Comparative Analysis on the Nutritional Values of Oil Palm Maggots (rhynchophorus Phoenicis) and Beef in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State

ABSTRACTThis study carried out a comparative analysis on the nutritional values of oil palm maggots (Rhynchophorus phoenicis) and beef in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State. The study was motivated by the need to explore sustainable alternative protein sources that could complement conventional meat sources in rural and urban communities. Samples of oil palm maggots and beef were collected and analyzed using standard AOAC (2019) procedures for proximate, mineral, and vitamin compositions.Results revealed that the oil palm maggot contained higher protein (27.6%) and fat (15.2%) contents compared to beef (26.1% and 9.8%, respectively). However, beef recorded higher levels of moisture and phosphorus. The mineral analysis indicated that the palm maggot had superior calcium (53.2 mg/100g) and iron (5.1 mg/100g) contents, while beef showed slightly higher zinc and phosphorus concentrations. The vitamin composition showed that the maggot had notable levels of vitamins A and E compared to beef.Findings demonstrated that Rhynchophorus phoenicis larvae can serve as an excellent complementary source of animal protein and micronutrients. The study concluded that edible insects could contribute significantly to food security and nutritional sufficiency, especially in low-income and rural settings. It recommended increased public awareness, nutritional education, and inclusion of insect-based protein in local diets to combat protein deficiency and malnutrition in Nigeria.