A new report by Nuffield Farming Scholar, Dr Aidan Leek entitled "The future for Insect Bio-conversion Products in Poultry Feed", says there is little doubt at this stage that insects could potentially feature in poultry feed - they are part of the natural diet. However, legislation and cost competitiveness with other proteins are major hurdles for insect protein in poultry feed in the future.
According to Dr Leek: "The biggest area of uncertainty is the substrate or feedstock to the insects due to the potential of insects to vector and bio- accumulate undesirable contaminants."
The role of insects in the food chain is not new. It is estimated that over 2bn people consume insects as part of their regular diet.
The European Food Standards Agency (EFSA) published its opinion on the risk profile of insects in food and feed in October last year.
The overall conclusion of the EFSA Scientific Document is that "further research for better assessment of microbial and chemical risks from insects as food and feed including studies on the occurrence of hazards when using particular substrates like food waste and manure is recommended." The more general conclusion of the EFSA report is that insects fed food or feed grade materials should pose no increase of risk through their entry into the food chain.
Dr Leek's report concludes that the big potential for insect protein is in the growing aqua feed market.
Market round-up
United Auctions sold 232 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 236.5p per kg and an average of 210.3p (-6p on the week), while 475 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 268p and levelled at 209.1p (-8.7p). One-hundred-and-twenty-seven store, B&W bullocks sold to 172.7p and averaged 140.8p (-5.8p).
In the rough ring 133 beef cows sold to 182.2p and averaged 125.4p (+6.2p), while 10 dairy cows peaked at 114p and levelled at 94.1p (+12.8p).
C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 8 prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 217.5p and an average of 205.7p, while a prime bullock fetched 213.5p.
There were 43 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows sold to 183.5p and averaged 116.3p, while dairy cows peaked at 119p and levelled at 87.8p.
The firm also sold 1157 prime lambs to a top of £92.50 per head and 200p per kg to average 186.2p (-3.8p).
The 446 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £88.50 for Texels and average £70.17 (+£4.21), while light ewes peaked at £73 for Cheviots and levelled at £46.50 (+£6.26).
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