This summary was prepared by Hamed Kioumarsi, EBM at Springer Nature, in collaboration with Bahareh Rafiei (Plant Protection Research Department, Gilan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Rasht, Iran) and Makario Sarsozo (Krieger School of Arts & Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, USA).

Citation (APA 7th edition reference):

Kioumarsi, H., Rafiei, B., & Sarsozo, M. (2026). Rethinking animal nutrition in a warming world: The contribution of insects to sustainable food systems and the UN SDGs. Research Communities by Springer Nature. https://go.nature.com/4aXw1Dd

Abstract

The global system of food production is experiencing great difficulties because of changes in climate, population growth, and increasing demand for food that comes from animals. Traditional sources of food for animals such as soybean meal and fishmeal take up many resources, including deforestation, emission of greenhouse gases, and competition for space and water resources. Therefore, finding an alternative source for animal feeding has become very important globally. Of all the promising solutions, insect-derived feed materials have gained a lot of traction due to their nutritional quality, efficient conversion of feeds, low environmental impact, and suitability for the circular economy. This paper will focus on the use of insect animal feed in ensuring sustainable food production and how it contributes to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Insects are sources of proteins, essential amino acids, fatty acids, and other useful bioactive components, which are essential for the health and productivity of livestock and fish. Moreover, insects can be used to convert organic waste streams into biomass. Insect-based feed, despite some issues with production costs, regulations, market acceptance, and large-scale commercialization, is a promising and innovative approach that can help make the process of animal production more sustainable and resilient. The implementation of such innovations may not only help reduce the environmental impact of livestock production but also contribute to achieving several UN SDGs, including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Keywords: insect-based feed, animal nutrition, climate change, sustainable agriculture, UN SDGs

Introduction

The world livestock and aquaculture industries play an important part in ensuring human nutrition by offering vital nutrients such as proteins and micronutrients. Yet, as more demand arises for animal products, there have been growing issues related to increased demands for agricultural inputs and environmental problems. To achieve a holistic understanding, one must account for the significant influences of animal life cycles, dietary habits, and anthropogenic climate change. The feed production process is one of the major sources of the ecological footprint from the animal agriculture industry, especially through using traditional sources of protein such as soybean meal and fishmeal. Soybean expansion has been linked to land conversion, whereas fishmeal usage has been blamed for contributing to ocean resource exploitation.

Climate change has worsened the situation even more by creating threats to the feed, crops, and animals' productivity. Droughts and heat waves have threatened the stability of the conventional feed supply chain; therefore, new ways to achieve sustainability are needed. However, insects have recently been receiving much attention as potential sources of alternative feed due to their biological efficiency and environmental benefits. Contrary to conventional livestock farming, insect production requires relatively smaller pieces of land and water, fast reproduction cycles, and the ability to convert low-grade organic matter into high-value biomass products.

Nutritional Potential of Insect-Based Feeds

A number of insects, including black soldier fly larvae, mealworms, crickets, and grasshoppers, have shown considerable promise as ingredients for animal feed. Insect meals are high in protein content. Also, the meals provide amino acids that are important for animal growth, such as lysine, methionine, and threonine.

Besides proteins, insects contain such nutrients as lipids, minerals, vitamins, and bioactive compounds. Insects' fats can be useful because of their fatty acid content, while chitin and antimicrobial peptides contained in insects may improve the gut and immune function of animals. These qualities enable insects to be used in diets of poultry, pigs, and fish instead of conventional protein sources without compromising growth performance.

Environmental Benefits of Insect-Based Animal Nutrition

Among the significant benefits of insect farming is the capability of reducing the environmental impact related to feed manufacturing. Insects are known to need smaller amounts of space and water than traditional farm animals and can be farmed using vertical farming technologies. This makes it possible to produce animal protein more efficiently due to a better feed conversion ratio.

Another benefit that insects provide to the concept of sustainability is the ability of converting waste products and by-products of agriculture and other human activities into valuable protein sources. In this way, organic waste materials are transformed into usable nutrients.

Additionally, using environmentally intensive sources of animal protein like soybean meal and fishmeal in lieu of insect-based options could aid in lowering greenhouse gas emissions and preserving terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

The incorporation of insects in animal diets relates to the achievement of several UN Sustainable Development Goals. Firstly, insect-based animal feeds help to achieve SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) because it allows creating more sustainable and resilient food production systems, and effective transformation of organic materials into animal feeds might increase the amount of protein and improve global food security.

In addition, insect-based products can help to reach SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) due to the fact that insects are capable of transforming agricultural residues into valuable feeds. The contribution of insects towards minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing climate resilience falls within the scope of SDG 13 (Climate Action). Furthermore, insect products replacing fish meals can contribute towards the realization of SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by alleviating stress on marine life that serves as sources of fishmeal. In addition, preservation of terrestrial ecosystems through minimized land conversion will be beneficial towards achieving SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Challenges and Future Perspectives

However, despite the high potential that these feed sources have, some hurdles need to be cleared for insect-based feeds to be used extensively. The high costs of production, lack of infrastructure, regulation, and consumer worries about using insects in food products are some of the issues that need to be tackled.

More research is also required to ascertain the impact of feeding animals with insect-based products. Studies should also be undertaken regarding the long-term benefits of insect production systems to the environment.

Conclusion

Insect-based animal diets offer a potentially revolutionary way to create sustainable food systems that are resilient to climate change. The nutritional benefits, resource efficiency, and alignment with circular economy principles make insects viable substitutes for traditional feeds. The potential positive impact on the environment and sustainability can enable such diets to fulfill some of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Despite certain difficulties with scaling, legislation, and acceptance, further developments in insect farming could revolutionize animal nutrition.

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