing, soaking, shredding, grinding/pounding, and drying while the mode of use include: drinking, chewing, licking, eating, and topical application. It was also observed that 20 plants and 6 animal products distributed across 18 and 5 families respectively were being used in combination with honey for the treatment of arthritis, toothache, cold, chronic cough, stomach ulcer, diabetes, wounds, hypertension, low sperm count, ear defect, rheumatism, malaria and infertility among others. The knowledge of trado-medical practices elicited could serve as a basis for further drug discovery, pharmacological research and bio-prospecting.
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    A Study of the Use of Honey and Ethno-biological Components in Nigerian Trado-medical Practices
    (British Journal of Applied Science & Technology, 2014) Ajao, Adeyemi Mufutau; Oladimeji, Y.U.; Babatunde, S. K.; Obembe, A.
    Trado-medical practice variously referred to as ethno-medicine, folk medicine, native healing, and alternative medicine, is an ancient and culture-bound method of healing used against various diseases threatening human existence and survival. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of honey and other ethno-biological components in the treatment of different ailments in Kwara State, North central Nigeria. Structured questionnaire and interview schedule were used to collect information from 280 respondents (120 herb sellers and 160 trado-medical practitioners). The result revealed methods of remedies’ preparation such as infusion, decoction, maceration, extraction, squeezing, soaking, shredding, grinding/pounding, and drying while the mode of use include: drinking, chewing, licking, eating, and topical application. It was also observed that 20 plants and 6 animal products distributed across 18 and 5 families respectively were being used in combination with honey for the treatment of arthritis, toothache, cold, chronic cough, stomach ulcer, diabetes, wounds, hypertension, low sperm count, ear defect, rheumatism, malaria and infertility among others. The knowledge of trado-medical practices elicited could serve as a basis for further drug discovery, pharmacological research and bio-prospecting.
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    ABUNDANCE AND DIVERSITY OF NON-MOSQUITO INSECTS OF IMPORTANCE FOUND DURING MOSQUITO SURVEILLANCE IN SELECTED RURAL HOUSES IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA
    (2021) Abiodun Obembe
    ABSTRACT: Insects control interventions in rural communities usually focus on malaria mosquitoes, neglecting other inimical entomological species. This study gives an account of abundance and diversity of non-mosquito insects of importance found during Pyrethrum Spray Collection (PSC) of endophilic mosquitoes in two rural communities in Kwara State, Nigeria. Non-mosquito insects found during mosquito surveillance in the two communities between August and October 2014 were collected and identified. Webbing clothes moths Tineola spp and Phorid flies Megaselia spp represented at least 20% of the non-mosquito insect species collected in each community. Phorid flies (28.8%), clothes moths (28.2%), silverfish Lepisma spp (38.7%) and carpenter ants Camponotus spp (4.3%) were found in both communities. Association of phorid flies with human myiasis and potential economic damage the cloth moth and silverfish could bring to scarcely available resources such as clothing and starch-based materials call for the sensitization of rural community residents on the economic importance of these insects. Indoor residual spraying of insecticides which is usually conducted against mosquitoes may as well control these other insects. However, improved housing and living conditions remain the permanent solution.
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    Acaricidal Efficacy of Cassia sieberiana DC (Caesalpinaceae) Stem Bark Aqueous Extract on Hyalomma KOCH, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae) Reproductive Stages
    (Arid Zone Journal of Basic and Applied Research, 2025-02) Abdullahi A. Biu; Maimunatu A. Abdulkadir; Saidu I.Ngulde; ThankGod E. Onyiche; Umar A. Maina; Raliat Aliyu; Aliyu M. Danzaria
    One of the most significant challenges facing tick control through chemical acaricides is resistance and environmental pollution, encouraging the need for natural plant products that are less toxic and environment friendly. This study was conducted to determine the acaricidal efficacy of Cassia sieberiana stem bark aqueous extract on Hyalomma species using immersion testing for egg-hatch inhibition and adult mortality. Both tests used ascending extract concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%, at durations of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 hours. Egg-hatch inhibition peaked at 5% concentration at 8hrs, 10% and 15% at 7 and 8hrs and 20% at 5, 6, 7 and 8hrs while adult mortality was highest at 20% concentration. There was a positive correlation between graded extract concentration, immersion period, egg-hatch inhibition and adult mortality. The LC50 values for adult mortality and egg hatch inhibition were 13.1 mg/mL and 13.7 mg/mL and coefficient of determination were y = 3.7x +1.5 and y = 3.062 + 8.12 respectively. Both LC50 values were almost similar indicating a strong association between extract concentration and acaricidal activity in vitro.
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    Ameen N., et. al., (2013) “Intestinal amoebiasis and other intestinal parasitoses among schoolchildren in rural communities of Moro LGA, Kwara State, Nigeria”
    (Erudite Journal Publisher., 2013) Ameen N., Sunday, O.J., Babatunde S.K, Ajiboye A.E., & Adedayo M.R.
    Schoolchildren in four rural primary schools of Moro Local Government area of Kwara State, Nigeria. Wei preparation In fresh normal saline, Dobell's lodine preparation and formal ethyl concentration methods were used to prepare the stool samples for examination. An overall prevalence of intestinal parasitoses was 77.5%among 414 children. E. histolytica dispar had the highest prevalence among the púpils of the four communities than other intestinal parasites with prevalence of 26.9%, 32.2% 22.7% and 23.9% in Malete. Elemere. Ore oiumoh and Animaje respectively. Prevalence of other intestinal parasites was also reported in relation to each community The prevalence of these intestinal parasites in relation to diarrheic stool, water supply and environmental conditions were discussed. The study revealed that intestinal parasitic infections in rural communities represent a major public health problem. Health education, environmental health adequate water Supply, provision of public and private latrines and personal hygiene are the maior methods of reducing the occurrence of these intestinal parasitoses in rural areas.
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    Analysis of Risks in Honeybee Production Farms in Nigeria: A Boost to Food Security
    (Egyptian Academic Journal of Biological Sciences, 2019) Oladimeji, Y. U1.; Hassan, A. A.; Egwuma, H.; Sani, A. A.; Galadima, S. A.; Ajao, Adeyemi Mufutau.
    This paper focuses on achieving sustainable food security through analysis of risk in honeybee production farms and determines the risk behaviour of bee farmers in kebbi and kwara states of Nigeria. Primary data were obtained using structured questionnaires and interview. A multi-stage random sampling procedure was employed for selecting 148 respondents comprising 102 traditional bee farmers and 46 modern bee farmers. Descriptive statistics: mean, percentage, standard deviation, the coefficient of variation and, safety model was used to determine the risk attitude coefficient of bee farmers. The conditional distribution of the honey harvest probabilities per ha for a food secure and insecure was plotted against the poverty index using normal kernel cumulative density. Result revealed that risks in apiculture are related to socio-economic and production characteristics. The bulk of traditional bee farmers (57.8%) is categorized as risk neutral while the majority of modern bee farmers (67.4%) belong to risk preferring (with an index of 1.52). The results revealed that the set of significant explanatory variables and their sign vary across the traditional and modern groups. The coefficient for marital status, bee farming experience and family labour were statistically significant for traditional bee farmers. While education, investment, family labour and hired labour were statistically significant for modern bee farmers. Bee farmers are encouraged to form cooperative society and if already existing should liaise with relevant agencies such as the ministry of agriculture and agricultural insurance companies for training, workshops and seminars on the capacity to handle risk-taking into cognizance their socioeconomic and institutional traits.
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    Antioxidants from stem bark of Kigelia africana inhibits free radicals and membrane lipid damage in rat testes in vitro
    (ScopeMed., 2016-09-24) Akintunde J.K, Akintunde D.G, Irondi E.A, Babaita K, Labaika R, and Sunday O. J.
    Objective: Bioactive ingredients of plants have been used as a central source of medicine and chemo-therapies for centuries. Nevertheless, the quantification and characterization of phytochemicals in methanol extract stem bark of Kigelia africana (MESBKA) will be highly advantageous if found affirmative. Methods: MESBKA was taken for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Thereafter, its effect on pro-oxidant induced hydroxyl radical and lipid peroxidation in rat’s testes was evaluated. Results: The GC-MS analysis provided four peaks of eighteen different active compounds. Also, MESBKA contains antioxidants (polyunsaturated fatty acids, esters and poly alcohols) which are prophylactics of hydroxyl radicals and inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in the testes. Furthermore, MESBKA inhibited pro-oxidants induced hydroxyl radicals and lipid peroxidation in rat’s testes in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: The antioxidant content of Kigelia africana could have prevented inflammatory responses to enhance male fertility in rat. Isolation and translation of individual components of the plant would help to find new drugs to cure and/or prevent male infertility.
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    ASSESSMENT OF CONTRIBUTION OF APICULTURAL PRACTICES TO HOUSEHOLD INCOME AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA
    (International Journal of cience and Nature, 2013) Ajao, Adeyemi Mufutau; Oladimeji, Y.U.
    Agriculture and biotechnology including beekeeping offers an unexploited succor capable of salvaging the people from abject hunger and poverty. Honey bee and its products are frequently used in diverse ways and contribute to agricultural development through crop pollination and income to farmers. The study examined contribution of apiculture practices to household income and poverty alleviation in Patigi and Irepodun areas of kwara State, Nigeria. A random sampling technique was used to select 120 bee farmers for the study. Primary data were obtained with the aid of structured questionnaire and interview schedule. Descriptive statistics, gross margin and OLS model were employed in data analysis. The results revealed that bee farmers were at productive age with mean age of 45 years. The literacy rate was very low while the bulk of the bee farmers had subsidiary occupations to supplement their income. Average net return per litre of honey produced ranges from ₦1200 to ₦1500 while average income per season per colony ranges from ₦7500 to ₦10000.The postulate explanatory variables explained 72.5% in the variation of volume of bee produced. However, all the explanatory variables included in the factors affecting bee farmer income explained 81.4% in the variations in income earned by bee farmer. Given the opportunity and amazing potentials for widening export base for apiculture in Kwara State, it was recommended that the government at all levels should provide social services and ensure that bee farmers are educated to ensure proper understanding of indices of bee production with attendance boost in honey.
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    Assessment of intestinal parasites of fruits and vegetables sold in selected markets in Ilorin, Nigeria
    (Kwara State University Press and Publishing, Nigeria., 2024) Joseph O. Sunday and Opeyemi G. Oso.
    Fresh fruits and vegetables form an integral part of a healthy and nutritious diet. They are also potential conduits of transmission of gastrointestinal pathogens to hosts. This study aims to evaluate the level of parasitic contamination of selected fruits and vegetables across peri-urban markets in Ilorin metropolis. Fruits and vegetable samples were washed in normal saline solutions. Parasites in the wash solutions were concentrated by sedimentation method. Parasite detection was carried out using a binocular microscope and identification by comparison with the key from atlas of parasitology. The relationship between variables at 5% level of significance was determined by Pearson's chi-square analysis. Two hundred and thirteen (213) fruit and vegetable samples were assessed for parasitic contamination. Thirteen (13) parasites (5 protozoans and 8 helminths), namely: Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba coli, Balantidium coli, Isospora coli, Schistosoma spp., Ascaris lumbricoides, Taenia spp., Trichuris trichura, Strongyloides stercoralis, Fasciola spp., Toxocara spp., and Ancylostoma duodenale, were detected and evaluated. Cabbage and lettuce were the most contaminated at 38.5% prevalence each. This is followed by Fluted pumpkin, Tomatoes, Carrot, Cucumber, Spinach and green pepper with 32.4%, 26.9%, 23.0%, 22.2%, 18.8%, and 7.5%, prevalence. The obtained order of prevalence of intestinal parasites was: G. lamblia > S. stercoralis/Taenia spp. > E. histolytica > A. lumbricoides/A. duodenale > B. coli/E. coli.
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    Bedbug (Cimex lectularius) infestation and its control practices in two selected settlements in ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria
    (2017) Oduola AO, Omotayo AI, Adelaja OJ, Obembe A
    Bedbugs are cosmopolitan insects of public health importance. Their characteristic biting and blood feeding activities result in both physical symptoms and psychological distress in affected hosts. This study investigated the incidence of bedbug and control practices among students and indigenes living in two different settlements in Ilorin, Nigeria. Bedbug were surveyed and collected from household materials from fifty apartments randomly selected from each of the new and old student hostels and family houses in Tanke and Oja-Oba area of Ilorin. Bedbugs collected were persevered in 70 % alcohol and identified using taxonomic keys. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on respondent’s demography, perception about bedbug infestation and control practices in sampled houses in the study areas. Sampled data were analysis using percentages. Results from the survey revealed that the number of respondents with knowledge of bedbug was not significant (p>0.05) compared with those without. Family houses in indigenous Oja-Oba study location were the only site with bed-bug infestation. Higher numbers of bedbugs were collected on mattresses. Out of the 200 respondents, 20 (10 %) employed the use of chemical method in bedbug control and precisely, 12 (60 %) of these use a locally made formulation named otapiapia. The intensity of infestation in Oja-Oba and insignificant knowledge of bedbug among the respondents suggest the need to raise the level of public awareness and also canvass for an improved living conditions in the affected areas.
