Search Results (314)

Global poultry production continues to expand rapidly to meet the growing demand for affordable and high-quality animal protein. However, this growth raises pressing concerns about environmental sustainability, natural resource use, and public health. Although current initiatives, such as improved housing systems, optimized feeding practices, and partial soybean meal substitution, have helped mitigate some impacts, comprehensive integrated solutions remain underexplored. This review synthesizes emerging nutritional and management innovations that enhance the sustainability of poultry production while maintaining profitability. It addresses three central research questions: (1) Which alternative feed ingredients most effectively preserve animal performance while minimizing environmental burdens? (2) How can environmental management practices enhance resource efficiency and waste valorization? (3) What roles do life cycle assessment methodologies and policy frameworks play in advancing sustainable poultry systems? Evidence from 100 peer-reviewed studies, industrial data, and field analyses reveals that incorporating insect meals, algae, and agro-industrial by-products can reduce dependence on soybean meal by 20–40% and improve feed efficiency by 5–12% across various poultry production systems. Furthermore, integrating environmental management strategies, such as manure valorization, efficient water and energy use, and the adoption of renewable energy, substantially reduces greenhouse gas emissions and promotes circular economic principles. Life cycle assessment studies confirm that combined dietary and management interventions yield greater reductions in carbon footprint than isolated measures. Future research should focus on optimizing interactions among feed strategies, environmental management, and policy frameworks through digital technologies, nanomaterial-based feed additives, and region-specific sustainability plans to accelerate the transition toward resilient, climate-smart poultry production systems. Full article

Edible insects are increasingly recognized as sustainable and nutrient-dense ingredients with potential applications across diverse food systems. While their use in solid foods has been widely explored, the incorporation of insect-derived ingredients into beverages remains fragmented and insufficiently conceptualized. This narrative review critically examines the current state of insect-based beverages, integrating technological, nutritional, cultural, and market-oriented perspectives. Rather than adopting a fully systematic review methodology, this article synthesizes representative scientific literature, traditional practices, and emerging commercial examples to explore how edible insects are being positioned within two distinct yet complementary pathways: (i) functional beverages targeting nutrition, gut health, sports performance, immunity, and meal replacement, and (ii) experiential beverages driven by culinary storytelling, tradition, ritual, and sensory innovation, such as insect-infused beers and spirits. Relevant sources were identified through searches of major scientific databases using combinations of keywords such as edible insects, entomophagy, insect-based beverages, functional beverages, and insect protein, with emphasis on peer-reviewed literature published mainly over the past two decades, complemented by representative examples of traditional practices and emerging commercial products. The review discusses the nutritional and biofunctional potential of insect-derived proteins, lipids, and chitin-related components, with particular emphasis on their behavior in liquid matrices, including solubility, stability, flavor impact, and processing constraints. Technological challenges associated with beverage formulations are critically assessed. In parallel, consumer perception is examined through the lens of neophobia, sensory expectations, and the role of cultural framing and gastronomy in facilitating acceptance. By bridging food science, beverage technology, and food culture, this review identifies key knowledge gaps and research priorities for advancing insect-based beverages beyond niche applications. It argues that future development in this field will depend not only on technological optimization and a regulatory framework, but also on the deliberate design of products that integrate functionality with meaningful culinary and cultural narratives. Full article

