Insect-based livestock feed is gaining attention as a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to conventional feed sources and a potential solution to combat antimicrobial resistance in animal farming.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

• AMR is defined as the resistance of microorganisms—including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—to antimicrobial agents such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics, which were once effective in treating infections caused by these microbes. 
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified AMR as one of the top ten global public health threats.

AMR and Livestock Farming

• The livestock industry is one of the largest consumers of antibiotics globally. 
  • For Example: Over 50% of global antibiotic production is used in livestock farming.
• Antibiotics are used not only for disease treatment but also for growth promotion.
• Usage is expected to reach 200,000 tonnes by 2030 (a 53% increase from 2013).
• Excessive, often unregulated antibiotic use is common in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.
• Banned drugs like TCN (oxytetracycline, chloramphenicol, neomycin) are still used.
• Linked to serious health issues: kidney disease, aplastic anaemia, and cancer.

Insect-Based Feed: A Sustainable Alternative for AMR 

• Insect-based feed utilizes insects as a sustainable and nutritious alternative to conventional animal feed.
• Species used in Insect Feed: black soldier flies, house flies (Musca domestica), compost worm (Perionyx excavatus), grasshoppers (Locusts)
• Insects are rich in protein, essential fats, fibre, and micronutrients (zinc, iron, calcium).

Benefits of Insects Feed

• High-quality, digestible proteins and fats
• Emits fewer greenhouse gases than conventional livestock
• Requires less land, water, and feed input
• Can be reared on organic waste—sustainable and circular
  • For example, Crickets need 12× less feed than cattle for same protein 
• Lower production cost with higher nutritional output
  • Fishmeal or soybean meals can be replaced with smaller quantities of insects

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