Upcycling of manure with insects: current and future prospects

2022

Entomological Research

An overview is given on recent developments in insects as food and food by reviewing the literature which has appeared during the last few years on edible insects. An outlook to the future is provided. About a decade ago, the attention shifted from harvesting insects in the tropics to farming insects all over the world for food and feed applications. Most production is targeted towards pet food, but it will turn to aquafeed in the next two decades. More than 80% of all publications dealing with edible insects appeared during the last five years. Crickets and mealworms are used for human food while the black soldier fly is the main species used as animal feed. The criteria to choose insect species are automation, cheap substrates, disease avoidance, and market potential. Genetics are increasingly explored to improve production. The environmental impact of producing insects compares well to other alternative proteins, in particular their capacity to degrade organic waste streams. Edible insects are not only a good source of nutrients but also seem to provide health benefits not only for humans and animals, but also for plants (left over substrate). The challenge of convincing Western consumers is reviewed and whether sustainability is an issue. Processing techniques are being developed. The sector of insects as food and feed is developing fast thanks to an increasingly conducive legislative framework. It will progress further, provided that the insect industry, academia, governmental organizations, and public society closely cooperate.

Section: Food Safety and Legislationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Food Safety and Legislationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Edible insects: Challenges and prospects

2022

Entomological Research

“…This special issue covers the rearing of insects on manure, the role of microbes, the impact of substrate on the nutritional quality of the insect and finally how the use of leftovers (insect faeces and left-over substrate) can be used as promotor or protector of plants. Cammack et al (2021) examine the potential for animal waste (i.e. faeces) to be used as substrate for a number of insects that can serve as feed, e.g.…”

Section: Organic Side Streams As Feedmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…When not disposed of, wasted or applied in excess of crop nutrient needs, can manure be considered a co-product and used sustainably? One of the possibilities is biodegradation/ biotransformation of manure by insects, and Cammack et al (2021) explains it as follows:…”

Section: Organic Side Streams To Rear Insectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advancing edible insects as food and feed in a circular economy

Rumpold

Fels‐Klerx

et al. 2021

JIFF

Self Cite

An overview is given of the special issue on edible insects covering a number of aspects along the value change. The articles presented cover topics about producing insects both as food for humans and feed for animals, ranging from environmental impact, facility design, (left-over) substrates, the role of microbes, genetics, diseases, nutrition, to insect welfare. Possible health benefits of insects for humans and animals are discussed as well as the potential dangers in terms of allergies and chemical/biological contaminants. Regulatory frameworks are examined and assessed for remaining obstacles. The technologies dealing with the processing and extraction of proteins, lipids, and chitin were also reviewed. Consumers’ perception of insect-derived food products is discussed as well. A unique aspect of this special issue within the ‘Journal of Insects as Food and Feed’ is a first attempt to discuss the economics of the industry. The special issue concludes with a discussion of policy and challenges facing the sector.

“…Manure is a major waste stream of particular concern in many of the countries which advocate a circular economy. What are the prospects of upcycling the manure using insects (Cammack et al, 2021)? A core issue with insect rearing and a major concern is colony health (Maciel-Vergara et al, 2021).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Introducing the special issue: ‘Advancement of insects as food and feed in a circular economy’

Rumpold

Fels‐Klerx

et al. 2021

JIFF

Self Cite

In 2017, a book was published entitled 'Insects as food and feed: from production to consumption' (Van Huis and Tomberlin, 2017). However, the sector of insects as food and feed is developing so quickly that an update seems appropriate. There has been an exponential increase in publications dealing with the topic. For example, using the words 'edible insect' as key words in 'Web of Science' scored 421 hits during the last two years (2019 & 2020), an amount which equals the number recorded for the previous 20 years (1999)(2000)(2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)(2010)(2011)(2012)(2013)(2014)(2015)(2016)(2017)(2018). We did consider publishing a new edition of the book, but concluded that the disadvantages outweighed the short-term results. We identified the following limitations: (1) it must be bought which limits its distribution; (2) the review process is less transparent and rigorous; and (3) the turnaround time for a book is much longer than for research articles. Thus, we felt that given the rate at which the industry is growing and diversifying, a second edition would possibly not be as up to date. In addition to the benefit of publishing up-to-date information quickly, we also concluded that the peer-review system would enhance its quality. Furthermore, publishing open access provides immediate engagement by parties globally in learning more about the industry or by enhancing their current facility. Fortunately, the authors and sponsors of such work were able to cover the open access costs.