The search for sustainable alternatives to fishmeal (FM) in aquafeeds represents a major challenge for modern aquaculture. This study evaluated the effects of replacing 35% of FM with defatted Hermetia illucens larvae meal (HIM35) in diets of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) reared under full-scale commercial offshore farming conditions. Fillet nutritional quality, fatty acid and amino acid profiles, mineral composition, and microbiological stability during refrigerated storage were assessed. Dietary HIM35 significantly modified the fatty acid profile, increasing saturated fatty acids, particularly lauric and myristic acids, and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Despite reductions in eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (EPA and DHA), total PUFA and lipid health indices remained within recommended ranges and EPA + DHA levels were above 8%, supporting both fillet nutritional value and fish physiological requirements. Enzymatic indices based on product-to-precursor fatty acid ratios suggested reduced Δ5 + Δ6-desaturase activity. The amino acid profile showed increases in selected essential and non-essential amino acids, while overall protein quality was preserved. HIM35 fillets showed lower sodium and higher zinc contents, whereas increased aluminum levels warrant further investigation. Microbiological analyses confirmed the absence of foodborne pathogens and no effects on spoilage dynamics. Overall, HIM35 represents a safe and effective partial replacement for FM supporting sustainable aquafeed strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Insect-derived lipids are emerging as circular-economy feed ingredients, but their implementation in ruminant diets requires robust safety assessment beyond productive endpoints. This study evaluated genome integrity in 26 lactating Valdostana Red Pied cows fed concentrates containing either hydrogenated palm fat (HPF; n = 13) or black soldier fly oil (Hermetia illucens oil, HIO; n = 13) for 50 days. Methods: Peripheral blood lymphocytes were analyzed using Sister Chromatid Exchanges (SCE), reflecting replication-associated chromosomal instability, and the alkaline Comet assay, quantifying primary DNA damage at the single-cell level (Tail DNA and Olive tail moment) at T0 (the day before the start of the two experimental diets), T1 (30 d) and T2 (50 d). Results: Baseline SCE frequencies were comparable between groups. Over time, SCE values decreased in both groups, but a significant reduction occurred only in HIO at day 50, with lower SCE frequency than HPF (5.73 ± 0.11 vs. 6.29 ± 0.13; p = 0.002). Comet tail DNA showed a significant time effect (T0 vs. T1: mean difference = 179,846.6; p < 0.001; T0 vs. T2: mean difference = 138,395.2; p = 0.012), with diet-dependent modulation. In fact, in HIO, tail DNA decreased from 387,886 ± 94,606 (T0) to 147,006 ± 30,592 (T1; p < 0.001), remained lower at day 50 (155,723 ± 29,357; p = 0.024), and was lower than HPF at both T1 (p = 0.006) and T2 (p = 0.009). Olive tail moment also decreased over time (T0 vs. T1: mean difference = 1.925 × 10¹⁵; p = 0.008; T0 vs. T2: mean difference = 1.676 × 10¹⁵; p = 0.025), and it differed between diets at day 50 in favor of HIO (5.99 × 10¹⁵ ± 5.45 × 10¹⁴ vs. 7.26 × 10¹⁵ ± 5.98 × 10¹⁴; p = 0.017). Conclusions: Overall, no evidence of genotoxicity was observed in cows fed HIO; conversely, the results support compatibility with genome stability and suggest a modest time-dependent improvement detectable mainly after prolonged supplementation. Full article

The escalating demand for sustainable, nutrient-dense feeds underscores the need to valorize the agro-industrial byproducts utilizing innovative bioconversion strategies. In this context, we have studied the feasibility of incorporating tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cultivation residues into Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae diets to produce high-protein insect meals. These residues are known to contain the naturally occurring toxic steroidal alkaloids tomatidine and α-tomatine, prohibiting their incorporation into human and animal diets. Herein, the tomato cultivation biomass was dried and mill-ground, and its varying volumes were incorporated into standard poultry feed (seven diet levels with 0–100% biomass inclusion) and tested in BSF-larvae-rearing trials to produce insect meals. The optimal results with respect to larvae growth, protein accumulation (highest value = 30.61%), lipid–fiber content, and antioxidant capacity were determined for insect meals obtained from BSF larvae reared with a ration composed of 40% tomato plant biomass. In addition, the toxicity of this insect meal was substantially low, as a consequence of the observed groundbreaking reduction in the contained toxic steroidal alkaloids α-tomatine and its aglycone tomatidine. The results herein reveal the efficacy of the BSF-larvae-rearing process in acting as a biological filter for the bioconversion of the toxic tomato cultivation waste into a functional, safe, and protein-rich livestock feed, supporting the principles of a circular economy. Full article

