Research focuses on sustainability of insects as poultry feed

Scientists from Texas A&M University, Mississippi State University and Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis (UIPUI) will establish a research center for explore insect farming as a sustainable alternative for use in poultry and livestock feed.

Doughman Headshot3 Headshot
(FarmInsect)
(FarmInsect)

Scientists from Texas A&M University, Mississippi State University and Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis (UIPUI) will establish a research center for explore insect farming as a sustainable alternative for use in poultry and livestock feed.

“This center is being created to help industry. The goal is to bridge academia with industry so that we can answer the questions they have and so that if insects in the feed sector is going to truly blossom, it’s done in an effective and safe way,” explained Jeff Tomberlin of the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University.

Potential of insect farming

Insect farming could be a practical, economical and sustainable approach for the high-value protein production. Insect farming could have a lower environmental footprint than traditional agriculture, with reduced land and water use and waste and pollution emissions

Research at The Center for Environmental Sustainability through Insect Farming will focus on finding solutions for sustainable food production – both for human food production and feed for livestock, poultry and aquaculture. The most common insect consumed worldwide by humans is the beetle, although caterpillars and crickets are also popular.

In the wild, poultry will naturally eat insects, considered to be a protein-rich food source.

One of the largest challenges the Center plans to tackle is figuring out how to produce insects at the volume needed for the poultry industry.

“That’s where the Center comes in,” Tomberlin said. “How do we do it more efficiently? How do we optimize production? How do we develop the economic models and the business models to allow the industry to grow?”

Research focus to advance insect farming

The Center for Environmental Sustainability through Insect Farming is funded through a $2.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation. More than 34 U.S. and global companies, including Tyson Foods and Mars Inc., will serve as industrial partners for the Center.

Texas A&M scientists will focus on optimizing the production and development of insects as feed for humans and animals. IUPUI will target genetics, while Mississippi State University will concentrate on quality assurances related to microbiology.

Like what you just read? Sign up now for free to receive the Poultry Future Newsletter

Page 1 of 178
Next Page