Animal Feed Insect Protein Market - By Insect Type (Black soldier fly, Housefly, Crickets, Mealworms, Beetles, Caterpillars, Grasshopper & locusts, Bees, wasps & ants, Scale insects & true bugs), By Livestock (Poultry Feed, Swine, Aquaculture, Pet Food) & Forecast, 2024-2032

Animal Feed Insect Protein Market Size

Animal Feed Insect Protein Market size achieved USD 587.56 million in 2023 and will grow at 7.3% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. The use of insect proteins in animal feed has gained traction as a sustainable and high-quality alternative to traditional protein sources such as soy and fishmeal. Insects, particularly black soldier fly larvae and mealworms, are rich in protein, essential amino acids, and other nutrients crucial for animal nutrition.
 

The animal feed insect protein market is primarily driven by the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly protein sources. Insects present a high-protein, resource-efficient alternative to conventional animal feeds, directly addressing concerns over resource depletion and greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional livestock farming. Their rapid growth rates, minimal land requirements, and efficient feed conversion ratios further bolster their attractiveness. Moreover, with regulatory backing and technological strides in insect farming, production and adoption rates are surging. This positions insect protein as a compelling solution to fulfill livestock nutritional needs while lessening the ecological impact of animal agriculture.
 

For instance, as per the OECD/FAO projection, global pork demand is set to rise from 110.5 million metric tons during 2019-2021 to 128.9 million metric tons in 2031. This increase in pork demand drives the growing need for high-quality animal feed, pushing the animal feed insect protein market forward. As traditional protein sources face sustainability challenges, alternative proteins such as insect meal, are becoming crucial to meet the nutritional requirements of swine efficiently.
 

Innovation and technological strides are propelling the market forward. Researchers are crafting optimized insect farming systems, incorporating technologies for automated feeding and harvesting. Genetic selection advancements are yielding insect strains with enhanced growth rates and nutritional benefits. Processing techniques have seen improvements, such as bioengineering methods that boost protein extraction and quality, making insect protein increasingly appealing for feed uses. Furthermore, innovations in waste-to-feed technologies champion sustainable practices, turning organic waste into premium insect protein and bolstering circular economy principles in agriculture.
 

For instance, in February 2022, aquafeed insect producer InnovaFeed announced strategic partnership with ADM Petfood to pioneer large scale commercialization of insect protein in pet food in the U.S..This partnership followed the introduction of the U.S. regulation allowing the adoption of black soldier flies in foods for dogs, pioneering the commercialization of quality insect ingredients in the U.S. market. This initiative will enable the company to develop a strong footprint in the global market.
 

High production costs and limited technology and infrastructure pose significant challenges in the market. Insect farming requires specialized facilities, such as climate-controlled environments and advanced waste management systems, which are expensive to establish and maintain. Additionally, current technology for efficient large-scale insect cultivation and processing is still developing, leading to higher costs and inefficiencies compared to traditional feed sources. Limited infrastructure, such as inadequate supply chains and processing capabilities, further exacerbates these issues, hindering the widespread adoption of insect protein. These factors contribute to higher prices and slow market growth, limiting its competitiveness against conventional feed ingredients.
 

Animal Feed Insect Protein Market Trends

Current trends in the market highlight a notable uptick in adoption, largely fueled by sustainability and resource efficiency. Major feed manufacturers are now incorporating insect protein into their formulations, responding to both regulatory mandates and consumer preferences for eco-friendly solutions. Looking ahead, trends indicate a surge in research and development investments aimed at refining insect farming efficiency and scalability. Future innovations are expected to advance breeding methods, superior feed substrates, and automated production processes. As regulatory frameworks expand and consumer awareness grows, broader acceptance and application of insect protein across various animal feed markets, spanning aquaculture to livestock, seems imminent.
 

