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https://a.storyblok.com/f/236174/2915x3644/9c60184724/research-insect-based-petfood.webp

Forskning & produktutveckling

Vi baserar allt vi gör på data och vetenskap, med hundars och katters hälsa som främsta prioritet. Läs mer om vetenskapen bakom insektsprotein, eller de forskningsprojekt vi driver tillsammans med ansedda partners och universitet.

https://a.storyblok.com/f/236174/1080x1080/558ae5ba4e/dr-nicky-with-dog-research-1-1.webp

Vår chefsveterinär Nicky

"Den senaste forskningen visar att protein från Hermetia illucens-larver har ett högt aminosyrainnehåll och en hög smältbarhet, vilket gör det till en mycket högkvalitativ proteinkälla."

- Dr Nicky Sluczanowski, veterinär och leder produktutveckling & forskning hos Petgood

Lär känna Nicky

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Nicky är en smådjursveterinär från Adelaide, Australien, med lång klinisk erfarenhet. I Adelaide arbetar hon fortfarande deltid med att ta hand om hundar och katter (och en och annan känguru) på Adelaide Animal Emergency & Referral Centre.

Tillsammans med våra forskningspartners leder hon vetenskapliga projekt för att öka kunskapen om insektsbaserat foder för hund och katt, och är idag en av de mest framstående veterinärerna i världen inom området. Hon har medverkat i ett flertal artiklar och poddar.

https://a.storyblok.com/f/236174/3024x3024/98281fd669/karin-nicky-at-protix-insect-protein.webp

Forskning om insekter som foder för hund och katt

Innan insektsbaserade produkter lanserades på marknaden började forskning för att säkerställa näringsvärdet och säkerheten hos dessa livsmedel. Studier har haft olika fokus, där vissa har tittat på näringssammansättningen, andra på hur den som föda påverkar olika parametrar hos djuret som konsumerar den. Nedan sammanfattar vi det aktuella forskningsläget kring insektsprotein för hundar och katter.

Varför vi använder larven av svart soldatfluga

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Petgoods insektsbaserade produkter baseras på endast en animalisk proteinkälla, insektsprotein. Insektsarten som används är larven av svart soldatfluga (Hermetia illucens). Det finns flera anledningar till att just larven av svart soldatfluga valts ut som basen till vårt foder. Den är otroligt näringsrik och innehåller rikligt med protein, essentiella aminosyror och nyttiga fettsyror. Den är motståndskraftig mot sjukdomar och har en naturligt snabb tillväxt vilket gör att antibiotika, bekämpningsmedel eller tillväxthormon aldrig behöver användas i produktionen. Insektsprotein är också hållbart då det kräver betydligt mindre resurser i form av foder, mark och vatten för att producera samma mängd protein, och orsakar lägre utsläpp av växthusgaser jämfört med mer traditionella proteinkällor.

Arten är globalt utbredd och anses inte vara ett skadedjur eller potentiell sjukdomsvektor. Larven av svart soldatfluga är kontrollerad och godkänd för konsumtion av både människor och husdjur i EU sedan 2016.

Näringsvärde jämfört med hunden och kattens behov

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Studier som utvärderat näringsinnehåll hos larven av svart soldatfluga har bland annat analyserat aminosyraprofilen och jämfört det med behovet hos hund och katt. Andra studier har tittat på smältbarhet hos de individuella aminosyrorna, det vill säga hur väl djurets matsmältningssystem kan tillgodogöra sig det. Resultatet är att larven av svart soldatfluga har ett högt aminosyrainnehåll av essentiella aminosyror (McCusker et al, 2014), och en hög smältbarhet av individuella aminosyror (Bosch et al, 2016).

Säkerhet och smältbarhet hos katt och hund

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Smältbarhet är ett mått på hur stor del av ett näringsämne som kroppen kan tillgodogöra sig. Det man gör är förenklat att utfodra djuret med proteinet, och därefter mäta i avföringsprover hur mycket av näringsämnet som djuret har kunnat ta upp. God smältbarhet av protein anses ligga över 80%, och proteinet av svart soldatfluga hamnar i genomsnitt kring 85%, det vill säga en hög smältbarhet (El-Wahab et al, 2021; Penazzi, 2021; Sungho, 2021; Yi hu 2020).

