Waste streams and insects: In search of alternative protein sources

 Researchers from Wageningen University discussed sustainable and affordable alternative ingredients for animal feed in an online session held for policymakers on January 24. Focusing on how these alternatives could be introduced with the support of policymaking.

Protein source alternatives must fit within a complex puzzle that must be considered before taking any decision. As compound feed manufacturers determine the optimal composition of their products on a daily basis. Reviewing and considering each individual ingredient with its nutritional value. Factors such as: costs, availability and nutritional value and pricing are determinant.

‘Important constraints are used in the formulation process. The feed must deliver the necessary energy and nutrients and match the animals’ nutritional requirements. At the same time, minimum and maximum constraints are sometimes set for the inclusion of particular raw materials.’ Thus, rapeseed and sunflower seed meals (by-products of oil extraction) are both an alternative to soybean meal. Rapeseed meal, however, contain substances with a divergent taste, which may negatively influence feed intake. Jansman: ‘Ultimately, the compound feed industry aims to deliver a high-quality product that contains all the required nutrients, is easily ingested and supports adequate animal performance.’

Alfons Jansman, a senior researcher at Wageningen Livestock Research

Promising alternatives

Although there already are various alternative protein sources, such as grains, legumes and residue streams, these are still found in insufficient quantities.

Insects and algae are new protein alternatives which have drawn great interest in the last few years. With a special focus on black soldier fly larvae as a promising protein source. The larvae thrive in residue streams such as manure and waste from catering businesses as well as other enterprises. The latter represents  a breakthrough in terms of being able to recycle the material found in these waste streams, which up until now has no other potential use.

Aiming to gather more information on the potentiality of BSF larvae use, Adriaan Vernooij a researcher and project manager at Wageningen Livestock Research, is studying these insects around Lake Victoria in Africa next to his team. WHere the first step within their research has been mapping the availability of local residue streams.

The team has been studying the possibilities for the fish industry to using locally available residue streams to produce fish feed. Considering the fact that as the industry expands, its demand for protein sources also increases.

 ‘We collaborate with BSF producers in Kampala and Kisumu.’ Both enterprises already use the black soldier fly. ‘We used their larvae to manufacture fish feed, which we then test to determine whether insects are a viable alternative for conventional ingredients such as soy and fishmeal.’ Initial results are positive. The fish show average or above-average growth, and, more importantly, this alternative ingredient can be sourced locally. This reduces the need to import ingredients from Kenia, Zambia or even Europe.  Says Vernooij.

Evaluating potential health hazards (risk assessment)

Despite the fact that this study is being carried out in Africa,its approach can be applied globally. However, in order for this to occur regulations regarding the use of residue streams, must be modified and made more flexible. This is especially true for the EU.

Under this context, Elise Hoek, a Wageningen Food Safety Research researcher, studies the potential risks associated with the use of residue streams for insect feeding and breeding. Considering for example that heavy metals may be present in soil as well as other potential contaminants that can be health hazards.For such reasons current legislation establishes safety levels regarding the presence of harmful substances in animal feed as well as food for human consumption.

Elise Hoek researcher Wageningen Food Safety Research states that:

Hoek measures how much of these substances are absorbed by insects bred on residue streams and under what circumstances. ‘A dangerous substance such as cadmium may accumulate in a particular insect.’ However, it is also possible for the opposite to occur.

‘In Africa, we used mouldy corn to breed black soldier fly larvae. The larvae are capable of neutralising the toxins produced by mould, the so-called mycotoxins.’ Thus, food that is no longer fit for consumption can be transformed into valuable proteins, bringing us one step closer to a circular food chain. Hoek: ‘we hope to substantiate future easing of legislation through our safety research.’

 What to expect? (future perspectives)

Additional research may also answer the question of how growing alternatives can be made profitable for farmers. Jansman: ‘one hectare of wheat currently yields a higher profit than a hectare of leguminous plants, in part due to the fact that the latter is a riskier crop. Therefore, research on how to mitigate these risks remains relevant.’

Moreover, subsidies may be deployed to improve the production process. Vernooij: ‘It is technically possible to breed insects on residue streams. More research is needed to determine on what scale this is viable.’ Jansman adds: ‘Subsidies also serve to bring new concepts to the market.’ Organic products provide an excellent example. A percentage of the public is willing to pay more if a product meets specific criteria. ‘Rather than merely considering how animals are kept, you may also consider the origin of feed and resources.’

Trying to consider all of the aforementioned factors, finding alternative protein sources and exploiting waste streams represents a significant step regarding sustainability. Nonetheless, in order for such a breakthrough to take place, policymakers must rise up to the occasion.

 ‘The environmental benefits are huge, but we must also be wary of possible risks.’ Vernooij says.

Source: Read orginial article in the following link: https://www.wur.nl/en/research-results/research-institutes/livestock-research/show-wlr/the-role-of-waste-streams-and-insects-in-the-search-for-an-alternative-to-soy.htm