The study investigated the influence of insect protein on performance and health parameters in weaned piglets. A total of 384 piglets were randomly assigned to a treatment group (192 animals) and a control group (192 animals). The trial lasted 49 days and began on 27 April 2022. The piglets were fed a three‑phase diet produced by AGRAVIS Mischfutter West GmbH. In phase I the treatment group received a feed containing 4.5 % insect protein (Hermetia illucens), in phase II the feed contained 3 % insect protein, and in phase III no insect protein was added to either diet. The control diet was identical in all other respects, with a crude protein content of 17.5 % in all phases and a crude fat content ranging from 4.0 % to 6.0 %. The feed composition is summarized in Table 2 of the report.
Feed intake per piglet increased progressively over the trial: 6.65 kg in phase I, 6.57 kg in phase II, 12.30 kg in phase III, 11.78 kg in the control phase I, 16.56 kg in phase II, and 16.38 kg in phase III. Correspondingly, feed costs per piglet rose from €3.80 in phase I to €4.44 in phase II, €6.05 in phase III, €6.65 in the control phase I, €7.44 in phase II, and €7.36 in phase III. The higher feed costs in the treatment phases were mainly attributable to the price of the insect protein ingredient, which was €57.20 per tonne in phase I, €67.59 in phase II, and €49.20 in phase III, compared with €56.43, €44.95, and €44.95 for the control diets.
Performance data showed a tendency toward higher total feed intake (TFA) values in the insect‑protein group during phase II, whereas the control group exhibited significantly higher daily weight gain (TZ) and live weight (LG). In phase III, the insect‑protein group displayed a positive effect on feed conversion efficiency (FVW), possibly due to the limited digestibility of chitin and its prebiotic influence on the gut tract. Health parameters, including injury incidence and fecal consistency, differed only minimally between groups; objective data collection was recommended for a more precise assessment. Economically, the high cost of insect protein rendered the treatment uneconomical under current production and processing costs. The report suggests that reducing production and processing expenses could improve the feasibility of insect protein as a feed ingredient.
The project “Nachhaltige Proteinzutaten” was carried out within a consortium comprising Fraunhofer IVV, AMIDORI Food Company GmbH & Co. KG, AGRAVIS Raiffeisen AG, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Döhler GmbH, Hydrosol GmbH & Co. KG, Kalle GmbH, Lieken AG, ProLupin GmbH, Scheid AG & Co. KG, Sunbloom Proteins GmbH, Südzucker AG, VAN HEES GmbH, and Zentis GmbH & Co. KG. AGRAVIS Raiffeisen AG led the analysis of protein ingredients and coordinated the feeding trial, while the University of Osnabrück performed the experimental work. Costs incurred during the trial, including personnel, project coordination, and travel to consortium meetings, were invoiced to AGRAVIS. The trial was funded through German research programmes and European Union initiatives, with the EU Regulation (EU) No 1372/2021 permitting the use of animal protein, including insect protein, in pig and poultry feed. The findings are intended to inform advisory services for customers, support the development of tailored protein blends for feed and food applications, and contribute to the establishment of a comprehensive protein database for the industry.