Search Results (279)

The high cost of commercial feed presents a major barrier to scaling environmentally responsible cricket (Acheta domesticus) farming, particularly in low-resource settings. We investigated the use of Hermetia illucens (Black Soldier Fly Larvae, BSFL) combined with locally available ingredients to develop affordable, nutritionally balanced feed for A. domesticus. A three-phase experimental approach was used: (i) feed preference assessment from six ingredients; (ii) performance evaluation of four BSFL-to-commercial feed ratios; and (iii) formulation and testing of three practical recipes using Pearson’s square method. Feed efficiency was measured via feed conversion ratio (FCR), efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI), and yield. A recipe consisting of 20.6% BSFL, 14.6% soybean meal, 29.1% corn meal, 17.8% rice meal, and 17.8% commercial feed achieved the best performance with an FCR of 2.2, ECI of 44.4%, and juvenile larvae yield of 99.9%. This formulation also reduced feed cost by 33% compared to commercial feed. The study confirmed that integrating BSFL with regionally sourced materials using a simple feed design method can enhance food security, reduce input costs, and support the transition toward circular insect farming systems. Full article

The toxicity of glucosinolate, isothiocyanate and sinapin limits canola meal’s use as non-ruminant animal feed. While monoculture microbial biorefining has been explored, the potential and capability of insect-associated microbiomes in this context remain underexplored. Herein, we extracted the gut and frass extracts from canola feeding larvae of Heliothis moth (HP), cabbage white (WCF) and cabbage looper (CL). Canola meal was fermented for one week with these extracts, followed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-assisted metabolomics analysis. Elevated branched-SCFAs 2-hydroxy butyrate and 3-hydroxy butyrate and propionate were observed in HP and WCF ferments, respectively. Aliphatic glucosinolates and sinapins showed ≥2-fold depletion in the HP and WCF frass ferments. In gut extract and frass-fermented canola meal, particularly of the HP group, tryptophan, tyrosine, and cysteine and glutathione metabolism were the most impactful pathways, aiding biogenic amine and branched-SCFA synthesis. S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) led salvaging, playing a key role in amino acid recycling via mercapturate metabolism, oxidative stress handling via the methionine and cysteine metabolism pathway, and sinapin metabolism through syringate degradation. These findings highlight the metabolic mechanism of brassica herbivore insect gut microbiome in detoxifying and adding value to canola meal. Such microbial communities have the potential to upcycle canola meal into a nutrient-rich feed additive with gut-health-promoting properties. Full article

An alternative fish feed (ALT) replacing 50% of the fishmeal with poultry byproduct meal and insect meal and total fish oil with microalgae, poultry, and salmon byproducts oils was tested for 300 days on 900 gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) with an initial body weight of 17.1 ± 1.8 g (mean ± SD) of unselected (REF) and selected (HG) genotypes. Using in situ, histochemistry, and immunohistochemistry techniques, we assessed the immune response by characterizing IgT and IgM immunoglobulins, CD3ε⁺ T lymphocytes, and eosinophilic granular cells (EGCs) along the digestive system. IgT mRNA⁺ cells were concentrated in the second part of the digestive tract, while IgM⁺ predominated in the first and occasionally showed intraepithelial localization. CD3ε⁺ and EGCs were most prominent in the midgut. The diet affected IgT and IgM mRNA⁺ cells mainly in the initial part of the digestive tract. For CD3ε⁺, the diet only affected the initial and final parts, while the ALT diet increased EGC abundance across the middle compartments. Genetic selection had minimal effect on IgT⁺ and CD3ε⁺ cells, affecting only the first compartments. The REF group showed higher IgM⁺ cell abundance in specific regions, while EGCs differed between genotypes, favoring anterior accumulation in HG and ileocecal abundance in the REF group. Full article