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    Bee propolis as protectant of stored grains against insect pests’ damage in Kwara State, Nigeria
    (Technoscience Journal for Community Development in Africa, 2020) Ajao, Adeyemi Mufutau; Ojo, James Adebayo; Bamidele, Julius Akolawole; Oladimeji,Yussuf Uthman
    The importance and widespread use of stored grains is potentially negated by insect pests and lack of efficient and environment friendly control methods. In this study we explored the use of propolis extracts as protectant of grains against damage caused by Sitophilus zeamais and Callosobruchus maculatus. Bee propolis collected from beehives was diluted with ethanol to obtain 0%, 10%, 30%, 50% and 100% concentrations. 5ml each of the concentrations of propolis extract was applied to 100 g each of maize and cowpea grains infested with 10 pairs of tenera maize weevil and cowpea weevil respectively in 250 cm3 kilner jar and left for 35 days. Each treatment was replicated four times and arranged in the laboratory using completely randomised design. Data were collected on percentage grain damage, weight loss and insect mortality. Bee propolis extract significantly reduced (P < 0.05) grain weight loss and damage, and enhanced insect mortality. The effectiveness of propolis extract was concentration-dependent. The phytochemical analysis of Apis mellifera propolis showed the presence of compound like phenol, flavonoid and tannin. Propolis extract application could be incorporated into integrated pest management (IPM) practices.
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    Bendiocarb resistance and, kdr associated deltamethrin and DDT resistance in Anopheles gambiae s.l. populations from North Eastern Adamawa State, Nigeria
    (2021) Wahedi JA, Ande AT, Oduola AO and Obembe A
    Abstract: Timely and consistent insecticide resistance monitoring efforts are required for early planning of management strategies. Here, we present the first report on bendiocarb, deltamethrin and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) insecticide resistance in Anopheles gambiae s.l. populations from Adamawa, North Eastern Nigeria. Mosquitoes reared from larval collections were exposed to DDT (4%), bendiocarb (0.1%) and deltamethrin (0.05%) insecticides using standard WHO test kits and protocols. Species-specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assays were used to determine the sibling species composition of the exposed mosquitoes while allele-specific PCR was used for kdr genotyping in the mosquitoes that survived after insecticide exposure. Mosquito populations from all the four study sites in Vimtim, Imburu, Muchala and Bachure were resistant (≤ 87% mortality) to DDT and deltamethrin insecticides. Mosquito populations exposed to bendiocarb showed suspected resistance in Vimtim and Imburu study sites and confirmed resistance in Muchala and Bachure sites respectively. Mosquitoes alive after deltamethrin, DDT and bendiocarb exposures were identified predominantly as An. coluzzii species (78.5 - 92%) compared to An. gambiae s.s (5.3 - 11%) and An. arabiensis (0 - 10.1%). All the 22 kdr positive mosquitoes collected were identified as An. coluzzii. Percentage occurrence of kdr alleles in the mosquito populations alive after deltamethrin and DDT exposures were 30% and 25% respectively. An. coluzzii (≥ 63%) was the predominant species identified in each study site compared to An. gambiae sensu stricto (s.s) (≤ 20%) and An. arabiensis (≤ 17.4%) species. The results of kdr associated pyrethroid resistance is a potential threat to the effectiveness of the currently deployed deltamethrin-impregnated bed-net campaigns in Adamawa state. Evidence of bendiocarb carbamate resistance also implies potential ineffectiveness of future bendiocarb Indoor Residual Spraying. The involvement of metabolic resistance mechanisms in the mosquitoes from these study sites should be investigated for proper insecticide resistance management.