Andra studier har tittat på säkerhet, det vill säga för att utvärdera om den insektsbaserade dieten ger påverkan på parametrar som avföringskvalitet, blodvärden, pälskvalitet eller andra kliniska fynd. Studiernas slutsats är att den insektsbaserade dieten är säker, där deltagande djur har bibehållit goda värden och varit friska genom studien, och inget avvikande har kunnat rapporteras (El-Wahab et al, 2021; Freel et al 2021; Kröger, 2020).

Hur vi utvecklar våra recept och produkter

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Petgoods veterinärteam utvecklar tillsammans med djurnäringsspecialister alla recept för att säkerställa att fodret uppfyller och/eller överstiger de näringsrekommendationer som utges av av FEDIAF. Stort fokus läggs för att våra recept ska vara nyttiga och näringsrika, och där det är möjligt hjälpa till att förebygga sjukdomar och ge bästa förutsättningar för hälsa hos djuret. Alla våra foder är kompletta och balanserade helfoder, vilket innebär att de tillgodoser hundens eller kattens samtliga näringsbehov.

https://a.storyblok.com/f/236174/4320x4320/a37c9b3ec3/research-partners.webp

Petgood x Forskning

Vi är stolta att bana väg för insektsbaserat djurfoder på vetenskaplig grund. Tillsammans med framstående universitet och forskningspartners driver Petgoods veterinärteam forskningen framåt kring hälsofördelarna med insektsprotein. Nedan hittar du våra aktuella forskningsprojekt.

Publicerad artikel om hälsofördelar med insektsfett

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Petgoods chefsveterinär Dr Nicky Sluczanowski är medförfattare till en vetenskaplig artikel som undersöker potentiella fördelar av fett från svart soldatfluga i djurfoder. Du kan nå artikeln i sin helhet här.

Artikeln beskriver bland annat följande:

Antimikrobiell aktivitet: Fett från larven av svart soldatfluga har dokumenterat starka antimikrobiella egenskaper mot patogena bakteriearter, inklusive Salmonella typhimurium, E. coli, Clostridium perfringens och Pseudomonas aureginosa.

Hjärnhälsa hos åldrande hundar: Den medellånga triglyceriden laurinsyra är dominerande i fettet från larven av svart soldatfluga och kan ha betydande tillämpningar som ett tillskott för åldrande hundars hjärnhälsa. Den har visat potential att kunna förbättra kliniska symtom på både demens och epilepsi, och är ett intressant område för vidare forskning.

Aktuell forskning hos Petgood

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Petgood är stolta över att leda ett aktuellt forskningsprojekt med Wageningen University's Animal Nutrition Group. Denna studie syftar till att ytterligare kartlägga näringsfördelar och stärka kunskapen kring svart soldatfluga i djurfoder. Vi ser fram emot att dela mer information om denna studie framöver!

https://a.storyblok.com/f/236174/1080x1080/bc0a65fc99/dental-health-protix-study-sv.webp

Ny studie kring potential för bättre munhälsa

En vetenskaplig artikel, publicerad 2023, visar att ett foder baserat på larven av den svarta soldatflugan (BSFL) har potential att minska dålig andedräkt och förbättra munhälsan hos hundar.

Åtta hundar utfodrades med ett foder baserat på larven av svart soldatfluga (BSFL) under en period av 50 dagar, i en cross-over-studie. Det insektsbaserade fodret jämfördes mot en kontrolldiet baserad på kyckling, med i övrigt motsvarande ingredienser och näringsvärde.

Förbättring i munnens bakterieflora

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Proteinmjöl från larven av svart soldatfluga verkar ha potential att förändra mikriobiotan i saliven. En ökning av Moraxella-bakterier kunde konstateras hos gruppen som ätit den insektsbaserade dieten, enligt en metagenomisk analys (med användning av 16S rRNA-gensekvensering). Den här gruppen bakterier anses vara en markör för munhälsa och fördelaktig för mikrobiomet i munhålan.

En 7% minskning av VSC-producerande bakterier i placket konstaterades också hos gruppen som ätit foder baserat på larven av svart soldatfluga. VSC-producerande bakterier är involverade i uppkomsten av dålig andedräkt och tandköttssjukdom.

Utvärdering av andedräkt

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Hundarna visade en trend av lägre poäng för dålig andedräkt (odour intensity scale) när de utfodrades med dieten baserad på larven av svart soldatfluga, jämfört med kontrollgrupp.

