Feeding animals faces great challenges, specifically in adapting to new market conditions, that force economically, more competitive models and in the search for other raw materials. It is in this context that a webinar on the optimized use of insects as an alternative raw material (aquaculture and pet food) will be held on December 9, organized by APEZ (Portuguese Association of Zootechnical Engineering) with the participation of Tiago Aires, technical director of Aquasoja.

“There is no doubt that the optimized use of insects in animal feed will be a reality in the near future. Its importance will depend on how several questions are answered: production scalability, homogeneity/quality/safety of production protocols and nutritional properties versus final cost, among others,” said Aires.

Although the Soja de Portugal group is not planning on, for now, the incorporation of this raw material in animal feed, Aires stressed that there is interest in knowing more about this ingredient that has several benefits. “The great advantage is the possibility of reprocessing organic matter, transforming it again into an edible product. This great opportunity is also a great challenge. Not everything can be used. Europe, unlike the rest of the world, has placed great restrictions on the type of material that can be used as a substrate for the growth of insect larvae. Therefore, these industries will not be very well regarded by the community, so it will be important to emphasize the benefits they can bring to the economy. Sustainability, especially environmental, due to the substitution of other ingredients, will be the greatest asset,” Ares explained.

For more information and registration, visit www.apez.pt.