Potential Value of the Mormon Cricket (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) Harvested as a High-Protein Feed for Poultry

Abstract
Adults of Anabrus simplex Haldeman collected near Greystone, Colo., were found to have a mean dry weight (males and females combined) of 1.08 g and a crude protein content of 58%. At cricket densities of 10 to 20/m2, a 1-km2 band of crickets represents ca. 11 to 22 metric tons of potentially harvestable high-protein powder. Corn-cricket-based diets produced significantly better growth of broiler chicks than was produced by a conventional corn-soybean based diet. Based on current prices for corn and soybean meal, the wholesale value of crickets of the aforementioned densities in a km2 band would range from $3,300 to $6,600 if harvested for use as a high-protein feed.

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