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    Bionomics and diversity of bulinid species in Patigi, North-Central, Nigeria
    (Academic Journals, 2023-01-04) Sunday O. Joseph, Opeyemi G. Oso, Abdulkareem O. Babamale, and Samuel U Ugbomoiko
    Ability of the snail species to repopulate an aquatic environment is a risk factor to be considered by an epidemiologist in an area where schistosomiasis is endemic. A survey was conducted on the distribution of aquatic snail species in schistosome endemic areas, Kwara State, North-Central Nigeria. Physicochemical factors (water temperature, velocity, depth of water, atmospheric temperature, transparency, pH, electrical conductivity, and dissolved oxygen) were measured for twelve months with a field meter while other parameters were done in the laboratory. Aquatic flora influencing the abundance of the potential snail intermediate hosts in the selected water bodies was also observed. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to test the relationship between physicochemical parameters and snail species. Overall, 5,246 aquatic snails comprising five species of Planorbidae and a species each of Thiaridae, Lymnaeidae, Ampullariidae, Bithyniidae, and Bivalviae were identified in three sampled stations. In this study, Bulinus truncatus correlated positively with air temperature (r=0.401; p<0.05), water temperature (r=0.324; p<0.01), calcium (r=0.465; p<0.01), and magnesium (r=0.428; p<0.01); however, a negative significant relationship occurred between B. truncatus and water depth (r=-533; p<0.01), nitrate (r=-0.433; p<0.01). The occurrence of B. jousseaumei was strongly associated with dissolved oxygen (r=0.260; p<0.05). Since the presence of snail intermediate host of schistosome is confirmed in the study area and the effect of different physicochemical parameters on the survival of the snail species is demonstrated, environmental modification and the introduction of control measures should be done to eliminate schistosomiasis in the study area.
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    Community knowledge and practices as regards malaria in Ilorin City: implications for the elimination plan of the National Malaria Elimination Program
    (2014) Abiodun Obembe, Adedayo Oduola, Kehinde Popoola, Adeyemi Ajao
    Objective: To examine malaria-related knowledge and practices among residents in Ilorin City to guide forthcoming malaria elimination action of the recently restructured Nigerian National Malaria Elimination Program. Methods: Community-wide cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2012 using pretested structured questionnaire and interview schedule to collect information on perception, prevention and treatment of malaria among the residents. Results: Majority of the respondents attributed malaria to mosquito bites and prevented the disease through multiple means including the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (60%), insecticide sprays (54%) and mosquito coils (48%) alternatively. All the respondents spraying insecticides in the bedrooms shortly before bed time stayed outdoors during night hours. Fifty three percent of the respondents treated the last malaria episode at the hospital/clinic, and the remaining (47%) employed self-medication. Only 6.1% of those who engaged in self-medication used artemisinin combination therapy drugs. Conclusions: Combined use of long-lasting insecticidal nets and insecticide sprays call for investigation of behavioural and physiological insecticide resistance in the mosquitoes present in this area. Night time outdoor staying behaviour mandated by spraying of insecticides and possible switch of the vectors to bite outdoor at early night hour also necessitate incorporation of outdoor mosquito control into the malaria elimination plan for this locality. Likewise, observation of selfmedication in spite of high literacy levels implies that campaigns against such practice may not yield the desired result unless quality healthcare service is made affordable and accessible to all.
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    COMMUNITY STRUCTURE OF MACROINVERTEBRATES IN LAKE ASA, ILORIN, NIGERIA
    (Animal Research International, 2025-07-29) MUHIBBU-DIN, Olorunshina Iysa and OLADIMEJI, Amusa Adebayo
    The integrity of Lake Asa's water quality depends on how various macroinvertebrate communities make their living more diversified, and contribute to complex food webs. In addition, the macroinvertebrate community are significantly used as indicator organisms to detect the pollution impacts in aquatic ecosystems. In this study, the diversity and community structure of macroinvertebrate and their relationship with environmental variables in Lake Asa, Ilorin, Nigeria, from February 2023 to February 2025. The study yielded 1421 individuals belonging to 3 phyla, 4 classes and 26 genera. The Bivalvia community, comprising 39.5% of the total taxonomic groups with Sphaerium sp. as the dominant macroinvertebrate species represented more than 15% of the total macroinvertebrate taxa and diversity indices were detected significant variations (p<0.05) among stations by the Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA, whereas Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (H´) assessed moderate pollution, Evenness index (J) assessed uniform distributions of macrobenthic community, and environmental variables showed acceptable condition for the productivity of Lake Asa. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) reveals distinct community structures among macroinvertebrate samples. Within macroinvertebrate communities, Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) provided insights and interpretations of the relationships between species and environmental gradients. The macroinvertebrate community was most influenced by temperature, organic matter, DO, pH and EC.