The use of eco-organic ingredients as a source of protein in aquaculture diets needs important attention due to the growing demand for organic seafood products. The present study evaluated the effects of fish meal substitution by different organic ingredients on the growth, body composition, retention efficiency, enzyme activity, and nutrient digestibility of white shrimp Penaeus vannamei. The four dietary formulations tested were formulated with organic ingredients and the fish meal was replaced by the following organic protein meals: Iberian pig viscera meal (PIG), trout by-product meal (TRO), insect meal (FLY), and organic vegetable meal (WHT), in addition to a control diet (CON) that included 15% fish meal. A growth trial was carried out for 83 days, raising 1 g shrimp to commercial size (20 g). Shrimp were stocked at 167 shrimp/m³ (15 individuals per 90 L tank). The results showed that the growth obtained by shrimp fed with TRO (19.27 g) and PIG (19.35 g) were similar in weight gain to the control diet (20.76 g), while FLY (16.04 g) and WHT (16.73 g) meals resulted in a significant lower final weight. The FLY diet showed significantly lower protein digestibility (68.89%) compared to the CON, PIG, TRO, and WHT diets, and significantly higher trypsin activity (0.17 mU/g) compared to shrimp fed with the PIG, TRO, and WHT diets. Shrimp fed with WHT have a significantly lower body weight percentage of protein (19.69%) than shrimp fed with the WHT and TRO diets, and some significant differences in dietary aminoacidic levels affecting amino acid body composition. These results indicate that Iberian pig viscera and trout by-product meal can successfully replace fish meal in Pacific white shrimp aquaculture. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable pet-food solutions has driven interest in alternative protein sources, as researchers seek to avoid allergenic foods while maintaining optimal pet nutrition. This review explores recent scientific publications, patent trends, and market trends relating to various alternative protein sources, including plant-based, aquatic, insect-derived, and cell-based sources. Their nutritional composition, functional properties, and potential benefits for pet health were assessed. Plant-based proteins, such as soy, pea, and lentils, provide essential amino acids and functional properties suitable for meat analogues. Microalgae and seaweed offer rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds. Insect-based proteins such as black-soldier-fly larvae and mealworms are highly digestible and rich in essential nutrients, with additional benefits for gut health. Emerging cell-based proteins present a novel, lab-grown alternative with promising sustainability and nutritional advantages. While these protein sources offer significant benefits, challenges related to digestibility, palatability, regulatory approval, and consumer acceptance must be addressed. The emphasis of the present research is on current developments for industry uses and future potential. The analysis sheds light on the contributions of alternative protein sources to the promotion of sustainable and nutrient meals for pets. Full article

The consumption and farming of insects are gaining global attention as sustainable alternatives to conventional protein sources. Industrial processing of insects into powders or pastes complicates species identification, raising concerns about product authenticity, food safety, and potential fraud. In Western countries, particularly in Europe, the sector is expanding under a stringent regulatory framework, especially regarding rearing substrates, which hinders economic development. This study aimed to assess the species authenticity of commercial insect-based food and feed products and detect the presence of animal-derived DNA from unauthorized substrates. A total of 119 samples (pure insect meals and processed products) were collected from various origins. Species-specific real-time PCR assays targeted Tenebrio molitor, Hermetia illucens, Alphitobius diaperinus, Acheta domesticus, Bombyx mori, and Gryllodes sigillatus, alongside assays for ruminant, porcine, and poultry DNA. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) using metabarcoding confirmed and broadened species detection. Most samples contained the declared species; however, cases of mislabeling, substitution, and cross-contamination were observed. A few insect meals contained animal DNA which could suggest potential use of prohibited substrates. These findings highlight the urgent need for standardized authentication methods and improved transparency to ensure regulatory compliance, consumer trust, and sustainable development of the insect-based sector. Full article

Yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) meal is a promising sustainable protein for pet food, yet its effect on nutrient balance and granule texture is incompletely defined. Five dry dog food formulas containing 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, and 45% of T. molitor meal were extruded and analyzed for proximate composition, fatty-acid and amino-acid profiles, and compressive mechanical properties. Crude-protein concentration remained stable, whereas fat and ash increased (p < 0.01) and carbohydrates decreased as the inclusion level rose. Tenebrio molitor meal enriches granules in oleic, linoleic, and α-linolenic acids, improving the ω-6:ω-3 ratio from 8.0 to 5.4. Essential amino acid levels were conserved, although lysine and methionine fell modestly (≤11%). Mechanical testing showed a linear decline in hardness (331 → 300 N) and stiffness (46 → 41 N mm⁻¹), indicating softer, more deformable granules at higher inclusion levels. The inclusion of up to 45% T. molitor meal can be incorporated without compromising protein quality while enhancing unsaturated fat content. Minor lysine/methionine dilution can be offset by targeted supplementation. These data support wider adoption of insect protein in hypoallergenic and eco-friendly canine diets. Full article

