Modulating the nutritional value of Acheta domesticus (house cricket) through the eco-sustainable Ascophyllum nodosum dietary supplementation

Acheta domesticus, commonly known as the house cricket, is widely consumed due to its significant content of high-quality proteins, and essential nutrients. However, its lipid profile, rich in saturated fatty acids, presents health concerns. This study aimed to produce crickets with a reduced saturated fatty acid content and an enriched profile of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, compared to crickets currently available on the food market. For this purpose, Acheta domesticus was fed a diet enriched with 20 % and 40 % of the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum. AN supplementation significantly reduced AD weight, yield (total cricket per crate) and feed conversion ratio, whereas it had no effect on the survival rate. Results showed that seaweed-enriched diets significantly decreased the lipid content, while reducing saturated fatty acids and increasing unsaturated fatty acids content in crickets fed seaweed-enriched diets compared to the control group, making these species a more nutritious and wholesome resource. Additionally, crickets maintained a high protein content with amino acid profile meeting essential amino acid requirements. Overall, the nutritional quality indices indicated that house crickets fed an eco-friendly diet provided optimal values for both fatty acids and amino acids profile.