The animal feed and pet food industries rely heavily on fats and oils to provide proper nutrition and aid functionality. However, access to raw materials is becoming increasingly challenging. Insect oil is a viable alternative. By starting trials, feed manufacturers can reap immediate benefits, such as a lower footprint, while paving the way for more health advantages.
Chief Commercial Officer
Protix
SCARCITY OF RAW MATERIALS
Animal feed and pet food manufacturers face a number of challenges. Scarcity of raw materials, triggered by the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and high demand for specific oils and fats in the pet industry, means spiralling costs.
The new regulation on deforestation-free products introduced in December 2024 affects many livestock manufacturers selling within or exporting from the EU as it requires them to show that their forest-based products such as soy and palm kernel oil are legal, not sourced from deforested land, and do not contribute to degradation, including changes that harm biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Pet food manufacturers have to deal with fierce competition for specific oils and fats due to increasing demand from other sectors. Moreover, the pet food industry is witnessing a marked increase in ‘humanisation’. In practise, that means pet owners expect the same high quality for their pets as they demand for themselves, leading to increased demand for environmentally-friendly ingredients.
Ensuring the year-round availability of sufficient supplies at a viable price is a prime concern both in the livestock and pet sectors.
NOVEL OILS CREATING A BUZZ
As well as matching the functionality of conventional sources such as soy, coconut, palm kernel oil, and poultry fats, there are other important considerations when seeking novel sources of fat. Palatability and digestibility are of crucial importance. Health or performance benefits, consistent quality, and ease of ingredients handling are also high on the agenda. And the environmental footprint of ingredients is becoming increasingly important.
To meet all these requirements, manufacturers are looking beyond traditional sources and opening their minds to other interesting concepts. And one source of ingredients causing a real buzz in the animal feed and pet food industries is insects. Specifically, fat derived from the larvae of the black soldier fly, or Hermetia illucens to give it its Latin name.
THREE UNIQUE BENEFITS OF INSECT OIL
Insect ingredients, particularly black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) ingredients, have been gaining increasing traction, and the benefits are irrefutable.
Firstly, insects are rich in nutrients and natural sources of nutrition for many animals. Images of dogs and cats snapping the air for passing critters may be amusing, but these canny canines and frolicking felines are simply following their innate instincts. We see it in poultry and pigs too, that seem at their happiest when doing what comes naturally by foraging for insects.
Secondly, black soldier fly ingredients can be produced with a very low environmental footprint. This is because the black soldier fly is farmed vertically which minimises land and water use. Moreover, its production has lower CO2 emissions than traditional ingredient production. The environmental benefits of insect ingredients are well documented.
Finally, and perhaps the most compelling reason to opt for black soldier fly ingredients, is that this miniscule creature comes with a mighty appetite. The larvae quickly devour by-products from the food and agricultural industry. This means they are capable of solving our waste problem at the same time.
INTRODUCING LipidX: A TURNKEY SOLUTION
Protix identified the black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) as a superior source of fat many years ago. By combining nature with high-tech, the company is able to create a nutritious insect oil that is naturally good for animals and good for the planet.
LipidX is a purified, high-quality fat from Protix, with a fatty acid profile similar to coconut oil. It is rich in medium-chain fatty acids, which make it the perfect source of easily digestible energy for animals.
In particular, LipidX typically contains 39% lauric acid. Lauric acid is valued for its antimicrobial properties in the digestive tract, which contribute to a healthier immune system and support overall animal health maintenance.
Though similar in general fatty acid profile to coconut oil, LipidX has a different triglyceride profile, notably containing nearly twice as much trilaurin as coconut oil.
THE IMMEDIATE ADVANTAGE: A LOW FOOTPRINT
Protix is able to produce LipidX with a very low environmental footprint. To underpin its green credentials, independent assessment by the highly regarded DIL German Institute of Food Technology shows that LipidX insect fat uses 99% less land than poultry fat. Compared to coconut oil, it uses 86% less water and produces 88% fewer CO2 emissions. High-quality insect oil from Protix means manufacturers can comply with legislation and satisfy market preferences with ease.
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A palatable and digestible option |
COMPARABLE OR IMPROVED PERFORMANCE
Compatibility studies show that replacing traditional ingredients with LipidX yield comparable or improved results in terms of performance. For example, in a study conducted by Wageningen Livestock Research in collaboration with poultry processor Esbro and feed producer ForFarmers, 2,5% LipidX delivered higher daily body weight gain compared to a control diet with an equivalent amount of lauric acid from PKAFD (palm kernel fatty acid distillate). A large-scale follow-up study investigated 1% soybean oil in broiler feed replaced by LipidX. The results show similar growth performance, litter quality, welfare, slaughter yields and slaughter quality under practical field conditions. Thus, compared with the control diet, the inclusion of LipidX can be used to address the pressing challenge of raw materials supply without impacting on broiler health and welfare.