Animal Feed Insect Protein Market Analysis

By insect type, black soldier fly will capture USD 321.23 million and demonstrate a 6.1% CAGR by 2032, due to its remarkable feed conversion efficiency and swift growth rate, the black soldier fly (BSF) has become the leading player in the market. BSF larvae excel at transforming organic waste into premium-quality protein and fats, outpacing many other insect species. This efficiency positions them as a cost-effective choice for large-scale feed production. Their adaptability to various waste products not only curtails feed expenses but also champions sustainable waste management. Moreover, BSF larvae boast a well-rounded nutritional profile, abundant in protein and essential fatty acids, making them highly sought after for a range of animal feed uses, spanning from poultry to aquaculture.

By livestock, aquaculture segment will expand to USD 347.17 million and garner 5.4% CAGR by 2032. Aquaculture leads the animal feed insect protein market, driven by its demand for high-quality, sustainable feed sources. As aquaculture grows to satisfy global seafood consumption, it grapples with the challenge of minimizing its environmental impact and moving away from traditional fishmeal, known for its resource intensity and overexploitation. Insect protein emerges as a compelling alternative, offering a sustainable protein source that meets aquaculture's demand for efficient and eco-friendly feeds. Moreover, insects' unique capability to transform organic waste into valuable protein bolsters their adoption in aquaculture feeds, fueling market expansion and underscoring their pivotal role in promoting sustainable seafood production.

Asia Pacific animal feed insect protein market will record 5.9% CAGR and USD 439.65 million by 2032. The region's prominence can be attributed to a confluence of factors, including a burgeoning population, increasing demand for protein-rich animal products, and a growing awareness of sustainable agricultural practices. Countries within Asia Pacific, such as China, India, and Southeast Asian nations, are witnessing a surge in the adoption of insect proteins in animal feed formulations. China, in particular, has emerged as a major contributor to the market share, driven by its strategic focus on developing sustainable protein sources and reducing dependence on traditional feed ingredients.
 

Animal Feed Insect Protein Market Share

In the market, Insectifii, Ynsect SAS, Protix, EnviroFlight, and BETA HATCH are key players with distinct competitive strategies. Ynsect SAS stands out with its large-scale, automated insect farming technology, emphasizing efficiency and sustainability. Protix focuses on cultivating multiple insect species and leverages advanced bioconversion processes along with global partnerships to enhance its feed solutions.
 

EnviroFlight specializes in black soldier fly farming, utilizing proprietary technology to optimize insect growth and feed conversion. BETA HATCH is known for its research-driven approach, concentrating on breeding and genetic optimization to improve insect protein quality. Insectifii integrates cutting-edge production technology with a focus on sustainable feed applications. Together, these companies advance the market by addressing high production costs, enhancing feed efficiency, and meeting the growing demand for sustainable animal feed solutions.
 

Top companies operating in the Animal Feed Insect Protein industry include:

• INSECTIFii
• Ynsect SAS
• Protix
• Enviroflight
• BETA HATCH
• Nutrition Technologies
• Hexafly Biotech
• Innovafeed.
• NextProtein
• HiProMine S.A
• Entobel
   

Animal Feed Insect Protein Industry News

• In October 2023, Tyson Foods, Inc., one of the world’s largest food companies, has reached an agreement for a two-fold investment with Protix, the leading global insect ingredients company. The strategic investment will support the growth of the emerging insect ingredient industry and expand the use of insect ingredient solutions to create more efficient sustainable proteins and lipids for use in the global food system.
   
• In April 2022, Global Bugs partnered with Natural Solutions. The two companies will collaborate to develop and market insect-based protein solutions for animal feed. This includes optimizing insect production processes, formulating insect-based feed ingredients, and conducting research to demonstrate the benefits of insect protein for animal nutrition.
   

The animal feed insect protein market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates and forecasts in terms of revenue and volume (USD Million) (Tons) from 2024 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Insect type

• Black soldier fly
• Housefly
• Crickets
• Mealworms
• Beetles
• Caterpillars
• Grasshopper, Locusts
• Bees, Wasps & Ants
• Scale Insects & True Bugs
• Others

Market, By Livestock

• Poultry Feed
  • Broiler
  • Layer
  • Turkey
  • Others
• Swine
  • Starter
  • Grower
  • Sow
• Aquaculture
  • Salmon
  • Trout
  • Shrimp
  • Others
• Pet Food
  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Birds
  • Fish
• Other

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• MEA
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA