Indian scientists and ICAR institutions are improving animal feed made from insects combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

Feed made from nutritious insect types like black soldier flies, crickets, mealworms, and grasshoppers, utilized as an eco-friendly protein source for livestock and aquaculture.

Created by: Led by ICAR along with private collaborators such as Ultra Nutri India, Loopworm, and Bhairav Renderers, in partnership with organizations like CIBA and CMFRI.

Fundamental concept of operation:

Waste-to-protein bioconversion: Insects such as black soldier fly larvae effectively ingest and process organic waste (agricultural byproducts, food scraps, brewery leftovers), generating high-protein biomass appropriate for animal feed.

Swift biomass growth: Larvae develop quickly (in 12–15 days), reaching up to 75% crude protein and vital lipids, resulting in an efficient and economical conversion process.

Improved regulation of gut microbiota: Proteins from insects improve animal gut health by boosting beneficial microbiota and decreasing reliance on antibiotic growth promoters—thereby aiding in the reduction of AMR.

Nutrient recycling in a closed loop: Remaining frass (insect excrement) serves as organic fertilizer, establishing a circular, low-waste production framework that promotes sustainable farming.

Main Characteristics:

Elevated nutritional content: Abundant in proteins (up to 75%), fats, micronutrients (zinc, iron, calcium), and dietary fiber.

Effective resource utilization: Insects need reduced land, water, and feed relative to conventional livestock agriculture.

Minimal ecological impact: Greenhouse gas emissions are considerably reduced in insect farming.