Analysis of the fatty acid composition of Black Levina

Abstract

The results of the analysis of the fatty acid profile of Black Levine larvae show a

high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids, in particular oleic (13.0…14.7%), linoleic (6.8…9.7%) and linolenic (0.1…0.39%). These acids are important for human and animal health

because they are essential fatty acids. The detected high proportion of polyunsaturated acids, such as linoleic and linolenic, indicates the potential of Black Levine as a source of beneficial omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Palmitic (C16:0) and stearic (C18:0) acids dominate among saturated fatty acids - 21.9 and 10.8%, respectively. When conducting experimental studies, it was found that the larvae of the Black Levine grown on organic waste contain: up to 9% protein (determined by the Lowry method), 27% fat (determined by the А. Levitskyi express method). It was established that the fat content in the larva significantly depends on the composition of the feed substrate on which it was grown, so in samples 1 and 2 the fat content was up to 30%, in sample 3 up to 40%, which is confirmed by previous studies. The fatty acid composition of fats in the dried larva shows the presence of a wide range of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Flour from larvae contains a relatively high content of lauric acid (C12) (up to 47%), which is characterized by antiviral and antibacterial properties and is a natural antibiotic, besides it is non-allergenic, able to prevent inflammatory processes of the digestive tract and improve metabolism and strengthen immunity. Taking into account the chemical composition of the larvae of the Black Levine, it is possible to propose its use in the production of complete combined feed for fish, domestic animals,

pigs in the amount from 15% to 35% of the input, for fish - up to 50%, which will allow replacing expensive feed of animal origin (fish meal, meat and bone meal) and partially replace soybean

meal (up to 12%), which will significantly reduce the cost of finished compound feed. Based on the results of experimental studies, the high content of unsaturated fatty acids makes the larvae of the Black Levine an attractive alternative source of fat additives of

animal and plant origin for use in the production of animal and fish feed. The study of the fatty acid composition of the larvae of the Black Levine revealed a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, in particular oleic, linoleic and linolenic. This confirms the high biological value of the lipids

of this insect and its potential as a source of useful fats in the production of feed for pigs, fish, and domestic animals.