This study evaluated the productivity, nutritional composition, amino acid profile, fatty acid profile and presence of Salmonella spp. of housefly larva meal reared on domestic animal manure. A study was conducted to produce larva on three types of manure in a controlled environment located at 3200 mASL. Adult flies used as brood stock were reared in advance to avoid contamination with pathogenic germs and were fed sugar syrup and pasteurized milk to promote oviposition. Data were analyzed by ANOVA, the Kruskal–Wallis test and descriptive statistics, using confidence intervals. The results indicate that the type of organic substrate had an effect on the time of development, weight, size and percentage mortality of larva, being higher in a mixture of swine manure and poultry manure. Regarding nutritional composition, it was determined that larva meals contain 56.5% crude protein, 13.07% fat, 12.03% carbohydrates, 10.93% ash and 6.77% crude fiber. The most abundant fatty acids are palmitic acid with 29.34%, palmitoleic acid with 21.65% and oleic acid with 26.53%. An adequate balance of amino acids was determined, highlighting among them the content of arginine and threonine within the essential amino acids. House fly larva meals contain an adequate balance of nutrients and can be used as an ingredient for animal feed formulation. However, their use in animals should be further evaluated in future studies to assess their viability, absorption, bioavailability, and potential allergic reactions. Full article

Food waste management is a major global issue, and alternative protein sources like insect farming offer a sustainable solution. This study investigated the environmental impacts of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) production using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), evaluating its role in both protein production and food waste treatment. The assessment considered three functional units: FU₁ (1 kg of dried larvae), FU₂ (per kg of protein), and FU₃ (treatment of 1 ton of food waste). The results indicate that larvae rearing is the largest contributor to emissions in FU₁ (46% of 18.51 kg CO₂ eq). In FU₂, BSFL protein shows a higher climate impact (49.41 kg CO₂ eq) than fishmeal or soybean meal but requires significantly less land. FU₃ demonstrates that BSFL-based composting can achieve net negative emissions (~−24.8 kg CO₂ eq), outperforming conventional waste treatment. An optimized scenario (Scenario A) shows marked improvements across all units compared to a Business-as-Usual case, including a 79% reduction in FU₁ emissions and a 577% increase in FU₃ carbon savings. These findings underline the environmental advantages of BSFL systems, especially in Singapore, and support their potential as sustainable alternatives for protein production and food waste management. Full article

This study explored the potential of insect proteins as an alternative to traditional meat and bone meals in nutritionally balanced dry expanded dog food. Four formulations containing black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFL), cricket flour (CF), poultry meal (PM), or fish meal (FM) at 30% inclusion were evaluated using powder rheology, extrusion trials, and analyses of kibble expansion and texture. BSFL and FM had lower specific basic flow energy (<13 mJ/kg) compared to PM and CF (>14 mJ/kg), leading to better flowability and improved extrusion stability and product consistency. High fat and chitin contents in CF and BSFL, respectively, resulted in higher bulk densities (328–382 g/L) than meat-and-bone-meal-based products (304–306 g/L). The insect-meal-based kibbles also had either a fragile (peak crushing force < 7 kg for BSFL) or very hard texture (force > 13 kg for CF). Results from a second experiment showed that including BSFL meal at lower levels (10%) alongside poultry meal mitigated the negative effects on kibble quality while improving process stability. Overall, the study suggests that defatting and partial, rather than complete, replacement of traditional proteins with insect meal could be more viable strategies for producing consistent, high-quality extruded pet food. Full article

Aquaculture advancement depends on alternative raw materials to reduce reliance on fishmeal (FM) and fish oil (FO) from extractive fisheries. Strategies like restricted feeding reduce costs and improve sustainability by minimizing feed waste and enhancing water quality, while selective breeding boosts growth and adapts fish to innovative diets. However, these measures may affect quality and shelf life. Gilthead seabream selected for high growth or non-selected were fed in 500 L tanks for 300 days until apparent satiety (AS) or with food restrictions (85AS or 65AS) using a control diet with low FM and FO balanced with vegetable ingredients, and an alternative diet (ALT) where FM was substantially replaced with insect, poultry by-product, feather, and porcine blood meals, while FO was completely replaced by microalgae, poultry, and salmon by-product oils. The ALT diet improved EPA + DHA levels, n-3/n-6 ratio, and fillet hardness. The selected fish outperformed the non-selected ones in growth and were more resilient to ALT diet and feeding restrictions. The 85AS feeding strategy optimized fillet quality by preventing lipid accumulation and muscle adaptations, as observed with the other feeding strategies. Combining sustainable feed formulations, genetic selection, and moderate feed restriction enables a viable, long-term strategy for high-quality, environmentally responsible seabream farming. Full article

