scholarly journals A Systematic Review on Viruses in Mass-Reared Edible Insect Species

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 2280
Author(s):  
Michela Bertola ◽  
Franco Mutinelli
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Insect Species ◽  
Western World ◽  
Virus Species ◽  
Edible Insects ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Edible Insect

Edible insects are expected to become an important nutrient source for animals and humans in the Western world in the near future. Only a few studies on viruses in edible insects with potential for industrial rearing have been published and concern only some edible insect species. Viral pathogens that can infect insects could be non-pathogenic, or pathogenic to the insects themselves, or to humans and animals. The objective of this systematic review is to provide an overview of the viruses detected in edible insects currently considered for use in food and/or feed in the European Union or appropriate for mass rearing, and to collect information on clinical symptoms in insects and on the vector role of insects themselves. Many different virus species have been detected in edible insect species showing promise for mass production systems. These viruses could be a risk for mass insect rearing systems causing acute high mortality, a drastic decline in growth in juvenile stages and in the reproductive performance of adults. Furthermore, some viruses could pose a risk to human and animal health where insects are used for food and feed.

What's eating North America's edible insect industry? An examination of psychological, cultural and regulatory barriers

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Christl Li ◽  
Sean B. Cash ◽  
Julie Lesnik ◽  
Timothy S. Griffin ◽  
Joel Mason ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Edible Insects ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Edible Insect ◽  
The Us ◽  
Structural Barrier ◽  
Regulatory Barriers ◽  
Specific Regulation

Abstract Although research has demonstrated the positive nutritional value and environmental benefits associated with edible insect consumption, several factors challenge the growth and development of the edible insect industry for human consumption in the US and Canada. Cultural and psychological factors account for much of the aversion US and Canadian consumers display. The absence of specific regulation also constitutes a structural barrier to more widespread production and sale of edible insects. Compared to the US, the European Union has a more developed edible insect industry and has enacted legislation that removes some of the barriers. As consumer awareness of the putative health benefits of edible insects increases, more comprehensive regulations may emerge to keep pace with the growth of this industry. Overall, a multi-disciplinary approach that addresses both benefits and barriers to consumption is needed to facilitate a robust market for edible insects in the US and Canada.

scholarly journals Insects: a novel animal-feed protein source for the Australian market

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (11) ◽  
pp. 2037
Author(s):  
K. DiGiacomo ◽  
H. Akit ◽  
B. J. Leury
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Animal Feed ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Food Additives ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Mass Rearing ◽  
Scale Insect ◽  
Insect Species ◽  
Feed Conversion

The increasing demands on natural resources to provide food and feed has led to increased global initiatives to improve production sustainability and efficiency. The use of insects as an alternate source of protein for human food and production-animal feed is one such avenue gaining attention. With there being a large variety of insect species endemic to each region, there is likely to be an ideal candidate for each specific production system and region. Insects require less land and water than do terrestrial animals, have high feed-conversion efficiency (FCE) and emit low levels of greenhouse gases (GHG). Insect species currently investigated for mass production include black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), mealworms and crickets. In western societies, it is less likely that wide-scale adoption of insects as a food source will occur, although speciality products with ‘hidden’ insects, such as cricket flour, are commercially available. It is likely to be more achievable for insects to be included into the diets of production and companion animals. While there has been significant investment in research and development of large-scale insect-production systems, such facilities are yet to start producing at a significant scale. The safety and efficacy of insects as a food or feed must be established in conjunction with the development of mass rearing facilities and the optimisation of insect-rearing substrates. Insects also have nutraceutical properties that may have beneficial impacts on animal health and growth, with scope for these properties to be exploited as feed or food additives. The present review will explore the following question: ‘are insects a future livestock industry for Australia?’.