Research designed to reduce or eliminate fishmeal (FM) in trout feeds, for reasons that have changed over time, has been conducted for over a century. Reducing the dependency on FM remains one of the most urgent issues facing the industry. Feed represents the most expensive operational cost of fed aquaculture, and is responsible for ecosystem disturbance following nutrient discharges. Rainbow trout, the second most farmed salmonid globally, can be raised completely without FM or fish oil (FO), with its growth and efficiency not differing from trout fed FM-based feeds. However, ingredient choice and nutrient supplementation strongly influence physiological responses, efficiency, and long-term outcomes. As land animal proteins are increasingly used in place of FM, both with and void of dietary FO, their distinct biological effects warrant focused evaluation. Although numerous studies have synthesized findings across various alternative protein categories including those with insect proteins and animal by-products, this literature is widely disseminated and sometimes difficult to access. The present contribution focuses on terrestrial/aerial animal proteins that have been used to totally replace FM in rainbow trout feeds. Attention is given to their effects on physiological control processes that may influence production efficiency. Areas worthy of future study are identified and include long-term performance and health dynamics, the refinement of nutritional and formulation strategies, and the broader evaluation of biological interactions and system-level outcomes. Full article

Sustainable expansion of global aquaculture relies on innovative alternative diets that reduce dependence on marine-derived ingredients. Poultry by-product meal (PBM) and insect meal have emerged as promising protein sources, yet their combined use under commercial farming conditions remains poorly explored. This study evaluated a plant-based finishing diet low in marine proteins and supplemented with 10% Hermetia illucens larvae meal (HIM) and 30% PBM (H10P30) and compared it with a conventional commercial diet (COM) in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) reared on a land-based farm for 65 days. Health and welfare indicators, product safety, fillet quality, fatty acid profile, oxidative status, and consumer acceptance were assessed. Fish fed the H10P30 diet showed a significantly higher body weight and specific growth rate and a lowered feed conversion ratio than COM-fed fish. No external or internal lesions or liver histopathological alterations related to the H10P30 diet were observed. While the diet influenced the fatty acid profile of raw fillets, differences disappeared after cooking, except for a higher C22:6n-3 content in cooked H10P30 fillets. Sensory analysis penalised COM fillets due to the perceived hard texture and low juiciness. In summary, incorporating both PBM and HIM into a plant-based finishing diet serves as a viable feeding strategy for gilthead sea bream, contributing to improved feed sustainability. Full article

Subadult flathead grey mullets (Mugil cephalus) were fed three experimental diets containing increasing percentages of partially defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, BSF) that proportionally replaced the protein sources in the reference diet. At the end of the feeding trial, fish growth and gut, liver and spleen histology were evaluated. BSF inclusion did not significantly affect growth performances in any dietary groups. However, Fulton’s condition factor was lower in fish who were fed diets with the highest replacement levels (15% and 20%; BSF15 and BSF20) compared to those fed the 10% replacement (BSF10) and the control diet (BSF0). Histological analyses revealed increased villi thickness and mucous cell proliferation in the intestine of fish from BSF10 and BSF15 groups. A significant worsening of intestinal condition was observed in fish from the BSF20 group. Liver histology was not affected, while a dose-dependent effect on spleen was observed in fish fed BSF inclusions. Despite the absence of enteritis signs, an increase in macrophages/like TNF-α+ cells in the intestine mucosa indicated immune stimulation in the BSF10 group. Results indicate, for the first time, a threshold for BSF meal inclusion in diets specifically formulated for flathead grey mullets. The BSF10 diet was optimal, as growth performance was not affected and intestine health improved at both morphological and innate immune system levels. Full article

