Effect of Plant-Based and Insect-Based Diets on the Growth, Survival and Feed Conversion Rate of Gryllodes sigillatus (Walker, 1969)
NJE Vol. 42(1) : 57-67, 2026
DOI.10.36108/NJE/6202/24.0150
Ikeh, R.E.,1 ⃰ Idigo, M.A.,2 Ekezie, C.C.,1 Chukwudike, C.O.,1 Chukwu, C.E.3 and Okegbe, K.P.1
1 Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
2 Department of Biological Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State Nigeria.
3Department of Natural Science Education, Lagos State University of Education, Lagos State Nigeria
Abstract
The effect of plant-based and insect-based diets on the growth, survival and Feed Cconversion Rate (FCR) of the banded crickets, Gryllodes sigillatus (Walker, 1969) was carried out in the insectary unit of the Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. Eggs of G. sigillatus were obtained from New Generation Nutrition Incubation Center, University of Ibadan, Ibadan. Materials used as feed included poultry starter mash (EX BM), black soldier fly larva meal (EX BSFL), Commelina pertesii leaves (EX CP) and combination of BSFL meal, Moringa oleifera leaves and C. pertesii leaves (BSFL+MO+CP). The crickets were reared in transparent plastic container (30cm length x 15cm width x 20cm length) with perforated lids. A total of four containers were used for the experiment. One Hundred (100) 4 weeks old nymphs were introduced into each plastic container and fed weekly with 10g of the samples for five weeks. Weight gain and quantity of feed consumed in grams were collected at three-day intervals. The results showed that crickets fed with EX BM (control) recorded highest weight gain (3.8g), lowest FCR (0.4gfeed/g weight gain), and highest survival rate (98%). EX CP diet supported early growth but performance declined by Week 5. Negative FCR was recorded for EX BSFL diet with same survival rate as EX CP (96%). Interestingly, BSFL+MO+CP diet showed delayed but notable growth in Week 5, moderate FCR (1.78) but lowest survival rate (95%). This study demonstrated that EX CP (plant-based) and EX BSFL meal (insect-based) diets were nutritionally insufficient as sole diet. Mixed diets combining BSFL+ MO+CP showed promising potential if further optimized.
Keywords: Gryllodes sigillatus, Plant-Based Diet, Insect-Based Diet, Growth, Survival, Feed Efficiency