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In recent years, La Mouche Soldat Noire (Hermetia illucens) has established itself as an innovative protein source for the animal feed sector, in particular thanks to its remarkable nutritional composition. In its larval stage, the Black Soldier Fly is rich in proteins and amino acids essential for animal nutrition. It is also rich in lipids and essential fatty acids, promoting growth and good development. At the same time, recent studies have highlighted the presence of antimicrobial peptides in its composition, thus demonstrating its potential in reducing pathogens. Beyond its nutritional advantages, its potential is based on its speed of breeding and its low environmental impact. With a short life cycle, it can be raised from a variety of co-products from agriculture. The production of the black soldier fly is thus part of a circular economy model allowing the bioconversion of organic matter. Compared to traditional animal proteins such as chicken or fish, as well as vegetable proteins such as soybeans, its production results in fewer CO2 emissions, and requires less water and land. This characteristic makes it an attractive option for more sustainable and environmentally friendly animal nutrition.
Protein demand is on the rise, and is expected to increase by +30% by 2032 (source FAO). But we know that protein production around the world has a huge impact on our environment. The figures speak for themselves: in France, agriculture alone accounts for almost 20% of greenhouse gas emissions. (source Citepa). To reduce the environmental impact of agriculture, other animal protein alternatives are essential. The insect is one of them!
For poultry, swine and farmed fish, the black soldier fly has nutritional benefits as an alternative to proteins currently used. It can be used in their diet in the form of larvae, flour or oil. In aquaculture in particular, the demand for food should increase in the coming years to cope with the growth in consumption. Today, it is mainly foods from marine sources that are used, but feeding fish to fish is not a sustainable solution in the long term. Insect meal can be incorporated into the diet of farmed species and supplement the fish meal currently used, thus helping to reduce overfishing and the pressure on wild fish stocks.
In the world of petfood too, the black soldier fly has made a place for itself. The expectations of pet owners are changing: they are looking for ingredients adapted to the health of their four-legged pets, and more sustainable recipes. This reflects an essential ecological awareness. In the form of dried larva for domestic poultry, or integrated into kibble and treats for our cats and dogs, the black soldier fly is already integrated into the diet of pets.
In recent years, there has been a significant advance in legislation and a significant development of production chains in Europe, allowing the gradual integration of the animal feed market. But the industry still needs to improve its production and technologies on a large scale in order to generalize the use of insects in animal feed. Communication work also remains to be carried out in order to positively promote insect production, and to further open up the field of applications. At La Compagnie des Insectes, we are working in this direction in order to make insects an essential part of animal nutrition.
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