The global insect animal feed is expected to grow from USD 1.197 billion in 2025 to USD 1.973 billion in 2030, at a CAGR of 10.52%.
Insect species are fed to animals as food, either for pets or for cattle, including aquaculture. Various insects can be utilized as feed for aquaculture due to their nutritional profile, particularly the high protein content. Research was conducted on pigs, poultry, and edible fish that are fed an insect-based diet. For swine and poultry, insects can offer the same amount of protein and necessary amino acids that could replace soybean meal in a diet. Mealworms, common house fly larvae, and black-soldier flies are a few of the most prevalent insects used in the preparation of animal feed. Common house flies and black army flies are frequently found in manure and organic garbage. Insect growth could improve the management of organic waste and manure while giving pets and cattle nutrient-rich nutrition.
Initially, the cost of producing insect-based feed items is quite minimal. The market for edible insects is expanding. As a result, businesses have increased their production capacities. The economic potential of insect-based animal feed products is being recognized by investors. For instance, researchers at Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) received more than £10,000 in December 2022 to study the use of edible insects in livestock feed. To design a plan for growing insects for animal feed, specifically the black soldier fly, the research will bring together insect farmers, feed industry operators, and policymakers. The research was supported by the SEFARI (Scottish Environment, Food, and Agriculture Research Institutes) Gateway, and experts at the SRUC have earned the Innovative Knowledge Exchange grant worth over £10,700.
The great nutritional value and low danger of zoonotic infections of mealworms are the main reasons for their increasing demand. In addition, they offer an animal protein source that is more environment friendly than the usual ones. Furthermore, after eating mealworms, animal faeces can be utilized as a good organic fertilizer. As a result, the mealworms category is anticipated to hold a sizeable portion of this market.
The market for insects used as food is dynamic and influenced by several variables. Notably, according to a survey from the International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed (IPIFF), the aquafeed industry became the primary target for Food Business Operators (FBOs) with the approval of insect Processed Animal Proteins (PAPs) in aquaculture. The insect feed offers aquatic life a feasible, protein-rich alternative. The outcome of substituting fishmeal in aquaculture species' diets has been encouraging. In addition, because of their high protein and energy content, insects are increasingly becoming recognized as a suitable source of animal feed.
The Asia Pacific market is anticipated to expand rapidly due to the rising demand for products made from insects for animal feed and livestock farming. In this region, end-user industries like pet food and feed, livestock, and aquaculture are developing, which, in turn, help the insect animal feed market. Further, a sizable portion of the market for insects used as animal feed is in Europe. The bug species with the fastest growth rate in the region's demand for edible insects used as animal feed are mealworms, black soldier flies, and orthoptera. Additionally, Europe hosts a sizable number of start-up businesses that concentrate on breeding and creating products using insects.
Insect Animal Feed Market Segmentation: