Insects For Feed Research Articles

The unpaved road towards efficient selective breeding in insects for food and feed—A review

The unpaved road towards efficient selective breeding in insects for food and feed—A review

Farmed crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) raised with dermestids (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) suffer from reduced and delayed growth, but not enough to explain reports of dramatic yield loss.

The mass production of insects for food and feed is an expanding North American industry. Facilities that mass rear insects are at risk of pest infestations because the optimal environmental conditions for rearing beneficial species may also support the development of pest species. Here, we present the first recorded results detailing the interactions between dermestids and farmed crickets. Cricket farms have reported extremely low harvest yield during heavy dermestid infestations, but the exact reasons for this low yield are unknown. Many dermestid larvae are covered in dense, detachable, barbed setae called hastisetae, which are used by the larvae as an active trapping system against arthropod predators. We designed a series of experiments to test the hypotheses that a dermestid pest of cricket farms, black larder beetle (Dermestes ater DeGeer (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)), may be directly impacting Gryllodes sigillatus Walker (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) yield through the physical effects of hastisetae ingestion and/or indirectly impacting cricket yield through competition for fishmeal, a primary source of protein in conventional cricket feed. Our predictions that G. sigillatus life history and survival would be negatively affected by dermestids were largely refuted. Females fed infested diets grew less mass, but not smaller body size, compared to females fed uninfested diets. We also found that while G. sigillatus experienced delayed growth early in life after living with dermestids, they were able to tolerate living with, and consuming, dermestid larvae. We discuss how these findings have led to new hypotheses concerning how dermestid infestations drive reductions in cricket farm yield.

Bioactivities of black soldier fly larvae protein hydrolysate

One of the potential insects for feed and food sources is the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens). The BSF originated in South America and has now spread to many tropical countries. The BSF larvae (BSFL) had attracted much attention due to their good nutrient content and were recently reported as having useful bioactivities. BSFL has been widely used as feed and has been found to reduce bad smells associated with the growth of pathogenic microbes. The high protein content in BSFL is advantageous in the production of bioactive peptides. This research aimed to extract and hydrolyze the protein from BSFL with protease enzyme to produce protein hydrolysate or peptides with antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH and FRAP, while the antibacterial was analyzed using the agar well diffusion method. BSFL was hydrolyzed with bromelain extracted from pineapple or commercial enzyme (Enzyplex). The IC50 shown by protein hydrolysate was 9.43±0.84% (v/v) or 0.72 mg/mL. The FRAP value was 521.21±264.53 µM for BSFL protein without enzyme addition, 792.14±291.02 for BSFL with the addition of bromelain, and 5,352.114±861.99 µM for BSFL with the addition of Enzyplex. The addition of bromelain increased the FRAP value 1.2 times, while the addition of Enzyplex increased the FRAP value 10.2 times. The antibacterial activity indicated that protein hydrolysate with phosphate buffer pH 8 at 50℃ and 24 hrs incubation showed the highest antibacterial activity to the lowest are Vibrio cholerae, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The results suggest that BSFL has antibacterial and antioxidant bioactivities using bromelain extracted from pineapple and Enzyplex, a commercial enzyme that contains protease, lipase and amylase. Using Enzyplex as an enzyme to hydrolyze BFSL shows a very high antioxidant capacity compared to bromelain as an enzyme. This suggests that more protein and other macromolecules contribute to the antioxidant capacity. Using bromelain as an enzyme to hydrolyze BSFL, shows that BSFL peptide has higher antibacterial activity in gramnegative bacteria.

Proximate Composition and Consumers’ Perceptions on Grasshopper (Zonocerus variegatus) Consumption in Kano State Metropolis, Nigeria

Entomophagy is the term used to describe eating or utilization of insects for food or feed. A study was conducted to evaluate the proximate composition and consumers’ perception on grasshopper consumption as nutrient source. Structured questionnaires were administered in some selected Markets in Kano Municipal and Nassarawa local Government areas of Kano State. Sixty (60) Grasshopper consumers were randomly selected and the proximate composition and nutritional potential of edible grasshopper was collected. Data were collected and analyzed using descriptive analysis and results were presented in percentages and frequency distribution. Grasshopper has 6.0% crude protein and 58% carbohydrates. Majority of the people (66.6%) eats grasshopper among which are females (56%), married (60%) and youths (38.3%) are the dominant consumers of grasshopper. Hot water (36.7%) and salt water (18.3%) were the prominent pre-treatment methods used by the processors. On metal toxicity knowledge, about 56% of the respondents were aware of its effects and 50% have experienced some ailments while 50% reported vomiting as the common ailment. Conclusively, a lot of Hausa people residing in Kano Metropolis among other tribes accepted grasshopper as food, while females and youths are the dominant actors. It is therefore recommended that people should be sensitized on the modern rearing methods of grasshopper and the risks in wild harvested grasshopper especially pesticides contamination. More so, there is need to explore on the sources of the grasshopper sold in the markets.

