Insect Meal: A Future Prospect of Source of Protein and Trace Minerals in Practical Feeding of Pigs
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Authors
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Jujhar Sidhu
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Harneet Kour
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Jaspal Singh Hundal
GADVASU
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Sandeep Uniyal
Keywords:
Insect meal, Micronutrients, Protein source, Sustainability, Swine nutritionAbstract
Increasing consumption of animal-derived foods is driving higher utilization of protein sources, especially soybean meal and fish meal, thereby straining feed availability. As a renewable resource, insects provide a rich supply of digestible protein, essential amino acids, and important minerals, making them a promising substitute for conventional feeds.Their production can be integrated into circular bio-economy systems through the use of organic waste streams, reducing both feed costs and environmental impact. Among the various insect species assessed, the silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori), housefly larvae (Musca domestica), yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), and black army fly larvae (Hermetiaillucens) have demonstrated the most potential for inclusion in swine diets. Studies indicate that insect meals can support growth performance, nutrient utilization, immune response, and gut health, while also partially replacing conventional protein sources without compromising productivity. However, large-scale adoption is challenged by regulatory gaps, variation in nutrient profiles, consumer perception, and cost of mass production. Addressing these constraints through standardized processing, safety guidelines, and value-added innovations will determine the role of insects as a viable protein resource in practical pig feeding systems.
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