Referenser och studier kring insektsprotein för katt och hund

Nedan hittar du ett urval av de vetenskapliga studier som publicerats på ämnet insektsprotein för katt och hund. Artiklarna är endast på engelska.

Aminosyror & smältbarhet

Amino acid content of selected insect species

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Sarah McCusker, Preston R. Buff, Zengshou Yu and Andrea J. Fascetti (2014), “Amino acid content of selected plant, algae and insect species: a search for alternative protein sources for use in pet foods”, Journal of Nutritional Science (2014), vol. 3, e39, page 1 of 5
DOI: 10.1017/jns.2014.33

Abstract: In response to global economic duress and heightened consumer awareness of nutrition and health, sustainable and natural ingredients are in demand. Identification of alternative sources of nitrogen and amino acids, including taurine, may help meet dietary requirements while fostering sustainability and natural feeding approaches. Twenty plants, eighteen marine algae and five insect species were analysed. All samples were freeze-dried, hydrolysed and filtered prior to amino acid analysis. Samples for amino acids were analysed in duplicate and averaged. Nitrogen was analysed and crude protein (CP) determined by calculation. With the exception of taurine concentration in soldier fly larvae, all insects exceeded both the National Research Council’s canine and feline minimal requirements (MR) for growth of all essential amino acids (EAA) and CP. Although some plants and marine algal species exceeded the canine and feline MR for growth for EAA and CP, only very low concentrations of taurine were found in plants. Taurine concentration in insects was variable but high, with the greatest concentration found in ants (6·42 mg/g DM) and adult flesh flies (3·33 mg/g DM). Taurine was also high in some macroalgae, especially the red algal species: Mazaella spp. (4·11 mg/g DM), Porphyra spp. (1·22 mg/g DM) and Chondracanthus spp. (6·28 mg/g DM).

Preliminary results suggest that insects and some marine algal species may be practical alternatives to traditional protein and supplemental taurine sources in pet foods. Safety, bioavailability, palatability and source variability of alternative items as food ingredients should be investigated prior to incorporation into canine and feline diets.

In vitro digestibility and fermentability of selected insects

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Bosch et al (2016) In vitro digestibility and fermentability of selected insects for dog foods. Animal Feed Science and Technology Volume 221, Part A,November 2016, Pages 174-184
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2016.08.018

Abstract: Here we aimed to evaluate the protein quality of larvae of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, BSF), housefly (Musca domestica, HF) and yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor, YMW) and to evaluate the fermentation characteristics of their indigestible fractions. Clean freeze-dried larvae were subjected to in vitro simulated canine gastric and small intestinal digestion. Undigested insect residues, shrimp chitin and fructooligosaccharides (positive control, FOS) were incubated for 48h with inoculum with fresh feces from three dogs simulating large intestinal fermentation. The AA profiles differed among the larvae with proteins from BSF and YMW larvae containing more Val and less Met and Lys than HF larvae. The in vitro N digestibility of the HF (93.3%) and YMW (92.5%) was higher than BSF larvae (87.7%). The BSF larvae also had lower in vitro digestibility values for essential AA (92.4%) and non-essential AA (90.5%) compared to the larvae of the HF (96.6 and 96.5%) and YMW (96.9 and 95.3%). Gas production for FOS increased rapidly during the first 6h. Low and similar amounts of gas were found for HF larvae and chitin whereas gas production slowly increased over 30h and was slightly higher at 48h for BSF than for chitin. Gas production for YMW increased considerably between 6 and 20h. At 48h, gas produced for undigested residues was comparable to shrimp chitin and lower than FOS (P<0.001). Incubation with insect residues resulted in more N-acetylglucosamine than with shrimp chitin (P<0.05), suggesting higher microbial degradation of insect chitin. Fecal microbiota from one dog appeared to be better able to ferment the undigested residue of YMW as gas production increased considerably between 6 and 20h of incubation and was higher than for the microbiota from the other two dogs. The associated metabolite profile indicated that acetate, propionate and butyrate were the main fermentation products. Furthermore, formate was produced in relatively high amounts. It is concluded that the protein quality, based on the amino acid profile and digestibility, of selected insect larvae was high with the undigested insect fractions being at least partly fermented by the dog fecal microbiota.

