Upcyling with Crickets

In the world of agriculture, the presence of the fungus Fusarium verticillioides and its toxin, fumonisin, is a familiar issue, especially in corn. While this toxin is closely monitored in animal feed, it can still pose health risks to livestock and humans if levels are too high. Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) are now delving into an unexpected solution involving insects, specifically crickets, to address this problem.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in using insect meal in animal feed due to its high protein content and ability to consume waste byproducts. Their study, published in the Journal of Economic Entomology, revealed that crickets showed no negative effects from consuming fumonisin-contaminated grains, hinting at a potential solution to utilize contaminated grain without waste.

The research is significant not only for its implications in waste management but also for its potential to revolutionize the livestock feed industry. By demonstrating that crickets can safely consume contaminated grain, the study opens doors to more sustainable practices, reducing waste and introducing eco-friendly protein sources into animal feed. This research offers hope for a future where agricultural byproducts can be upcycled into valuable resources, contributing to a more efficient and environmentally friendly food production system.

Read More, How Crickets Can “Upcycle” Bad Grain Into Useful Animal Feed by Grant Bolton, Ph.D.