Insects in ruminant nutrition as an urgent measure in the light of the scarcity of raw feedstock

Abstract

• World population lead to an increase in demand for feed, in serious competition with that consumed by ruminants, increasing raw material prices with detriment of farm profitability, which may collapse. This negative outlook is reinforced in Europe, where the year 2022 has been particularly tragic due to the Rusia-Ukraine war, extreme drought, the fires that have occurred and even the current floods. As a result, rural areas are becoming depopulated intensifying the crisis in the livestock sector. Another issue facing livestock has been environmental pressure, given their prominent role as generators of greenhouse gases, including nitrogen (N) transfer to the atmosphere related to the functioning of the agri-food system. • In the face of so many adversities, which affect not only livestock but an important economic sector and a way of life that has existed for centuries in Europe, it is proposed to include insect meal, which is legalised for human consumption and other animal farms but banned for ruminants ( e.g. , fish, pets, poultry, pigs, pets) • According to in vivo and in vitro studies carried out in other countries, with good results on the conflicting questions (production and environmental contamination), it is proposed that the European Committees in charge of this issue consent to facilitate the incorporation of insect meal in the ration of ruminants. • Only based on this new approach will it be possible to carry out studies that address the benefits of these nutrients and their effects on animal health, the final product (meat/milk) and production, helping to reduce the costs of a very damaged sector and contribute to what is known as the circular or eco-friendly economy.

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