Digestibility and safety of dry black soldier fly larvae meal

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Tarra A Freel, Alejandra McComb, Elizabeth A Koutsos “Digestibility and safety of dry black soldier fly larvae meal and black soldier fly larvae oil in dogs”, Journal of Animal Science, Volume 99, Issue 3, March 2021, skab047
DOI10.1093/jas/skab047

Abstract: Two trials were conducted to assess the acceptance, safety and digestibility of diets containing various inclusion levels of partially defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) meal and BSFL oil by dogs. In trial 1, 5 extruded diets were evaluated for acceptance in adult Beagle dogs (n = 20; 10 male, 10 female) during a 48-hr period. Diets contained graded levels of BSFL meal (5.0%, 10.0%, and 20.0%), or graded levels of BSFL oil (2.5% and 5.0%), and all diets were well accepted. Thus, a digestibility trial (trial 2) was run with 56 adult dogs (16 male, 40 female) allocated into 7 dietary treatments; dogs were offered an extruded control diet containing no BSFL meal or oil, or extruded diets where BSFL meal partially replaced poultry by-product meal and corn meal at dietary levels of 5%, 10%, or 20% inclusion, or diets with BSFL oil partially replacing poultry fat at a 1:1 ratio at levels of 1%, 2.5%, or 5% inclusion. The treatment diets were fed for 28 d, during which time dogs were monitored for health (via physical examinations, clinical observations, and blood chemistry and hematology) and ingredient evaluation (via body weight, feed consumption, stool observation, and fecal nutrient apparent total tract digestibility). There were no significant differences in body weight or food consumption between treatment groups (P > 0.05) and daily observations indicated that the general health of the animals was maintained throughout the study. Stool quality was maintained at 3.2 to 3.4 (on a 5-point scale with a score of 1 being watery diarrhea and a score of 5 being hard, dry, and crumbly) per treatment group over the fecal observation period (days 22 to 27), indicating a well formed, sticky stool. All group mean hematology and blood chemistry parameters remained within normal limits for dogs. Apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, protein, fat, and calories was not affected by treatment (P > 0.05). In general, amino acid digestibility was not impacted by treatment although some minor changes were observed. Apparent total tract digestibility was high for all nutrients examined.

Overall, it was concluded that BSFL meal and BSFL oil are well tolerated by dogs and their consumption results in no impact to physiology that would be concerning. Based on these data, BSFL meal and oil did not affect general health and could be included safely in dog diets.

Hund & insektsbaserat foder

Black soldier fly as a sustainable protein source of canine food and its impacts on nutrient digestibility and fecal quality

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El Wahab et al. (2021) Insect Larvae Meal (Hermetia illucens) as a Sustainable Protein Source of Canine Food and Its Impacts on Nutrient Digestibility and Fecal Quality, Animals2021,11(9), 2525
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092525

Abstract: Insect larvae meal has been proposed as a sustainable protein source for animal diets. This study aimed to provide information on including black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFL;Hermetia illucens) in comparison to poultry meal (PM) in the canine diet with regard to digestibility and fecal characteristics. In light of this trend, the levels of PM or BSFL meal were added to replace about 30% of dry matter of the basic extruded diet. Six Beagle dogs (BW 9.64 kg) were included in a cross-over experiment. Dogs fed a BSFL meal-based diet showed higher (p< 0.05) apparent protein digestibility (82.3%) compared to those offered a PM-based diet (80.5%). Apparent digestibility for fat was higher (p< 0.05) in groups fed the BSFL meal-based diet (94.5%) compared to those offered the PM-based diet (91.6%). The fecal consistency scores for dogs fed both diets were within an acceptable range (well-formed and firm). Fecal dry matter content was higher (p< 0.05) for dogs fed the PM-based diet (33.0%) compared to those offered the BSFL meal-based diet (28.0%). Including BSFL meal in dog food can be an appropriate source of protein without any negative effects on nutrient digestibility and fecal quality

Digestibility of an extruded complete dog food containing black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal as protein source

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Penazzi et al (2021) In vivoandin vitroDigestibility of an Extruded Complete Dog Food Containing Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal as Protein Source Front Vet Sci 2021 Jun 11;8:65341
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.653411

