Proximate, amino acid and mineral composition of pupae of the silkworm Antheraea pernyi in China

The chemical composition and the nutritional quality of protein of pupae of the silkworm Antheraea pernyi were investigated. Investigations showed that the pupal powder contained 7.6% moisture, 71.9% crude protein, 20.1% fat and 4.0% ash on a dry matter basis. The mineral analysis indicated high K content with a low Na/K ratio and low heavy metal content. The pupal protein contained 18 known amino acids, including all of the essential amino acids and sulphur-containing amino acids. Compared with the amino acid profile recommended by FAO/WHO, the pupal protein was of high quality due to its high content of essential amino acids. The results of the present study provide some technical information and suggestions for the food industry for more effective utilization of pupae of the silkworm A. pernyi.