The rapid expansion of the global population has intensified the demand for protein-rich food sources, positioning aquaculture as a crucial sector in the endeavor to alleviate global hunger through the provision of high-quality aquatic protein. Traditional protein sources such as fishmeal have historically served as the foundation of aquafeeds; however, their elevated costs and limited availability have catalyzed the search for sustainable alternatives. These alternatives encompass plant-based proteins, insect meals, and, more recently, single-cell proteins (SCPs), which are derived from microorganisms including bacteria, yeast, fungi, and microalgae. Nonetheless, SCP remains in its nascent stages and currently accounts for only a minor fraction of aquafeed formulations relative to other established alternatives. The production of SCP utilizes low-cost substrates, such as agricultural and dairy wastes, thereby supporting waste mitigation and principles of the circular economy. This review elucidates the nutritional value of SCPs, their potential for biofortification, and their emerging roles as functional feeds with immunomodulatory and nutrigenomic effects. Additionally, the review underscores the potential of endophytes as a novel SCP source, highlighting their underutilized capacity to foster sustainable innovations in aquafeeds. Full article

Effective stored-grain insect pest detection is crucial in grain storage management to prevent economic losses and ensure food security throughout production and supply chains. Existing detection methods suffer from issues such as high labor costs, environmental interference, high equipment costs, and inconsistent performance. To address these limitations, we proposed PDA-YOLO, an improved stored-grain insect pest detection algorithm based on YOLO11n which integrates three key modules: PoolFormer_C3k2 (PF_C3k2) for efficient local feature extraction, Attention-based Intra-Scale Feature Interaction (AIFI) for enhanced global context awareness, and Dynamic Multi-scale Aware Edge (DMAE) for precise boundary detection of small targets. Trained and tested on 6200 images covering five common stored-grain insect pests (Lesser Grain Borer, Red Flour Beetle, Indian Meal Moth, Maize Weevil, and Angoumois Grain Moth), PDA-YOLO achieved an mAP@0.5 of 96.6%, mAP@0.5:0.95 of 60.4%, and F1 score of 93.5%, with a computational cost of only 6.9 G and mean detection time of 9.9 ms per image. These results demonstrate the advantages over mainstream detection algorithms, balancing accuracy, computational efficiency, and real-time performance. PDA-YOLO provides a reference for pest detection in intelligent grain storage management. Full article

Background: Agro-industrial by-products, such as carob and brewer’s spent grain (BSG), have gained increasing attention as sustainable feed ingredients capable of enhancing the nutritional and functional value of Tenebrio molitor larvae. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of carob and BSG supplementation of growth substrates on larval performance and the functional properties of the resulting insect meals. Methods: Seven-week-old larvae were reared for 14 days on the following three diets: control (wheat bran), wheat bran + carob (Trt1), and wheat bran + BSG (Trt2). Larval weight, substrate consumption, and survival were recorded. After processing, insect meals were analyzed for chemical composition, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activity in both water- and lipid-soluble extracted fractions. Results: Both treatment groups showed significantly higher final weights than the control (Ctrl: 104.9 ± 2.69 g; Trt1: 114.8 ± 1.26 g; Trt2: 116.9 ± 1.07 g; p < 0.05). TPC was highest in the control for both fractions, and the antioxidant activity was similar between the Ctrl and Trt1 groups in the water-soluble fraction but significantly lower in the Trt2 group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of carob and BSG for sustainable insect farming, though their functional benefits may depend on the inclusion levels and their interaction with insect metabolism. Full article

The impact of short-term feeding of three distinct diets containing insect meals on the intestinal microbiota of African catfish hybrid (Clarias gariepinus × Heterobranchus longifilis) juveniles was examined. The animals received experimental diets containing 30% insect meals derived from black soldier-fly larvae (BSL) (Hermetia illucens), yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) or blue bottle-fly larvae (Calliphora vicina) for 18 days. The relative abundance of the Bacillaceae, the Planococcaceae and other bacteria significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the intestinal microbiota of the BSL group and also in the pooled group of the three catfish groups that received insect meals. Several strains of the Bacillales cultured from BSL feed had higher (p < 0.05) abundance in the intestinal microbiota of the BSL group compared to those of the control group. Among these Bacillales strains, a single fosB antibiotic resistance gene was identified. In the gut resistomes of both the BSL and the control catfish groups, the tetA(P), tetB(P) and lnu(C) antibiotic-resistance determinants were detected, while fosB was detected only in the BSL group. Overall, the study showed that a short-term shift to diets containing insect meals can induce significant (q < 0.05) changes in the gut microbiota of the African catfish without the development of reduced α-diversity and without the overgrowth of bacteria pathogenic to fish. Full article