FUNCTIONAL BENEFITS
In addition, research shows that LipidX potentially offers health and performance benefits. Emerging studies show that LipidX can offer particular benefits in various growth phases of poultry, pig, and cow. Furthermore, a general positive effect that is repeated by many studies with different animal types is improvement of the gut health status, an important factor in rearing efficient and resilient livestock. Moreover, the level of medium-chain fatty acids in LipidX can represent a promising option to support the brain energy and cognition of senior animals, for example in dogs.
Broilers
A study conducted by a Dutch feed company showed that Protix’s LipidX is a great alternative to the soybean and palm oil kernel commonly used. A diet with 100% insect oil resulted in an improved feed conversion ratio (FCR), better growth and reduced mortality compared with a control diet based on plant and vegetable oils (Figure 1).
Piglets
In a study with piglets conducted by a large Dutch animal feed company, Protix’s insect oil was shown to boost immunity and improve feed intake during the critical weaning period. The high lauric acid content allows piglets’ delicate intestinal villi and digestive system to develop naturally, producing a stronger immune system, reduced antibiotic reliance and lower mortality rates.
Cow feeds
LipidX as an ingredient in Calf Milk Replacer (CMR) reduced the risk of diarrhoea in the first three weeks of life. This might be attributed to the positive effects of lauric acid and the form in which it is present in LipidX, or to improvements in fat digestibility.
LipidX demonstrated its ability to improve intestinal health during this critical period of life while maintaining growth performance. Feed efficiency, wither height growth, and other parameters of growth performance were maintained at levels comparable to those achieved with a high-performing commercial control CMR.
STUDIES NEEDED TO UNLOCK ADDITIONAL HEALTH BENEFITS
Protix is committed to further unlocking the health and performance benefits of insect-based ingredients for animal feed and pet food to shape a natural and low-impact future. The company continues to amass a body of scientific evidence, in close collaboration with manufacturers, research institutions and other stakeholders. Protix invites animal feed and pet food manufacturers and their customers to reach out and start trials. Manufacturers and their customers can benefit immediately from a lower environmental footprint while the trials continue to reveal additional health advantages for animals.
TRIALLING WITH LipidX
Protix understands the importance of reliable and consistent outcomes for manufacturers in the animal feed and pet food industries. That’s why LipidX meets the highest standards of Good Manufacturing Practice Plus (GMP+), SecureFeed, and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and fully complies with European feed legislation.
However, Protix’s commitment to quality goes beyond meeting these regulatory requirements. LipidX sets itself apart by superior product quality and as a functionally excellent insect oil. This is the result of careful choices in its production process.
First of all, Protix has deliberately chosen to integrate farming and ingredient production within a single facility, giving the company complete control over the entire production chain. This allows Protix to maintain rigorous quality standards at every stage, resulting in consistently high-quality ingredients that manufacturers can rely on year-round.
Furthermore, Protix stands out with its cutting-edge wet processing technology, which extracts fat from larvae in just 60 minutes. Unlike conventional dry processing, Protix’s method separates fats and proteins before drying. This crucial difference can elevate LipidX to unique heights of quality and functional value. Due to lower processing temperatures and shorter heating times, Protix can offer a higher quality fat. Its wet method maintains the beneficial properties of insect fat, ensuring optimal performance in various applications.
EVERYTHING TO GAIN
As concerns about raw materials intensify, coupled with concerns for the future of our planet, the search for more sustainable oils and fats becomes ever more urgent. Insects are a turnkey solution garnering great interest. They guarantee a lower environmental footprint, while matching the performance of conventional diets. As the body of evidence in favour of the black soldier fly grows, potential health benefits are also becoming more evident. For forward-thinking manufacturers, it’s a no-brainer: switching to insect ingredients and starting trials now can only bring benefits.
About Piotr Postepski
Piotr Postepski has been the Chief Commercial Officer at Protix since August 2024, bringing nearly two decades of international experience in the pharmaceutical sector. Trained as a veterinarian with a master’s degree from the Agricultural University of Lublin, Poland, he further enhanced his business management and leadership skills at the Warsaw School of Economics and London Business School. Before joining Protix, Postepski served as Global Commercial and Corporate Development Director and played a key role in scaling a global, publicly listed, innovative animal health business. At Protix, Piotr Postepski is responsible for driving international expansion and leading the sales, marketing, business development, and product development teams.