This study assessed the effects of eco-efficient aquafeed formulations on the growth, body composition, nutrient retention, and flesh quality of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Four extruded diets were tested: a conventional control (Ctrl) and three eco-efficient formulations (No-PAP, PAP, and Mix) combining single-cell ingredients, insect meal, selected plant proteins, and aquaculture by-products, with long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) supplied primarily from microalgae. Rather than isolating single-ingredient replacements, the objective was to evaluate the efficacy of complex, industry-feasible formulations designed for practical application. These experimental feeds were administered to 800 trout (initial body weight 63 g), distributed across four replicates per diet. After a 97-day trial, results showed no significant differences in growth performance (final weight, weight gain, and relative growth rate) between diets. Feed conversion ratios (~0.78) were within expected ranges for rainbow trout under these conditions. Fillet texture and composition were similar across all groups; however, trout fed the No-PAP diet developed a significantly more yellow tint in fillet color, likely attributed to xanthophyll pigments from plant- and algae-based ingredients. The environmental impact of the diets was driven by specific ingredient choices, as evidenced by a carbon footprint analysis ranging from 1.39 kg CO₂ eq. (PAP diet) to 2.36 kg CO₂ eq. (Ctrl diet). These findings demonstrate that the three alternative formulations matched the efficacy of conventional feed, offering a sustainable option for trout aquafeed production. Full article

The present study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of Hermetia illucens (HI) and Tenebrio molitor (TM) larvae meals at 2% and 4% on growth performance, carcass yield, meat quality, blood parameters, and intestinal morphometry in broiler chickens. A total of 1750 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were assigned to five dietary treatments: a Control diet, or diets containing 2% or 4% of HI meal (HI2, HI4) or TM meal (TM2, TM4). Growth performance, feed intake (FI), feed conversation ratio (FCR), and mortality were unaffected by dietary treatments. Breast yield increased significantly in insect-fed groups (29.2–29.9%) compared with Control (27.6%). Birds fed HI4 exhibited lower breast pH (5.77 vs. 5.89) and increased cooking loss (29.2% vs. 27.3%), suggesting reduced WHC within acceptable ranges. Thigh meat showed dose-dependent lipid accumulation in insect-fed birds. Serum total cholesterol increased in TM-fed birds with elevated HDL-cholesterol, while LDL-cholesterol remained unaffected. TM meal specifically induced shorter ileal length compared with Control and HI-fed groups. Overall, both full-fat insect meals can be safely incorporated at low inclusion levels without adverse effects on broiler growth, health, or carcass quality. Full article

Global demand for animal protein necessitates sustainable alternatives to soybean meal (SBM). This systematic review evaluated 177 peer-reviewed articles (2002–2023) across 12 categories to analyse the nutritional value of alternative protein sources for ruminant diets and to assess the associated environmental trade-offs. This was achieved through a targeted review, synthesising data from Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) to create a multi-criteria matrix for ranking sustainability profiles. Results indicate that microalgae, insects, and single-cell proteins exhibit crude protein levels comparable to SBM. Moreover, insects, seaweeds, and animal by-products (ABPs) often present superior essential amino acid profiles and high intestinal digestibility. From an environmental perspective, insects, seaweeds and microalgae offer excellent land-use efficiency and significant enteric methane mitigation (17–74.6%), though current economic viability is hindered by high processing costs and emerging supply chains. Conversely, ABPs and agro-industrial by-products effectively embody circular economy principles, enhancing local system resilience. Ultimately, replacing SBM requires a multi-objective approach through a functional hybridisation model, carefully balancing metabolic efficiency with environmental sustainability. While microalgae, insects, and seaweeds demonstrate promising nutritional and mitigation potential, addressing economic barriers and ensuring biosecurity seems essential. Future LCA frameworks should prioritise bioavailable nutrient metrics to optimise the environmental impact of ruminant production. Full article

Global population growth necessitates sustainable food systems, positioning Circular Bioeconomy as a key transition framework. In Oaxaca, Mexico, semi-intensive tilapia aquaculture faces economic viability issues due to a critical reliance on expensive external commercial feeds. This study proposes a “Backyard Integrated System” specifically designed for rural contexts with limited capitalization, connecting traditional entomophagy with aquaculture to reduce operational costs and close nutrient cycles. Using a mixed-method approach, we first conducted a sociocultural diagnosis (n = 140), revealing a 97.14% acceptance of insect consumption. Subsequently, to validate technical viability, a long-term (280-day) feeding trial was conducted using standardized insect meals (Tenebrio molitor and Acheta domesticus) as total substitutes (100%) for commercial feed in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) diets. Results showed a Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) of 1.61–1.62, comparable to the commercial control (p > 0.05), while significantly enhancing fillet protein content. Crucially, microbiological analysis confirmed the absence of pathogens in the final product, empirically validating the safety of the waste-to-feed cycle. Consequently, this strategy ensures food sovereignty, decouples producers from volatile external markets, and offers a scalable solution for community resilience without compromising food safety. Full article

