What if the future of goat feed came with six legs and a crunchy shell? In this episode of Hoofnotes, we're diving into the fascinating world of insect-based feed and what it could mean for your herd. From protein-packed black soldier fly larvae to methane-reducing cricket meal, researchers are buzzing about the nutritional potential of bugs for ruminants like goats.
We’ll break down what the science says, how these tiny powerhouses stack up against soybean meal, and why insect feed might be more planet-friendly than you think. Plus, we’ll unpack the legislative red tape, cost barriers, and good ol' “ick factor” that are keeping insects out of most feed bags. . . for now.
Whether you're a curious goat owner, a feed nerd, or just wondering if goat milk from bug-fed goats tastes different, this episode is for you.
Visit Companion Blog for this Episode: https://goathousefarm.com/insect-based-feed-for-goats/
Articles for this episode:
Renna, M., Rastello, L., Veldkamp, T., Toral, P. G., Gonzalez-Ronquillo, M., Jimenez, L. E. R., & Gasco, L. (2023, August 14). Are insects a solution for feeding ruminants? Legislation, scientific evidence, and future challenges. Animal Frontiers, 13(4), 102–111. https://doi.org/10.1093/af/vfad026.
INRA CIRAD AFZ. (n.d.). Black soldier fly larvae, fat > 20%, dried | Tables of composition and nutritional values of feed materials.
Gao, M., El-Sherbiny, M., Szumacher-Strabel, M., Cieślak, A., Yanza, Y. R. Y., Irawan, A., Xie, B., Cao, Z.-j., Fusaro, I., Jalal, H., Abd El Tawab, A. M., & Liu, Y.-b. (2024, November 20). Cutting-edge exploration of insect utilization in ruminant nutrition—feature and future: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1484870.
Lu, S., Taethaisong, N., Meethip, W., Surakhunthod, J., Sinpru, B., Sroichak, T., Archa, P., Thongpea, S., Paengkoum, S., Purba, R. A. P. P., & Paengkoum, P. (2022, September 13). Nutritional Composition of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens L.) and Its Potential Uses as Alternative Protein Sources in Animal Diets: A Review. Insects, 13(9), 831. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13090831
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