Improving sustainability of poultry production by feeding insects: state of the art and perspectives

The market for poultry products (egg and meat) is growing worldwide owing also to the absence of cultural or religious obstacles. Dietary protein sources represent the primary production costs. Alternative feed protein sources, locally available and sustainable are required. The use of insects as an alternative source of protein in animal feeding is becoming globally more appealing, especially for its sustainability. The use of insects as sustainable protein-rich feed ingredient in poultry diets is technically feasible. Insects can be reared on low-grade bio-waste substrates transforming them into high-quality proteins. Furthermore, invertebrates are a raw material included in the Feed Register Material of the EU.