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    Comparative studies of the feeding capacity and preference of Aphyosemion gularis (Boulenger 1901) on some aquatic macroinvertebrates
    (2011) Okorie Anyaele, Abiodun Obembe
    Background & objectives: An efficient larvivorous fish must show a predilection for mosquito larvae in the presence of alternative preys. This study compares the feeding capacity and preference of Aphyosemion gularis exposed to different kinds of aquatic macroinvertebrates. Methods: Various prey organisms such as Anopheles larvae and pupae, Culex larvae, chironomid larvae and ostracods were either singly and/or jointly presented at different densities to the fish and the number of prey consumed in 12 h light and dark periods were recorded. Results: The result showed that in terms of capacity and preference, the fish significantly consumed (p <0.05) more Anopheles larvae than pupae and more Anopheles larvae compared to Culex and chironomid larvae. It was also found that the fish preferred Culex larvae to chironomids larvae while significantly (p <0.05) more Anopheles larvae were consumed compared to the more abundant ostracods. Conclusion: The results indicate that A. gularis is adapted to feed more on Anopheles than Culex larvae on one hand and generally preferred mosquito larvae to non-mosquito macroinvertebrates. The implication of this observation is that the presence of other non-mosquito organisms considered in this study is unlikely to divert the attention of the fish from mosquito larvae, especially Anopheles larvae. The fact that the fish are able to feed on some of the non-mosquito organisms such as chironomids and ostracods, means that they can subsist on these organisms in the absence of mosquito larvae.
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    Composition of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens): A comparative study across three different rearing substrates and two different drying methods
    (Global Journal of Fisheries Science, 2025-08) B. O. Omitoyin; E. K. Ajani; O. B. Oduntan; O. K. Kareem; K. A. Iyapo; S. O. Yusuf; S. O. Yusuf
    The development of the aquaculture sector in Nigeria has been slowed by the growing cost of feed ingredients, particularly fish meal. It is becoming more and more common to produce Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) as insect meal and a sustainable substitute for conventional animal feed sources. However, there is limited information on the best suited substrate for the commercial production of BSFL. Hence, the nutrient composition of BSFL meal was assessed utilizing several substrates and drying methods. The BSFL were grown on three distinct organic wastes of wheat bran (WB), maize bran (CB), and varied fruit wastes (FW) for 13 days, at UI-FAO insectarium, Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan. Oven and sun-drying techniques were used to process the reared BSFL. Compositions of the larvae raised on three distinct types of organic garbage were assessed and statistically examined. Larvae raised on wheat bran/sundried (WB/SD) had the maximum protein content (60.78%), whereas those raised on fruit waste/oven dried (FR/OD) had the lowest value (29.70%). Larvae raised on fruit waste/oven dried (FR/OD) had higher levels of vitamin A, C, and D, whereas those raised on wheat-bran/oven dried (WB/OD) had the lowest levels. Larvae raised on wheat-bran substrate had significantly different (p˂0.05) levels of alanine. No statistical differences were observed in copper values of the larvae reared on the three substrates. The larvae raised on a wheat bran substrate had greater levels of potassium and zinc compared to the larvae reared on assorted fruit waste and corn bran substrates. The results revealed wheat bran as the best substrate, and black soldier fly larvae were identified as a possible sustainable supply of protein in aquaculture. Consequently, it is advised that black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) be raised on wheat bran substrate and processed via the sun-drying method, which is a preferable substrate and drying method.
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    Composition of Defatted and Non-Defatted Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal: Alternative for Fish Feeds
    (Direct Research Journal of Agriculture and Food Science, 2025-04) Kafayat Aina Iyapo; Bamidele Oluwarotimi Omitoyin; Emmanuel Kolawole Ajani; Oladimeji Kazeem Kareem; Adeyemo Muniru Adewole
    Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal has been considered as a great source of animal protein for animals. Nutrient composition of the larvae varies according to the substrate used in rearing the larvae and the processing techniques. This study was conducted to investigate the nutrient composition of full-fatted and processed (defatted and non-defatted) black soldier fly larvae meal. The larvae reared on wheat bran substrate were collected from Food and Agriculture Organization, University of Ibadan (FAO/UI) black soldier fly larvae culturing unit, sacrificed with hot water, rinsed and divided into full-fatted and processed (defatted and non defatted) groups. The defatted group was mechanically pressed by squeezer to remove the fat content and the non-defatted group was not contacted. Both defatted and non-defatted groups were independently subjected to oven and sundried procedures. Chemical compositions of the full-fatted larvae meal, defatted oven-dried larvae, defatted sun-dried larvae, non-defatted oven-dried larvae and non-defatted sun-dried larvae were determined and statistically analysed. The research revealed black soldier fly larvae meal as a viable alternative to use as an animal protein source in fish feed formulation. Additionally, the nutritional composition revealed sun-dried processing method as the best method to remove the black soldier fly larvae lipid.