Chicken feed impact on meat quality

Posted by: SUSTAvianFEED Comments: 0

Are you aware of the nutritional, welfare benefits, and environmental advantages of insect meals in poultry diets

The University of Turin, in the frame of SUSTAvianFEED project, took part in a study aimed at assessing food quality and safety to evaluate the use of insect-based feeds, which are environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional protein sources like soy or fish meal.

Insect-based feeds 

In recent years, the link between farming practices and environmental, animal, and human health has become increasingly evident. Population growth, urbanization, and the growth of the middle class have increased the global demand for food, and in particular for sources of animal protein. By 2030, more than 9 billion people will need to be fed, along with the billions of animals raised annually.

Including insects in nutrition and feed production can give numerous benefits. Farmed insects are highly nutritious, rich in proteins, fats, and minerals, and can be raised using food waste as a feeding resource. Additionally, they can be processed into various forms for incorporation into animal feed. 

High-tech sensors to understand the impact on meat quality 

The study focused on the analysis of volatile components in cooked and raw chicken samples fed with different types of feed: traditional, alternative diet, a diet with the addition of live larvae, and a diet with the addition of dried larvae. The research, using an integrated approach, not only highlights the nutritional potential of insect meals but also demonstrates how innovative sensor technology can provide insights into food quality and flavor development. 

Exploring alternative feeds for livestock intended for human consumption is essential. The integration of innovative feeds, such as those based on larvae, could represent a viable strategy to enhance the quality and sustainability of poultry production systems, contributing to a more efficient and environmentally friendly poultry industry.

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