Flours
The black soldier fly (BSF) is one of the most widely bred insect species because of its nutritional characteristics and low environmental impact.
Protein derivatives
BSF protein derivatives - protein meals and hydrolysates - contain a high amount of low molecular weight peptides: known for their antioxidant potential, their free radical removal properties and immune response enhancing effect.
Moreover, these derivatives are an important source of essential amino acids, which are necessary to meet the nutritional needs of animals. Their high digestibility makes them ideal elements to incorporate in feeds and pet food.
Protein alternatives on the market
Chicken meal and fish meal are commonly used in animal husbandry, to make pet food and aquaculture feed. In a recent study [Mouithys-Mickalad et al., 2020], both meals were analysed and used as reference parameters for the industry.
The results show that the proteins they contain are ineffective in suppressing oxidative damage arising from an immune response.
The production of these protein sources, along with the production of soybean meal-which is equally used in the preparation of both livestock and pet food-causes highly negative ecological and social impacts.
New formulations
BSF protein derivatives may have the potential to be integrated into the formulation of feed for livestock and pet food, as ingredients that promote animal health by facilitating digestion and strengthening the immune system.
This supplementation would also meet the growing demand for protein sources in animal feeds, amplified by the dwindling sustainability and availability of fish meal on the market.
Are you interested in our insect flours?
Contact us for all the information you may need.
Discover our research studies and stories on insect flours
The virtuous circle of nutrition
Administration of live soldier fly larvae, degreased meal and soldier fly fat in the weaning, leaning and fattening stages of pigs.
Adult behavior as the next frontier for optimizing industrial production of the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)
Evaluation of the use of frass as vine fertilizer for wine production
Agriculture according to Nicola Radice Fossati
Newsletter
We have so much for you to learn about.
Sign up for our newsletter