From traditional to industrial use of insects as feed: a review

Abstract Insects are part of the natural diet of fish and poultry species and to a lesser extent of pigs, dogs and cats. In traditional farming, poultry gather their food in a free roaming manner, and insects are part of the diet. Similarly, a large fraction of the diet of freshwater fish consists of aquatic insects. These features are exploited by farmers all over the world, as feed costs are high. For example, farmers lure termites to baskets filled with organic matter, and the insects are then fed to chickens. They also employ light sources above fishponds to attract insects for their fish. More sophisticated methods are, for example, attracting naturally occurring houseflies to containers filled with organic waste, e.g. manure. The captured maggots or pupae are then fed to poultry. We discuss the following insect groups as feeds for poultry, pigs, fish, dogs and cats: bees, caterpillars, cockroaches, flies, grasshoppers and termites. Feed for poultry can also consist of insect pests, which are then controlled at the same time, for example ducks to control rice pests. Moreover, leftovers from the silk industry can be used to feed chickens, pigs and fish. Insects are also commonly used as bait for fishing. The interest in a more industrial production of insects such as the black soldier fly and housefly as animal feed started in the 1970s. In the last 15 years, large-scale rearing of insects for animal feed has taken off, with the industry receiving more than 1.5 billion dollars in investment. The market is expanding, the legislation is becoming more conducive, while academic interest is increasing exponentially. The environmental, nutritional and functional benefits of insects as feed are becoming more and more recognized. Insects are poised to play an increasingly prominent role in shaping the future of animal feed production.

Moving towards fully circular insect production: A focus on insect-derived biowastes

Over the last decade, commercialization of insects for food and feed has been exponentially increasing. Insect protein is emerging as a sustainable livestock feed and human food alternative due to its low land and carbon footprint. The principles of insect industry are deeply embedded in the core values of sustainability and circular economy. Black soldier fly (BSF) is the crown jewel of insect industry and is one of the most commercially farmed insects. However, this steadfast growth is accompanied by generation of insect based biowaste such as dead flies and pupae exuviae. This will be a major waste fraction from this industry. This study discusses the valorization potential of this waste into chitin (which finds application in cosmetics, bioplastics, and pesticides, among other industries), biogas, fertilizer, and biochar. There is need to conduct more explorative research on value proposition of insect based biowaste to ensure that this industry can comply fully with circular economy and sustainability principles.

Development of larvae Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), in different diets aiming at the production of insects for animal feed

Development of larvae Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), in different diets aiming at the production of insects for animal feed

Utilizing Insect Frass (Faecal Matter): A Sustainable Approach to Organic Fertilization in Agriculture

Insect frass, commonly known as insect fecal matter, is emerging as a sustainable solution for organic fertilization in agriculture. This paper explores the potential benefits and applications of utilizing insect frass as an organic fertilizer, highlighting its role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Through a comprehensive review of literature, this study examines the nutrient composition of insect frass and its impact on soil fertility and plant growth. Furthermore, the paper discusses the ecological advantages of incorporating insect frass into agricultural systems, including its ability to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and minimize environmental pollution. Additionally, the study delves into various methods of utilizing insect frass in different agricultural settings, ranging from soil incorporation to foliar applications. Moreover, the paper addresses the economic feasibility of insect frass as a viable alternative to conventional fertilizers, considering factors such as production costs and market demand. By synthesizing existing research and providing insights into practical applications, this paper underscores the potential of insect frass as a sustainable approach to organic fertilization in agriculture. Ultimately, this study aims to promote further exploration and adoption of insect frass as a valuable resource for enhancing soil health, increasing crop yields, and fostering ecological sustainability in agricultural practices. As agricultural sustainability becomes increasingly imperative, innovative solutions are sought to reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers and mitigate environmental impacts. In this pursuit, the utilization of insect frass as an organic fertilizer presents a promising avenue for sustainable agriculture. With the rapid expansion of the human population, the mass breeding of insects for feed and food has emerged as a highly efficient means of protein production. A notable byproduct of this process is insect feces, or frass, which exhibits remarkable nutrient content and abundance, surpassing animal biomass production by up to 40 times. Harnessing insect frass as an organic fertilizer offers numerous advantages, including enhanced soil fertility, improved crop yield, and reduced dependency on agrochemicals.