Abstract: Growing attention is being directed toward insects as a novel and sustainable source of protein for pet food. The aim of the study was to evaluate nutrient digestibility of a diet containing black soldier fly larvae as its main protein source. Moreover, the purpose of the study was to compare the traditionalin vivototal collection method with thein vivomarker method andin vitrodigestibility method. Two isonitrogenous and isoenergetic dry diets containing either venison meal (CTRL diet) or black soldier fly larvae meal (BSF diet) as their primary sources of proteins were fed to six adult dogs, according to a Latin square design. The digestibility of nutrients was determined using bothin vivo("total collection" and "internal marker" approaches) andin vitromethods. The two diets showed similar nutrient digestibility values for dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, ash, and phosphorus. However, a statistical trend (p= 0.066) was observed indicating greater protein digestibility in the BSF diet compared with the CTRL diet. Calcium digestibility was higher in the BSF diet compared with the CTRL diet (p= 0.018). On the contrary, fiber digestibility was lower in the insect-based diet compared with the venison diet (p< 0.001). There was no difference between total collection and internal marker methods in the assessment ofin vivodigestibility for any of the nutrients considered. Thein vitrodigestibility values for dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein, as well as the estimatedin vivodigestibility of organic matter and crude protein by the means of the predictive equation, were aligned with thein vivoresults, althoughin vitro estimations were consistently higher compared with those obtained byin vivo analysis.

Conclusion: Digestibility analysis of a dog food containing insect meal as the sole source of protein (36.5% inclusion) showed promising results in terms of it presenting similar values as a meat-based diet, indicating its suitability as a sustainable protein source for pet food. Moreover, the study showed that both thein vivo marker method and thein vitro method could be possible alternatives to the traditional total collection method in digestibility trials.

Evaluation of supplementation of black soldier fly larvae in beagle dogs

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X.J. Lei, T.H. Kim, J.H. Park, I.H. Kim (2019) “Evaluation of supplementation of defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal in beagle dogs”, Ann. Anim. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 3 (2019) 767–777
DOI:10.2478/aoas-2019-0021

Abstract: The objective of this experiment was to test the effects of supplementation of defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) meal in beagle dogs. A total of nine healthy female beagles (initial body weight 12.1 ± 1.76 kg) were fed grain-based diets with three levels of BSFL meal (0, 1% or 2%) in a 42-day feeding trial. At the end of week 6 of the experiment, all dogs were intraperitoneally challenged with escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 100 μg/kg of body weight. Albumin concentration was linearly increased with increasing BSFL meal level (P<0.05). A linear increase (P<0.05) in calcium concentration was observed when increasing dietary BSFL meal. Although dietary treatments did not affect the digestibility of ether extract, the digestibility of dry matter and crude protein were linearly increased with increasing the level of BSFL meal. The concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α was linearly decreased but glutathione peroxidase (GPx) concentration was linearly increased when increasing the level of BSFL meal at 6 h after challenge (P<0.05). In addition, there were quadratic increases in concentrations of GPx and su- peroxide dismutase with increasing dietary BSFL meal level at 3 h after challenge (P<0.05).

These findings from the present study demonstrate that BSFL meal can be supplemented in the diet to convert beneficial effects to beagle dogs, indicated as improved digestibility of dry matter and crude protein and anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative capacity.

Evaluation of an extruded diet for adult dogs containing larvae meal from the black soldier fly

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Susan Kröger, Carolin Heide , Jürgen Zentek (2020), “Evaluation of an extruded diet for adult dogs containing larvae meal from the Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens)”, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise- Str. 49, 14195, Berlin, Germany
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2020.114699

