Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewedConventional

Insect meal as a feed ingredient for poultry

Usman Elahi; Changchun Xu; Jing Wang; Jing Lin; Shugeng Wu; Haijun Zhang; Guanghai Qi

Animal Bioscience · 2022

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Summary

This paper examines the potential of insect meal as a protein-rich feed ingredient for poultry, addressing the sustainability implications of conventional feed sources. The authors appear to have conducted experimental trials to establish the nutritional value, digestibility, and performance outcomes when insect meal partially or fully substitutes soya and fishmeal in poultry rations. The work contributes to emerging research on alternative protein sources that could reduce environmental and economic pressures on conventional feed supply chains.

Regional applicability

UK poultry producers face rising feed costs and sustainability pressures; insect meal adoption could reduce reliance on imported soya and fishmeal. However, UK feed regulations and consumer acceptance of insect-derived products may limit near-term applicability, though the regulatory environment is evolving.

Key measures

Likely measures include growth performance metrics, feed conversion ratio, nutrient digestibility coefficients, and possibly meat or egg quality parameters

Outcomes reported

The study likely evaluated the nutritional composition, digestibility, and performance outcomes (growth, feed efficiency, health markers) when insect meal replaces conventional protein sources in poultry diets. It probably assessed feasibility and potential benefits or limitations of this alternative feed ingredient.

Theme
Nutrition & health
Subject
Poultry & egg production
Study type
Research
Study design
Field trial
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
China
System type
Poultry
DOI
10.5713/ab.21.0435
Catalogue ID
NRmo9rin9c-0e4

Topic tags

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