Hermetia illucens Frass Fertilization: A Novel Approach for Enhancing Lettuce Resilience and Photosynthetic Efficiency under Drought Stress Conditions

Agriculture is faced with the need to reduce mineral fertilizers in order to reduce costs but also to meet political goals. Resilience-enhancing climate change, especially in the face of increasingly frequent and prolonged droughts, has become another issue. The dynamically increasing production of insects for feed and food purposes has become one of the answers to this challenge. This study assesses the fertilizing efficacy effect of frass derived from Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) production on lettuce (Lactuca L.) growth, including aspects such as yield, photosynthesis activity, photosystem II performance (chlorophyll fluorescence), mineral profile, and antioxidant properties. Additionally, the properties of the soil were assessed by measuring the gas exchange between the soil and the atmosphere. The lettuce plants grew under two water regimes—optimal irrigation and induced drought. The efficiency of frass fertilization was compared with the control and traditional cattle manure. The results indicate that H. illucens frass (HI frass) used as a fertilizer increased the content of essential nutrients in plants—such as potassium and iron. As the dosage of frass increased, the content of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) doubled. The plants that were subjected to drought and properly fertilized showed greater resistance; therefore, a reduction in the synthesis of polyphenolic compounds was observed. Fertilizer had a positive effect on the efficiency of photosynthesis. This study underscores the promising impact of unconventional organic fertilizers, such as H. illucens frass, on enhancing plant performance, especially in challenging environmental conditions. Fertilizers obtained from insect production can be green chemicals in a sustainable food production model.

Regenerative edible insects for food, feed, and sustainable livelihoods in Nigeria: Consumption, potential and prospects

Edible insects are imperative as food, feed, and other products for industries, but commercial farming and utilization of insects as food, feed and industries is seldom in Nigeria. However, consumption of insects in Nigeria is longstanding and increasingly becoming popular and receiving more attention because of their potential as alternatives to animal protein and a means of livelihood to mitigate hunger and poverty. We harnessed academic and grey literature and personal communications to obtain a wholesome and concise review of the edible insects in Nigeria. This process revealed 13 edible insect species consumed amongst various tribes and indigenous people in the country. We found that the consumption of insects in Nigeria is ubiquitous but more popular and generally accepted in southern Nigeria than in the northern part of the country. However, farming insects for food and feed is seldom because edible insects are harvested from wild populations. Insights into the challenges of farming edible insects in Nigeria revealed that funding, seasonality, technical know-how or expertise are at the forefront, while poor extension services, inadequate processing technologies, and not having in place strategies for their upscaling are also implicated. We recommend mutualistic cooperation between key stakeholders along the agricultural value chain in Nigeria, such as the government, investors, and others that will foster partnerships with established industries in East Africa, especially Kenya and Uganda, where farming insects for food, feed, and livelihoods is thriving.

Heritability of fat accumulation in the house fly and its implication for the selection of nutritionally tailored phenotypes

Abstract Fats make up a large fraction of the larval biomass in insects and are of increasing relevance for industrial purposes. The quantity of fats accumulated during the larval period can vary greatly among individuals. To selectively breed favourable fat accumulation phenotypes for commercial purpose, a genetic component underlying these differences would be required. In this study we determined the heritability of larval fat accumulation in the common housefly (Musca domestica L.). A nested paternal half-sib breeding design resulted in a total of 47 full-sib families, which produced in total 633 larvae, each phenotyped for their dry weight and fat content (absolute and relative). Adult selection was strictly standardized to reduce the variation in fat content induced by differences in development time during the immature stages: sires and dams were separated according to their pupation day and emergence day, and subsequently pooled into randomized groups. Two animal models were built to estimate the heritability of larval fat accumulation: (1) a Markov Chain Monte Carlo linear mixed model (MCMCglmm) where three sets of priors were used, and (2) one based on linear mixed model using restricted maximum likelihood (ASReml). The results showed a moderate heritability for larval absolute fat content for both MCMCglmm (between 0.30 and 0.38, depending on the set of prior used) and ASReml (0.37 ± 0.11). Slightly higher estimates were obtained for the relative fat content with both the MCMCglmm (between 0.34-0.48) and ASReml (0.47 ± 0.10). In contrast, heritability estimates for larval dry weight were low and could be obtained only with the MCMCglmm model (between 0.11-0.22). This work provides valuable insights into the quantitative genetics of larval fat characteristics, a trait of high relevance for the emerging sector producing insects for feed and food.

