Feed for insects influences the nutritional value of insects for laying hens

The feed for insects not only influences the nutrient composition of insects, but also affects the proportion of nutrients contained in the insects that are utilised by laying hens. This was discovered in a collaboration of a research team from Thailand and us. The focus of this research was the contribution of insects to the amino acid and energy supply of laying hens, as insects consist primarily of protein and fat. Of particular interest were insects fed with by-products of food processing, as this allows valuable nutrients that are not used for human nutrition to be utilised for food production. The results reveal a trade-off: The nutrient composition of the insects was more beneficial for laying hens when the insects were fed high-quality feed. Nutrient utilisation by the laying hens was also higher. This results in lower environmental emissions from laying hens. However, feeding insects with high-quality feed also intensifies the competition for food or feed.

The results of the study are freely accessible here