Influence of insect and microalgae feeds on meat quality

Date:
July 1, 2020
Source:
University of Go"ttingen
Summary:
Worldwide there is growing demand for animal products for human
nutrition, despite the popularity of plant-based diets. This
means more feed is needed for animals. Future feedstuffs will
need to be produced without exacerbating deforestation. Insects
and microalgae are up-and- coming sectors to meet protein demands
for humans and animals. Therefore, researchers nvestigated whether
these alternative protein sources alter meat quality.



FULL STORY ========================================================================== Worldwide there is a growing demand for animal products for human
nutrition, despite vegan and vegetarian diets becoming more popular in
Western countries.

Changing diets necessitate a substantial amount of protein as an input
for animal production. Future protein feedstuffs will need to become independent of arable land in order to avoid further land use changes,
such as deforestation.

The cultivation of insects as well as microalgae are up-and-coming
sectors in Germany, as well as globally, to meet protein demands for
humans and animals alike. Therefore, a research team at the University
of Go"ttingen investigated whether these alternative protein sources
alter typical meat quality. Their results have been published in the
Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture (JSFA).


==========================================================================
In a study conducted as a part of the project "Sustainability Transitions
in the Food Production," broiler chickens were fattened using feed with
the main protein sources being soybean meal, spirulina, or insects. Animal growth, meat quality (especially concerning shelf life), and eating
quality were investigated. Their results of laboratory testing and
sensory (taste-testing) analyses across 132 birds show that black
soldier fly larvae meal and spirulina can be included in poultry feed
without negatively impacting quality. Chickens fed with black soldier fly larvae meal produce meat equivalent to the status quo. Chickens fed with spirulina produce meat with a more intensive colour and flavour. "Overall,
both prove to be potential soybean meal alternatives in the search for
new protein sources for animal feed," as explained by the study lead
researcher Dr Brianne Altmann.

Microalgae are currently produced globally for biofuel, animal feed,
and human consumption; however, they remain much more expensive than
soybean meal.

Currently in the European Union (EU), insects are only authorized for
human consumption and for fish feed; they are likely to be approved
for poultry feed in the near future. In the EU, all insects must be
produced using certified animal feedstuffs. However, "sustainability necessitates the incorporation of waste products in the production of
insects," explains Professor Daniel Mo"rlein, professor for the Quality
of Animal Products.

Three groups at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of
Go"ttingen, are currently examining the foundations for more sustainable
and socially- accepted plant and animal-based foods. Product perception
as well as consumer acceptance studies are commonly conducted in the
faculty's modern sensory laboratory.


========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Go"ttingen. Note:
Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Brianne A Altmann, Ruth Wigger, Marco Ciulu, Daniel Mo"rlein. The
effect
of insect or microalga alternative protein feeds on broiler meat
quality.

Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 2020; DOI: 10.1002/
jsfa.10473 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/07/200701134246.htm

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