Abstract
Simple SummaryThe demand for more sustainable protein sources is growing. Insects are believed to have potential as a sustainable protein source since they can be produced with lower environmental impact than current livestock. Furthermore, they have proven to be able to convert low-nutrient biomass into own nutrient-rich body mass, making them nutritionally interesting for applications such as food, feed and technical applications. The aim of this review was to provide more insight on the valorisation potential of agricultural side streams in feed for the rearing of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), house cricket (Acheta domesticus) and migratory locust (Locusta migratoria). Several key aspects need to be considered when aiming to valorise side streams in insect feed. The following aspects are discussed in detail: European legislation, the insects’ dietary requirements, the nutritional composition of insects and the availability of agricultural side streams in the EU. Additionally, research focusing on the production of insects on side streams is reviewed. Through this review, it is concluded that there is a huge potential to valorise residues in feed for the insects of interest. However, it is not a self-evident process.Due to increasing welfare and population, the demand for alternative protein sources, obtained with minimal use of natural resources, is rising in today’s society. Insects have the potential to be used as an alternative protein source since they are considered to be able to convert low-value biomass into high-value components, resulting in opportunities for valorisation of organic side streams. Moreover, insects are suggested to be a sustainable protein source, referring to the efficient “feed to body” mass conversion potential. The aim of this review was to explore the potential to rear the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), the house cricket (Acheta domesticus) and the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) on low or not yet valorised organic side streams within the food supply chain. This was performed by collecting research information focusing on the rearing of the insects in scope on organic biomass. In addition, the nutritional composition of the produced insects as well as their dietary requirements will be reviewed. Finally, the availability of side streams in the EU will be discussed as well as their potential to be used as insects feed.
Highlights
The aim of this review is to provide more insight on the use of organic side streams as potential feed for T. molitor, A. domesticus and L. migratoria
This review explored the availability of agricultural residues produced at the EU-level; the EU covers a large area, and it is recommended to consider local supplies of side streams due to above-described reasons
The aim of this review was to explore the valorisation potential of agricultural side streams as feed for the rearing of yellow mealworm (T. molitor), house cricket (A. domesticus) and migratory locust (L. migratoria) under a European perspective
Summary
While some countries are experiencing unprecedented growing rates, other countries are facing a decline in population growth along with the ageing of the population. In both cases, the need for more protein production is capital: In the first scenario, there is a need to cope with a higher demand for food amounts; and in the second one there is a need to prevent some diseases related to the lack of protein in elderly population diets, such as sarcopenia [1]. The global population is growing and is expected to reach 9.7 billion people by 2050 [2] Associated with this growth and the rising prosperity, the demand for food is estimated to increase by 70–80%. High amounts of biomass related to the production and consumption of food is lost or wasted, lowering the sustainability of our food systems
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