Ⅱ-4. Effects of using insects for livestock feed

Ⅱ-4. Effects of using insects for livestock feed

Mating compatibility and offspring traits evaluation among different strains of Tenebrio molitor.

The fast-growing sector of insects for food and feed stimulates researchers and the industry to explore uncharted territories, such as insect breeding, to improve economically important insect fitness traits. The yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor L., is one of the most thoroughly studied insect species as food and feed. However, data on mating compatibility and the effect of cross-breeding between different strains on the performance and fitness of the hybrids are scarce. In the present study, we comparatively evaluated the mating compatibility between two T. molitor inbred strains (Greek and Italian) and their outbred strains, i.e., Italian (♀)-Greek (♂) and Greek (♀)-Italian (♂), as well as the performance of their hybrid offspring. Based on the results, there is good mating compatibility among adults of the strains tested. Offspring performance, quantified as larval survival and final larval weight, followed a similar pattern among the crossings examined. Even though differences were insignificant, the outbreeding of females of the Italian strain resulted in a higher cumulative number of eggs and hatching rate and higher offspring weight. The present study sheds light on the mating compatibility of different T. molitor strains and their hybrids' economically important life table characteristics to take the mass production of insects one step further.

From the heart of the animal feed industry: a Southeast Asian perspective on insects for feed in Asia.

From the heart of the animal feed industry: a Southeast Asian perspective on insects for feed in Asia.

Perception of cat owners on the use of insects as feed ingredients for cats

Abstract Currently, insects represent a sustainable alternative to animal-based ingredients for pet food, but there is little information on the willingness of cat owners to incorporate insects into their pet diets. The objective of this study was to assess the perception of cat owners to feed insect-based feed. Between June and August 2021, an on-line survey was provided to cat owners in Chile; of the total number of participants (1684), the majority were female (89.2%), with university education (73%) and omnivorous eating habits (63.7%). Participants had an average of 2 cats per household with indoor lifestyle (70.2%). Most participants (63.6%) were willing to feed insects to their cats. Participants were more willing to feed their cats treats containing 20% insect meal (Overall willingness (OW) = 7.1 ± 3.1, on a scale of 1 to 10), than pure insect meal (OW = 4.9 ± 3.3) or whole insects (OW = 4.4 ± 3.3). Cricket meal treats were the most acceptable. Acceptance toward insects increased when mentioning the environmental benefits of insect production (OW = 7.6 ± 2.9). Participants more willing to offer insect-based treats to their cats were also more willing to use pure insect meal and even whole insects. The reasons for not wanting to include insects in cat feed were disgust, unfamiliarity and preference for traditional pet foods.

Nutrients limit production of insects for food and feed: an emphasis on nutritionally essential amino acids.

Nutrients limit production of insects for food and feed: an emphasis on nutritionally essential amino acids.

The current state of research and potential applications of insects for resource recovery and aquaculture feed.

Concerns about fishmeal use and its ecological footprints must be addressed for the aquaculture industry to move on as a sustainable food production sector. Through recent research outcomes, the insect-based meals in fish diets have promise and harnessed promises for commercial applications. In this midst, the efficiency of the selected insects in valorizing biological waste, as well as the nutritional profile of the harvested insects for use in fish diets, will be the driving forces behind such an approach. More extensive research has been published on the suitability of the waste substrate, the nutritional profiling of the meals, the level of substitution, the effects on growth, the immune physiology, and the flesh quality of the animals. Previously, there are only a few reviews available in insect protein applications in aqua feed that focused particularly on the nutritional quality and substitution levels. Considering the dearth of available work, the goal of this review is to provide a more comprehensive account of the resource recovery potential of insects and its derivatives, with a special emphasis on quality as determined by substrate used and processing techniques. Suggestions and policy implications for a sustainable approach to achieving a circular bio-economy of insect farming and its application in aquaculture are discussed for progression and advancement of the existing state of the art.

