Crickets use about six times less feed than cattle, therefore insect farming is receiving lots of funds for farming as a source of protein.
What Is The Diet Of Insects?
The larvae of black soldier flies are able to turn food waste and manure into protein for feed, while studies show that insect meal is as effective as fish meal or soy. FAO believes that the quantity of feed for insect farming produced should increase by 70% by 2050.
Is It Also Sustainable?
It depends on the substrate. If grains already used for livestock production are used to feed insects, it means that they are in competition with crops. As the number of crickets is around 200-300 billion, many questions arise concerning the welfare of this insect and practices of farming.
What Does the Future Hold?
It is more likely that insects are going to be a booster for the traditional source of protein instead of being the substitute.Their best role is upcycling waste into feed, easing pressure on fish stocks and crops while diets shift toward plant-based options.
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