Beyond the protein concept: health aspects of using edible insects on animals

There is an increasing interest in the use of insects in animal feed since they contain high proteins levels, lipids, vitamins and minerals. In particular, insect-derived proteins are seen as one of the potential solution to face the increasing protein shortage and are able to fully substitute soybean meal or fishmeal in aquaculture or livestock feeds. However, beside their interesting nutritional composition, insects are also rich in bioactive compounds such as chitin, antimicrobial peptides or specific fatty acids with immunostimulating, antimicrobial and/or anti-inflammatory properties able to sustain animal health, increase their resistance to diseases. Further studies will also have to investigate whether insects share similarities with bacterial or parasitical pathogens and may act as immunostimulants. These recent findings may launch insects beyond the protein concept into healthy animal feeds. This review presents the effects of insects and their bioactive compounds on fish and crustaceans, poultry, pigs and rabbits immune system, gut health, microbiota and resistance to diseases.

Automated summary

Insects are gaining attention as potential substitutes in animal feed due to high protein levels and beneficial bioactive compounds, which have been shown to enhance animal health and disease resistance. Further research is needed to explore the potential immunostimulating properties of insects and their similarities to pathogens.