What do pig farming and insect farming have in common?

You see the common threads in the swine and insect larvae industry, don't you? And they are...

At least that's what Marieke Ploegmakers, editor of Pig's sister publication, Pig Progress All About Feed, says, and she posted some interesting thoughts on the subject.

“Insect protein is a promising new animal feed ingredient due to its high protein content and HEALTH benefits to livestock.

In recent years, the insect industry has received significant investment, allowing large player companies to expand their production capacity.

While there are several hurdles to overcome, analyst firm Rabobank said in a recent report that demand for insect protein in animal feed could reach half a million metric tons by 2030. Demand will be driven primarily by the pet food and aquaculture markets, partly by the poultry industry. 

The role of insects in pig production is still questionable. Protein from insects is expensive and unable to compete with soy, the main feed ingredient. In addition, legislation on the use of insect protein in pig production is a serious obstacle.

However, there are some parallels between the pig industry and the insect industry, according to the Rabobank report.

Adding value to products is critical to the future profitability of the insect sector, and this is exactly what pig farming has been doing for a long time. You can find processed pork products in many non-meat products such as shampoo, sweets, and bread.

Valuable ingredients are extracted from the carcass to produce products such as gelatin, cysteine ​​and stearic acid, and they sell for a much higher price per kg than pork.

Insects also have this value-adding potential: they can be used whole or processed into protein, oil or puree at different prices. Each type of insect has its own added value.

Studies show that insect protein has a beneficial effect on intestinal health and has antioxidant effects, allowing the development of premium products with specific health benefits.

Last but not least, insects can contribute to a circular feeding and feeding system if they are reared on food waste. And ahead is the popularization of insect-eating (already people are interested in the so-called "chitin diets" - ed.) in Europe.

Returning to pigs, they would definitely like to see insects in their trough, as this is part of their natural diet. Last weekend, when I visited the local farm shop, I saw some pigs nearby. Enjoying the spring rays of the sun, they buried their muzzles in the ground in search of insects. And I want to think that in the future, insects will take their place in pig production. The pigs would definitely love that."