Insects as animal feed: Global research overview (1990–2025)

Introduction: why insects matter in animal nutrition

Global population growth and rising demand for animal products have intensified pressure on conventional feed resources such as soybean meal and fishmeal, which are linked to deforestation, overfishing, and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) (van Huis, 2013). The growing demand for sustainable protein sources has driven significant advancements in research on insects as animal feed over the past three decades (Gadzama et al., 2019). Insects, with their high feed conversion efficiency and low environmental impact, are a viable alternative to conventional feed resources (Gadzama et al., 2025). This article attempts to review the evolution of insect-based feed research from 1990 to 2025, and its relevance to farmers, policymakers, and researchers striving to balance productivity with sustainability. Early studies focused on nutritional profiling, while recent work emphasizes scalability, regulatory frameworks, and consumer acceptance. 

Early research and initial interest (1990–2010)

Initial studies in the 1990s explored the nutritional potential of insects like black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens), housefly maggots (Musca domestica), and mealworms (Tenebrio molitor). For instance, Makkar et al. (2014) reported that these species contain 42–63% protein and up to 36% lipids, comparable to traditional protein sources. Early work also identified challenges, including variability in nutrient composition based on rearing substrates (Rumpold & Schlüter, 2013). Researchers posited that insects could mitigate reliance on soy and fishmeal, particularly in aquaculture and poultry farming (Henry et al., 2015).

Growth and expansion in insect feed research (2010–2020)

The 2010s marked a surge in interdisciplinary studies. Oonincx and de Boer (2012) demonstrated that mealworm production emits far fewer GHGs than cattle farming, using life cycle assessments (LCAs). Concurrently, studies highlighted insects’ ability to convert organic waste into high-quality feed, reducing landfill use and creating circular economies (Salomone et al., 2017). For example, black soldier fly larvae were shown to valorize agricultural byproducts, diverting waste from landfills (Čičková et al., 2015). Consumer acceptance studies emerged during this period. House (2018) found that 60–70% of European consumers approved of insect-fed poultry and fish, though skepticism persisted for livestock. Regulatory progress, such as the EU’s approval of insect meal in aquaculture (2017), further spurred industry interest (Gasco et al., 2019).

Recent developments and regulatory milestones (2020–2025)

Post-2020 research addressed scalability and policy barriers. The EU’s 2021 authorization of insect meal for poultry and pigs marked a pivotal shift, encouraging investment in large-scale production (IPIFF, 2021). However, challenges persist: Sogari et al. (2019) noted inconsistent nutritional quality due to variable rearing conditions, while Mertenat et al. (2019) emphasized energy-intensive drying processes. Recent innovations, such as automated rearing systems and genetic selection for nutrient-rich strains, aim to enhance efficiency (Morales-Ramos et al., 2020). Concurrently, advocacy for smallholder adoption in Africa and Asia has linked insect farming to poverty reduction and gender equity (Durst & Hanboonsong, 2015; Gadzama et al., 2019).

Future Directions in a Global Context

Future research must prioritize:

• Refining low-energy processing methods and diversifying substrate use (e.g., algae, food waste) (Barragan-Fonseca et al., 2017). 
• Addressing disparities in global regulations to facilitate trade (Halloran et al., 2017). Promoting insect farming in developing nations as a low-cost protein source (van Huis, 2022).
• Insects’ role in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Climate Action (SDG 13), cannot be overstated. By reducing land use by up to 80% compared to soy cultivation (van Zanten et al., 2015), insect farming offers a pathway to decouple food production from ecological degradation.

Conclusion

From niche curiosity to mainstream solution, insect-based feed research has transformed agricultural sustainability narratives. While challenges like consumer hesitancy and high costs remain, collaborative efforts among scientists, farmers, and policymakers can unlock insects’ potential as a keystone of circular food systems. Farmers, in particular, stand to benefit from reduced input costs and new markets (Figure 1), underscoring the urgency of integrating insects into global agri-food strategies.

Figure 1. The European insects-as-feed market trends. Adapted from IPIFF (2021)

References

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• Čičková, H., Newton, G. L., Lacy, R. C., & Kozánek, M. (2015). The use of fly larvae for organic waste treatment. Waste management, 35, 68-80.
• Durst, P. B., & Hanboonsong, Y. (2015). Small-scale production of edible insects for enhanced food security and rural livelihoods: experience from Thailand and Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, 1(1), 25-32.
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