Mini Livestock Ranching

2017 ◽  
pp. 188-212
Author(s):  
Dimple Singh-Ackbarali ◽  
Rohanie Maharaj
Keyword(s):  
Value Added ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Insect Species ◽  
Edible Insects ◽  
Protein Food ◽  
Small Areas ◽  
Edible Insect ◽  
Food And Feed ◽  
Insects As Food ◽  
Nutritional Profiles

The rising demand and cost of animal protein, food and feed insecurity, environmental and climatic challenges of livestock agriculture have made the option of insects as food sources a viable topic. This chapter presents existing information and research on edible insects, insect farms and value-added insect products and assesses insects as a potential source of food and feed. Mini livestock ranching where edible insect species are reared, can reduce some of the negative environmental effects of livestock agriculture as it will produce significantly less greenhouse gas emissions compared with traditional livestock and have similar nutritional profiles. Edible insect species also; have a much lower feed to meat ratio, require small areas of land and have an almost negligible water requirement. There is an untapped potential to increase access to this nutritious, climate-smart food via intensified semi-cultivation and raising insects in farming environments, developing value added products and also a potential for a significant source of income.

Insects as a food source for indigenous communities in Colombia: a review and research perspectives

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
H.J. Gasca-Álvarez ◽  
E.M. Costa-Neto
Keyword(s):  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Seasonal Abundance ◽  
Insect Species ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Edible Insects ◽  
Edible Insect ◽  
Research Perspectives ◽  
Edible Species

Insects have been used worldwide as a source of food, and edible species are eaten both as immature (eggs, larvae, pupae, and nymphs) and in some cases as adults. In this regard, several scholars and researchers seek to promote an alternative entomological trend and highlight the potential of insects as a high-quality nutritional option. The consumption of various edible species contributes to the nutritional health of indigenous, rural peoples, as well as those individuals who live in urban areas and use this kind of food resource, in accordance with insects’ seasonal abundance. Colombia, due to its sociocultural origin, stands out as one of the Latin American countries that have the habit of consuming insects by presenting both biological and ethnic diversity. However, the use and diversity of edible insects in the country have been little studied. This review summarises the current status related to the knowledge of insects as food resources, with emphasis on ethnic groups established in the country. In Colombia, 69 edible insect species are currently reported, distributed in 49 genera, 27 families and 10 orders, and ingested by approximately 13 ethnic groups belonging principally to the Amazon and Caribbean regions. Guidelines and protocols are provided to establish research priorities in the study and use of edible insects in Colombia. In this way, the proposal of a general framework for the study and conservation of edible insect species, integrating a bioecological, socio-economic and institutional approach, will provide new perspectives for food security in this era of world food scarcity, and can play an interdisciplinary role (forestry, traditional medicine, agriculture, livestock) in mitigating the current global food crisis.

scholarly journals Insects as sources of iron and zinc in human nutrition

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 248-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin N. Mwangi ◽  
Dennis G. A. B. Oonincx ◽  
Tim Stouten ◽  
Margot Veenenbos ◽  
Alida Melse-Boonstra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Storage Proteins ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Insect Species ◽  
Edible Insects ◽  
Preparation Methods ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Edible Insect ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Iron And Zinc ◽  
Dietary Components

AbstractDietary deficiencies in Fe and Zn are globally widespread, causing serious health problems such as anaemia, poor pregnancy outcomes, increased risk of morbidity and mortality, stunted growth and impaired physical and cognitive development. Edible insects, of which a diversity of over 2000 species is available, are dietary components for about 2 billion individuals and are a valuable source of animal protein. In the present paper, we review the available information on Fe and Zn in edible insects and their potential as a source of these micronutrients for the rapidly growing human population. The levels of Fe and Zn present in eleven edible insect species that are mass-reared and six species that are collected from nature are similar to or higher than in other animal-based food sources. High protein levels in edible insect species are associated with high Fe and Zn levels. Fe and Zn levels are significantly positively correlated. Biochemically, Fe and Zn in insects occur predominantly in non-haem forms, bound to the proteins ferritin, transferrin and other transport and storage proteins. Knowledge gaps exist for bioavailability in the human alimentary tract, the effect of anti-nutritional factors in other dietary components such as grains on Fe and Zn absorption and the effect of food preparation methods. We conclude that edible insects present unique opportunities for improving the micronutrient status of both resource-poor and Western populations.

