Review: The lesser mealworm as a nutrient pioneer: Pathways to sustainable insect farming

IF 4.2 2区农林科学 Q1 AGRICULTURE, DAIRY & ANIMAL SCIENCE

Animal Pub Date : 2025-08-01 DOI:10.1016/j.animal.2025.101606

G.V. Baliota , C.I. Rumbos , N. Gianotten , N. Steeghs , C.G. Athanassiou

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), has evolved from being a recognised pest to a promising sustainable nutrient source, positioning itself as a pivotal candidate in the alternative food and feed market. Regulatory frameworks, particularly within the European Union, have facilitated this shift by establishing rigorous safety and quality standards for market acceptance. This review discusses recent advancements in large-scale rearing and commercialisation of A. diaperinus, focusing on its adaptability, nutrient-rich composition, and alignment with circular economy practices. Key challenges are addressed, including the need for optimised rearing methods, consistent quality control, and safe bioconversion of various organic waste streams. Additionally, the role of bioactive compounds such as chitin and antimicrobial peptides is explored for their potential applications. This review underscores the multifaceted potential of A. diaperinus to tackle food security challenges and support sustainable waste management, highlighting its value as an innovative contributor to modern, sustainable food systems.

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综述：作为营养先驱的小粉虫：可持续昆虫养殖的途径。

较小的粉虫Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer)（鞘翅目：拟粉虫科）已经从一种公认的害虫发展成为一种有前途的可持续营养来源，将自己定位为替代食品和饲料市场的关键候选者。监管框架，特别是欧盟内部的监管框架，通过建立严格的安全和质量标准以获得市场认可，促进了这一转变。本文综述了沙蚕规模化养殖和商业化的最新进展，重点介绍了沙蚕的适应性、营养成分和与循环经济实践的一致性。解决了主要挑战，包括需要优化饲养方法、一致的质量控制和各种有机废物流的安全生物转化。此外，生物活性化合物如几丁质和抗菌肽的作用，探讨其潜在的应用前景。本综述强调了沙腹沙蝇在应对粮食安全挑战和支持可持续废物管理方面的多方面潜力，突出了其作为现代可持续粮食系统创新贡献者的价值。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Animal 农林科学-奶制品与动物科学

CiteScore

7.50

自引率

2.80%

发文量

246

审稿时长

3 months

期刊介绍： Editorial board animal attracts the best research in animal biology and animal systems from across the spectrum of the agricultural, biomedical, and environmental sciences. It is the central element in an exciting collaboration between the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS), Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) and the European Federation of Animal Science (EAAP) and represents a merging of three scientific journals: Animal Science; Animal Research; Reproduction, Nutrition, Development. animal publishes original cutting-edge research, ''hot'' topics and horizon-scanning reviews on animal-related aspects of the life sciences at the molecular, cellular, organ, whole animal and production system levels. The main subject areas include: breeding and genetics; nutrition; physiology and functional biology of systems; behaviour, health and welfare; farming systems, environmental impact and climate change; product quality, human health and well-being. Animal models and papers dealing with the integration of research between these topics and their impact on the environment and people are particularly welcome.