Livestock

Research indicates that feeds containing components based on Hermetia illucens larvae do not negatively affect the taste or texture of meat and eggs. In the case of fish fed with insect-based feeds, the fatty acid profile actually improves, increasing their nutritional value.

Components from Hermetia illucens contain more fat than soy, but their composition is more functional—especially in terms of supporting animal immunity. In addition, Hermetia illucens offers a better calcium-to-phosphorus ratio than other protein sources. Ultimately, every feed for farm animals should be balanced to fully meet the nutritional requirements of animals at different stages of development. The introduction of Umami Boost enables a range of health benefits while maintaining nutritional value.

Farmers are still approaching them with caution, but interest is growing, especially in light of available test results.

Studies on poultry, piglets, and fish have shown that feed components from Hermetia illucens improve growth and health indicators in animals. In addition, lauric acid has a prebiotic effect, which can reduce the risk of infection or the frequency of diarrhoea.Umami Boost, offered to feed producers and farmers making their own feed, is a product tested under farm conditions with impressive results in terms of animal growth, health, and rearing outcomes.

Theoretically yes, but economically it’s not a justified solution. Protein and fats from Hermetia illucens offer high nutritional and functional value, but fully replacing traditional sources (e.g. soy or fishmeal) is not cost-effective. In the EU, insect products cannot be used for ruminants, but their inclusion in pig and fish feeds or livestock diets brings clear health benefits. Our functional feed component – Umami Boost – dedicated to piglet nutrition, delivers proven benefits – not only supporting animal health, but also improving production outcomes, facilitating feed formulation, and potentially reducing recipe costs.

Yes – Hermetia illucens is a master at converting organic waste into high-quality protein and fat. Its farming uses 90% less water and 50% less land than soybean production, while generating a minimal carbon footprint. Additionally, the by-product of Hermetia farming – insect frass (droppings, shed skins, and feed residues) – is a high-quality, full-value fertiliser. Our production is truly zero waste.

Yes, producers of feeds and pet food containing insects – including Hermetia illucens – are subject to the same legal obligations as any other entity operating in the food or feed sector. They are required to ensure the safety of products placed on the market. This means complying with general hygiene and safety standards at each stage of production, in line with Regulation (EC) No 183/2005 on feed hygiene.

Hermetia illucens larvae dominate insect-based feed production. Their uniqueness lies in their rapid growth and rich chemical composition. Products derived from Hermetia are exceptionally well studied – as confirmed by numerous scientific publications across various animal species. Other insects that may be used in animal feed include: the housefly (Musca domestica), yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus), house cricket (Acheta domesticus), banded cricket (Gryllodes sigillatus), Jamaican field cricket (Gryllus assimilis), and silkworm (Bombyx mori).