Inventory of edible insects and their harvesting methods in the Cameroon centre region

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 145-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Meutchieye ◽  
K.E.C Tsafo ◽  
S. Niassy
Keyword(s):  
Light Trapping ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Insect Species ◽  
Edible Insects ◽  
Important Species ◽  
Nutritional Values ◽  
Edible Insect ◽  
Centre Region ◽  
Marketing Chains ◽  
Insect Collection

This paper assesses the diversity and the exploitation of edible insects in the Cameroon centre region. To achieve this, 136 regular insects’ harvesters were randomly surveyed in all regional administrative divisions. Eighteen species, mainly caterpillars, are harvested as food. Harvesting and consumption of edible insects are happening throughout the year. The harvesters use 4 methods to collect the insects: (1) semi-domestication; (2) hand picking; (3) light trapping; and (4) net trapping. The harvesting predominantly is a household subsistence activity, although some edible insects are sold. Women and teenagers are the categories involved in edible insect collection. The study is preliminary and further identification of the insect species is needed. However, it constitutes a start for further research work which should focus on nutritional values, marketing chains analysis and pre domestication of identified important species.

scholarly journals Absence of Trichinella spiralis in swine carcasses slaughtered in the midwestern Region of Paraná State, Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 1073
Author(s):  
Amanda Keller Siqueira ◽  
Vanessa Gomes da Silva ◽  
Isabelle Dangui Ferro ◽  
Ricardo Antonio Freitas ◽  
Alexandre Giesel
Keyword(s):  
Animal Species ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Trichinella Spiralis ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Animal Products ◽  
Severe Infections ◽  
Pig Carcasses ◽  
By Products ◽  
Undercooked Meat

Trichinella spiralis causes severe infections in humans, resulting in various clinical symptoms and even death, in several countries worldwide. Human trichinellosis has been reported in 55 countries, and mainly affects certain ethnic groups and tourists. It is caused by the ingestion of raw, undercooked meat or pork, or their by-products containing parasitic larvae. Infections in swine especially occur due to the parasitic contamination of food containing animal products, predation by rodents and other animals infected with T. spiralis, and due to the frequent habit of cannibalism in intensive production systems. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of T. spiralis in pig carcasses from a slaughterhouse located in the midwestern region of Paraná State, Brazil. Pools of 100 g of diaphragm, containing at least 1 g of tissue from each test animal, were collected, ground, and subjected to acid digestion with pepsin (1:10,000) and 25% hydrochloric acid. Sampling was performed in accordance to the methodology recommended by the European Union. All the 735,902 samples collected between 2010 and 2013, and in 2018, were negative for Trichinella spp. larvae. The pigs came from 483 farms from 90 municipalities from the three states of southern Brazil (Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul). The absence of the parasite in different animal species, reported by surveys conducted in Brazil, could confirm the country as free from trichinellosis. Although T. spiralis is not endemic to Brazil, it is necessary to subject the meat of adult pigs slaughtered here and exported to other countries to inspections and parasitological examinations. It is therefore necessary to continually inspect pig carcasses for T. spiralis in slaughterhouses worldwide.

Mini Livestock Ranching

2018 ◽  
pp. 278-302
Author(s):  
Dimple Singh-Ackbarali ◽  
Rohanie Maharaj
Keyword(s):  
Value Added ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Insect Species ◽  
Edible Insects ◽  
Protein Food ◽  
Small Areas ◽  
Edible Insect ◽  
Food And Feed ◽  
Insects As Food ◽  
Nutritional Profiles

The rising demand and cost of animal protein, food and feed insecurity, environmental and climatic challenges of livestock agriculture have made the option of insects as food sources a viable topic. This chapter presents existing information and research on edible insects, insect farms and value-added insect products and assesses insects as a potential source of food and feed. Mini livestock ranching where edible insect species are reared, can reduce some of the negative environmental effects of livestock agriculture as it will produce significantly less greenhouse gas emissions compared with traditional livestock and have similar nutritional profiles. Edible insect species also; have a much lower feed to meat ratio, require small areas of land and have an almost negligible water requirement. There is an untapped potential to increase access to this nutritious, climate-smart food via intensified semi-cultivation and raising insects in farming environments, developing value added products and also a potential for a significant source of income.

