Science 105
Why insects are not allowed in animal feed?
“Insects are the future. We need to identify alternative protein sources with urgency, and insects have great potential in contributing to global food security. Insect-based feed products could have a similar market to fishmeal and soy, which are presently the major components used in feed formulae for aquaculture and livestock. Also, it takes much less […]
Entomophagy: an evolving terminology in need of review
There is growing interest in insects as human food in academia, food and agricultural industries, public Institutions and the public at large. Yet many of the words and concepts used to describe these organisms and the human practices surrounding them are still rudimentary, compared to the diversity of the organisms themselves and the existing complexity […]
Interview with Dr. F. Gai, National Research Council
We interviewed Dr. Francesco Gai, researcher at the Institute of Sciences of Food Production (ISPA) at the Italian National Research Council (CNR) As for edible insects and entomophagy, can you tell us exactly on which studies and trials are based ISPA activities? Starting from 2012, in cooperation with many other colleagues coming from different […]
Crickets are not a free lunch
It has been suggested that the ecological impact of crickets as a source of dietary protein is less than conventional forms of livestock due to their comparatively efficient feed conversion and ability to consume organic side-streams. This study measured the biomass output and feed conversion ratios of house crickets (Acheta domesticus) reared on diets that […]
InBioProFeed Project: insects bioconversion of organic waste
We interviewed Prof. Gianluca Tettamanti, associate Professor in the department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences at the University of Insubria, and project manager InBioProFeed for bioconversion of vegetable waste by insects. Can you explain what’s the project InBioProFeed exactly? The project examines the feasibility of raising the black soldier fly (Hermetia Illucens) on vegetable waste […]
Edible insects: greenhouse gases production
Greenhouse gas (GHG) production, as a cause of climate change, is considered as one of the biggest problems society is currently facing. The livestock sector is one of the large contributors of anthropogenic GHG emissions. Also, large amounts of ammonia (NH3), leading to soil nitrification and acidification, are produced by livestock. Therefore other sources of […]
Entomon: insects extracts for medical use
We have interviewed Dr. Elisabetta Francescato, founder and owner of Entomon, a company that deals with issues related to insects and their impact on human health. What are applications which Entomon operates in? We operate in producing and marketing entomological extracts as basis for medical treatment, cosmetics and other purposes. Our therapy products for allergies […]
