Cost-Effective Feed Formulation

The DIY Cricket Mash Recipe

A good feed needs three things: Energy (Carbs), Growth (Protein), and Health (Vitamins/Minerals).

1. The Energy Base (60-70%)

• Kenya/East Africa: Maize Bran or Wheat Pollard.

• West Africa: Dried Cassava peelings (ground into flour) or Yam peels.

• Why? It’s cheap and provides the fuel for the crickets to move and grow.

2. The Protein Booster (20-25%)

• Animal Source: Ground Omena/Dagaa or fishmeal.

• Plant Source: Soya bean meal or Sunflower cake.

• Why? Without enough protein, crickets will grow slowly and start eating each other (cannibalism).

3. The Vitamin Supplement (5-10%)

• Fresh Greens: “Sukuma Wiki” (Kale) scraps, Cabbage leaves, or Moringa leaves.

• Calcium: Crickets need calcium for their “Exoskeleton” (shell). Finely ground eggshells are an excellent, free source of calcium.

Sample Formulation Table (Per 10kg Mix)

Case Study: The Cassava Solution in Nigeria

A farmer in Ibadan, Nigeria, found that maize was too expensive during the dry season. He began collecting cassava peels from local processors, sun-drying them until they were brittle, and milling them into a fine flour. He mixed this with 20% “spent grain” (waste from a local brewery). His feed cost dropped by 40%, while his crickets grew at the same rate as those on expensive commercial poultry feed. He turned “waste” into “wealth” by looking at what was available in his own backyard.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

• Avoid Capsicums (Hoho): Crickets generally dislike peppers (Pilipili) and onions. Stick to “sweet” or “bland” greens like pumpkin leaves or carrots.

• The Fine Grind: As discussed for pinheads, the finer the feed, the easier it is for crickets to digest.

• Dry Storage: Keep your feed in airtight containers. If the feed gets damp and grows “Aflatoxin” (mold), it will kill your crickets instantly.