Suitability of insects for animal feeding.

Abstract

Abstract This chapter explores the nutritional composition of insects and the potential benefits and drawbacks for their inclusion into pet, poultry, pig, ruminant and aquatic animal feeds. Six species are most commonly described for use in animal feed, namely black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens) larvae and prepupae, yellow mealworm (YM; Tenebrio molitor) larvae, superworm (SW; Zophobas morio) larvae, lesser mealworm (LM; Alphitobius diaperinus) larvae, house fly (HF; Musca domestica) larvae and house crickets (HC; Acheta domesticus). The nutritional composition, variability observed due to manipulation of feed source, age, developmental stage and suitability for inclusion into animal feed are compared.