Effects of termite culture on crude protein, fat and crude fibre contents of fibrous harvest residues

Termites (Neotermes aburiensis) were cultured for varying times from 0 to 180 days on dry, moistened and wet forms of rice husk, groundnut husk, maize cobs, cowpea husk and sorghum straw as a means of improving their nutritional values. Protein content increased with longer culture duration irrespective of substrate type and treatment. Maximum yields of crude protein were observed on dry forms of all substrates. The highest crude protein value (26.8 g per 100 g DM) was shown by air-dry sorghum straw. Changes in fat content of farm residue-termite cultures followed a pattern that was similar to that observed for protein. The highest value (16.8 g per 100 g DM) was with airdried sorghum straw. Lowest values of both protein and fat were observed on wet substrates. Crude fibre decreased with increasing duration of culture, with the highest decrease of fibre content on dry sorghum straw. The results suggest the possibility of extensive use of fibrous residues as livestock feeds.