To maximize protein production from insects, it is essential to understand their nutritional requirements, production characteristics, and the chemical properties of the resulting feed, along with how these factors depend on the insects’ diets. This research involved the use of nine different insect diets, all based on wheat bran. Corn and soybean meal were included to enhance the energy and protein content. The weight gain of larvae was significantly affected by the level of protein in their feed; however, the energy level did not have a significant impact on the weight gain measured in grams per day per tray. This gain ranged from 0.57 g/day per tray for insects fed low-energy, low-protein diets to 0.71 g/day per tray for those fed high-protein, medium-energy diets. Feed conversion ranged from 1.83 to 2.34 and was significantly influenced by energy and protein levels. The chemical composition of reared insects showed significant differences, particularly in fat content. The fat content ranged from 38.5% with a low-protein diet to just 26.9% with a high-protein diet. In contrast to fat content, the variability in protein content was smaller, ranging from 44.8% in a low-protein, high-energy diet to 51.9% in a high-protein, high-energy diet. Full article

Deployed armed forces and the public engaged in outdoor activities are at high risk for mosquito bites and the diseases they transmit. Current mosquito bite-resistant garments prevent blood-feeding with slow-release insecticide formulations. Many people today want to avoid contact with pesticides, especially in their clothing. Insecticide treated clothing also is costly and requires regulatory agency approvals. Using mosquito bite-resistant mathematical textile models and a WholeGarment^® knitting technique, a seamless garment was constructed with military-compliant, no-melt, no-drip flame retardant yarns using an AiryPique knit architecture. The garment was 99.5% bite proof in walk-in cage bioassays with 200 Aedes aegypti host-seeking mosquitoes where the human subjects did not move for 20 min. A standard flame test and a PyroMan^TM flammability study validated the garment’s fire protection, a requirement for military uniforms. The thermal physiological comfort tests (air permeability, wetting time/radius, thermal resistance, evaporative resistance, and sweating thermal manikin test) were similar to current army combat uniforms and appropriate for use in everyday clothing. Bite prevention occurred by physically blocking the insect mouth parts from obtaining a blood meal. The knitting technique is well-suited for mass production of bite-resistant clothing through automation, significantly reducing labor, time, and cost by optimizing “fit on demand” for different body types compared to traditional manufacturing methods. This innovation provides a non-insecticidal, safe, scalable, and efficient solution for protecting individuals against mosquito bites. Full article

The nutritional composition of insect-derived meals is strongly influenced by insect diet, while defatting can further modulate nutritional quality. However, some defatting methods, such as supercritical CO₂ extraction, depend on sample properties, including density and macromolecule distribution. Therefore, diet-induced changes may affect lipid extraction efficiency and kinetics, a relationship that remains unexplored. This study evaluated the impact of feeding Hermetia illucens larvae with by-products from olive oil industry (olive leaves, OL, at 15, 30 or 50%; dry full-fat olive pomace, OP, at 30, 50, 70, 90%) or quinoa processing (husk, QH, at 15, 30 or 50%) on supercritical CO₂ defatting performance, meal composition, amino acid profile and digestibility. Despite diet-induced variations in lipid accumulation, defatted kinetics mainly depended on the content and solubility of extractable material, while differences in packed bed microstructure had a minor effect. Protein-rich meals were obtained (25–35%), although most diets reduced protein content, except OP50. QH15 and OP30 worsened essential amino acids in meals, whereas OP50 improved them. Chitin content increased, especially for OP-based meals. Digestibility slightly improved with OP30, OP70, QH15, and QH50. These results show the potential of olive oil and quinoa by-products to be up-cycled by H. illucens into high-value insect meals, without compromising the processing by supercritical CO₂ defatting, supporting sustainable insect-based food and feed production. Full article