Food Safety in Free-Range and Organic Livestock Systems: Risk Management and Responsibility

2009 ◽  
Vol 72 (12) ◽  
pp. 2629-2637 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. KIJLSTRA ◽  
B. G. MEERBURG ◽  
A. P. BOS
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Animal Production ◽  
Western World ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Free Range ◽  
Safety Risks ◽  
Animal Production Systems

Animal production systems that offer outdoor access to the animals have become increasingly popular in the Western world due to the growing general discontent of consumers with conventional bioindustrial farming practices. These open production systems offer improved animal welfare but may create new problems for animal health, resulting in increased food safety risks from bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections or environmental contaminants. Examples of these new problems include increased Toxoplasma gondii infections in pigs and high dioxin levels in eggs from free-range hens. In this review, the relation between positive and negative points of free-range and organic livestock production systems is discussed with reference to production in The Netherlands. We investigated how proponents of more animal welfare friendly systems deal with potential negative issues in public and whether any risk communication is used. Generally, we found that the existence of a dilemma is disputed or avoided in communication with the consumer. This avoidance could be detrimental for public trust in alternative animal production systems, should problems occur. To prevent future problems, it will be necessary to communicate about the relevant types and sources of the food safety risks to the consumers. The responsibility for protecting food safety should be properly divided among the various parties involved: producers, processors, governments, nongovernmental organizations, and consumers.

scholarly journals The Nutritional Profiles of Five Important Edible Insect Species From West Africa—An Analytical and Literature Synthesis

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob P. Anankware ◽  
Benjamin J. Roberts ◽  
Xavier Cheseto ◽  
Isaac Osuga ◽  
Vincent Savolainen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Fatty Acid Content ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Insect Species ◽  
Edible Insects ◽  
Edible Insect ◽  
Interspecific Differences

Background: Undernutrition is a prevalent, serious, and growing concern, particularly in developing countries. Entomophagy—the human consumption of edible insects, is a historical and culturally established practice in many regions. Increasing consumption of nutritious insect meal is a possible combative strategy and can promote sustainable food security. However, the nutritional literature frequently lacks consensus, with interspecific differences in the nutrient content of edible insects generally being poorly resolved.Aims and methods: Here we present full proximate and fatty acid profiles for five edible insect species of socio-economic importance in West Africa: Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly), Musca domestica (house fly), Rhynchophorus phoenicis (African palm weevil), Cirina butyrospermi (shea tree caterpillar), and Macrotermes bellicosus (African termite). These original profiles, which can be used in future research, are combined with literature-derived proximate, fatty acid, and amino acid profiles to analyse interspecific differences in nutrient content.Results: Interspecific differences in ash (minerals), crude protein, and crude fat contents were substantial. Highest ash content was found in H. illucens and M. domestica (~10 and 7.5% of dry matter, respectively), highest crude protein was found in C. butyrospermi and M. domestica (~60% of dry matter), whilst highest crude fat was found in R. phoenicis (~55% of dry matter). The fatty acid profile of H. illucens was differentiated from the other four species, forming its own cluster in a principal component analysis characterized by high saturated fatty acid content. Cirina butyrospermi had by far the highest poly-unsaturated fatty acid content at around 35% of its total fatty acids, with α-linolenic acid particularly represented. Amino acid analyses revealed that all five species sufficiently met human essential amino acid requirements, although C. butyrospermi was slightly limited in leucine and methionine content.Discussion: The nutritional profiles of these five edible insect species compare favorably to beef and can meet human requirements, promoting entomophagy's utility in combatting undernutrition. In particular, C. butyrospermi may provide a source of essential poly-unsaturated fatty acids, bringing many health benefits. This, along with its high protein content, indicates that this species is worthy of more attention in the nutritional literature, which has thus-far been lacking.

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