Exploring the Nutritional Potential of Microtermes obesi Consumed by the Ethnic Communities of Baksa District, Assam, India

The practice of eating insects is widespread throughout the world. The use of edible insects in animal feed and human diet is being advocated on a universal scale as an alternative source of protein, lipids and micro - nutrients which is correlated with global food security. Termites are nutritionally endowed eusocial insects belonging to the order Isoptera. Microtermes obesi, a termite species has been a part of traditional cuisine among different communities of Assam. Therefore, the present study was assigned to investigate the presence of nutrient composition and antioxidant properties of M. obesi, an edible termite species collected from Baksa district of Assam. In the current investigation, the nutritional values recorded from M. obesi adult comprised of 7.68±0.02% moisture content, 45.15±1.97g/100gm crude protein, 8.40±2.05 g/100gm crude fat, 28.76±1.31 mg/100gm Na, 22.86±2.19 mg/100gm K, 108.36±2.18 mg/100gm Fe, 58.09±1.38 mg/100gm Ca, 20.47±3.15 mg/100gm S, and 132.88±2.15 mg/100gm P. The biochemical contents such as total phenolic, total flavonoid and DPPH radical scavenging activity are recorded as 108.17±2.43 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100g, 58.06±3.26 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/100g and 84.90±2.15% respectively. Findings of this study demonstrated the presence of rich nutritional and high antioxidant qualities in M. obesi termite species and also provided scientific validation on the entomophagy practice of M. obesi which can be consumed as alternative source of nutrient in animal feed with potential health benefits.

Towards more sustainable animal-feed alternatives: A survey on Spanish consumers' willingness to consume animal products fed with insects

Global meat consumption will continue to increase in response to the growth in population and demand. Numerous studies have emphasized the nutritional, economic, and environmental benefits of using insect meal as an alternative protein source for animal feed. This article analyses Spanish consumers' willingness to consume pork, chicken, eggs, and fish, and explores the effect of sociodemographic and psychometric characteristics on their willingness to consume when the animals are fed with insect protein as a sustainable feed alternative. The study used an online Spanish consumers' panel belonging to Qualtrics© (market company services) and distributed it to 1260 individuals stratified by age, gender, and region. The data were analysed using the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests. Overall, the results demonstrated that most Spanish consumers expressed high uncertainty regarding their willingness to consume animal-fed insect meals. They also exhibited moderate levels of food neophobia and showed a highly ecocentric attitude. The non-parametric comparison analysis confirmed significant differences in willingness to consume sustainable animal products across sociodemographic characteristics: financial situation and gender were significant variables, with females more willing to consume sustainable animal products than males. For the psychometric traits, significant differences in willingness to consume sustainable animal products were confirmed across food neophobia, food neophilia, opinions on using insects in animal feed, and ecocentric attitude. The results also confirmed a significant difference in the effects of sociodemographic variables on psychometric attributes. Financial situation affects food neophilia, anthropocentric attitudes, and opinions on the use of insects in animal feed. Age influences food neophobia, ecocentric attitudes, and opinions on the use of insects in animal feed. Education also influences food neophilia, ecocentric attitudes, and opinions on the use of insects in animal feed. For gender, it is observed that females are more neophobic than males. This study has provided comprehensive initial insights into consumer willingness to consume insect-fed animal products in Spain, and the findings from this study will serve as a valuable resource for producers, policymakers, and governments in making informed decisions that promote more sustainable production practices.

Insect Production for Animal Feed: A Multiple Case Study in Brazil

The production of insects as a sustainable protein source represents an innovation for animal feed. The objective of this research is to analyze the value chain of the use of edible insects in animal feed in Brazil through the framework of SWOT, the business model sustainable canvas, and a multiple case study, highlighting the sustainability characteristics. A qualitative approach of the descriptive exploratory type was used, and the multiple case study identified the actors in the chain and how value is generated. The young age of the sector explains the characteristics observed in the Brazilian chain, such as a large development deficit in terms of financing, technology and the qualification of human resources; a disorganized supply chain and supplier structure; and efforts undertaken by regulatory agencies to promote the development of regulations relating to the production and use of insects in animal feed, which, in turn, will lead those wishing to participate in this innovative venture into research and development in the area. Brazil’s edible insect supply chain can become a more significant aspect of sustainable agriculture by closing nutrient and energy loops, promoting food security and minimizing climate change and biodiversity losses, all of which are associated with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.