Insektenmehl als alternative Komponente: Erste Erfahrungen und Möglichkeiten.

Insect protein is considered a future alternative to plant-based protein sources. It has been shown that the use of insect protein in pig fattening brings comparable performance. In poultry, insect protein is clearly superior in all important parameters. However, further research is needed, especially regarding the nutrient requirements of the black soldier fly. The use of insect meal in animal feed requires appropriate approval and the same conditions apply as for poultry protein. It is also prohibited to feed insects with food waste containing animal protein. Further studies have shown that insect protein has a comparable quality to soy protein concentrate, with slight advantages in the amino acid valine. Insect fat also has advantages over plant fats, especially due to its fatty acid profile. Comparable performance to traditional protein sources could be achieved in pig fattening, but the costs are currently still too high compared to soybean meal. In poultry, the value of insect protein is very positive. Insect meal and insect fat are high-quality protein and energy sources that can achieve specific effects in different animal species. Regarding animal nutrition, it should be noted that insect meal is a sustainable and hypoallergenic feed. However, it is noted that the production of insect meal and insect fat is currently not economically competitive. However, if food waste and by-products are also used in the feeding of beneficial insects in the future, this could change. In poultry farming, there is a special affinity for insect protein, which also applies to aquaculture. [Extracted from the article]