Abstract: Insects have experienced an increasing interest as a protein source in recent years. However, their suitability as a protein source for dogs was not yet widely investigated. Therefore, the aim of the study was to compare two extruded diets for adult dogs containing either larvae meal from black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens; HI) or lamb meal as the predominant protein source with regard to apparent fecal nutrient digestibility and the influence on fecal and immunological parameters. Twelve Beagles were used in this cross-over study and divided into two groups. The test diet with 200 g/kg HI larvae meal (HI) was compared with a control diet containing lamb meal (CON). Dogs were fed each diet for a period of five weeks. Blood samples for a complete blood count, lymphocyte phenotyping and lymphocyte proliferation tests were taken at the end of each feeding period. The latter was either mitogen- or feed antigen-induced with different protein concen- trations of HI larvae meal (30–500 μg protein/mL). Fecal samples were collected for five days during each feeding period. The coefficient of the total apparent fecal digestibility (CTTAD) of macronutrients, fecal metabolites, the output and the dry matter content of the feces were analyzed. D-Glucosamine as indicator for chitin was analyzed by high-performance anion-ex- change chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection in the diet and the feces. The chi- tinase activity was determined in the feces. The fecal output was reduced in dogs fed the HI diet (P = 0.038). The CTTAD of dry matter was higher (P = 0.002) when dogs were fed HI compared to CON (0.832 vs. 0.818) and the CTTAD of crude protein was higher (P = 0.002) when dogs received CON compared to HI (0.792 vs. 0.773). Concentrations of acetate (P = 0.011) and ammonium (P = 0.001) were higher in CON. The fecal score differed (P = 0.041) between HI (2.25) and CON (2.04), but both feeding groups had a formed and dry fecal consistency. The chitin concentration was numerically higher in the feces of dogs fed HI (92.2 g/kg DM) compared to CON (2.9 g/kg DM), the fecal chitinase activity did not differ between both diets. Complete blood counts, lymphocyte phenotyping and proliferation were not affected. In conclusion, the HI larvae meal in a dry dog diet was tolerated without adverse signs and did not affect immuno- logical measurements compared to a commercial dry diet with lamb meal, indicating that larvae meal from HI can be considered an “alternative” protein source for dog nutrition.

Replacement of poultry by-product meal by black soldier fly larvae meal in diets for dogs

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B. Agy Loureiro, R.K. Nobrega Cardoso, R. Silva Carvalho, W.A. Zamora Restan, M. Dalim, N. Martin Tome and A. Paul (2023). Book of Abstracts of the 74th Annual Meeting of the European Federation of Animal Science. LINK.

The study evaluated the use of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal in diets for dogs on digestibility, intestinal fermentation end-products and faecal microbiota. Two kibble iso-nutrient diets were developed using either poultry by-product (PBP) meal or BSFL meal as main protein. Eight beagle dogs were assigned in a cross-over design, with 2 treatments (diets) and 2 periods of 50 days each (with 7 days of wash-out between periods). In the first period, 4 dogs received either the PBP diet or the BSFL diet, while in the second period the diets were inverted. At day 15 of each period, dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and fat digestibility; and metabolizable energy (ME) were determined by total faeces collection method for 5 days. Volatile fatty acids and ammonia were analysed in fresh faecal samples collected on days 21 to 24 of each period. After each period (50 d) fresh faeces were collected for metagenomic analysis using bacterial 16s rRNA marker gene sequence. Nutrients digestibility was similar between the food treatments, except for fat digestibility and diet ME, which was higher when dogs were fed BSFL food (P=0.01). Faecal ammonia was lower (151 vs 94 mmol/g faeces) when dogs were fed BSFL in comparison to PBP (P=0.004). BSFL diet promoted changes in faecal microbiota, with a significant difference in beta diversity, with taxa dissimilarity by Unifrac (P=0.036). BSFL diet promoted a higher relative abundance of Bacteroides (P=0.040), responsible to contributes to intestinal permeability; and Phocaeciola (P=0.028), considered a biomarker of human health. On the other hand, BSFL reduced the abundance of Lachnospira (P=0.003), positively correlated with intestinal butyrate production, despite no diet differences found for volatile fatty acid in faeces. In conclusion, the use of BSFL meal in dog diet didn’t affect the use of nutrients, but increased diet fat digestibility and ME; reduced faecal ammonia, and positively modified the faecal microbiome of dogs, favouring some beneficial bacteria genera.

Katt & insektsbaserat foder

Insect meals as novel protein sources in wet pet foods for adult cats

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Yi Hu et al (2020). PSVI-26 Insect meals as novel protein sources in wet pet foods for adult catsGet access Journal of Animal Science, Volume 98, Issue Supplement_4, November 2020, Page 315.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa278.561

Abstract: As the human and pet populations increase, the human and pet food industries will experience a greater demand for animal-based protein sources. Finding alternative proteins that are nutritional adequate and safe for companion animals may contribute to diversification of protein sources and lower the demand for animal-based protein in pet food products. However, limited information is available on the nutritional value of insects for pet animals. Thus, the object of this study was to evaluate three different insect meals, Speckled cockroach (SC; Nauphoeta cinerea), Madagascar hissing cockroach (MC; Gromphadorhina portentosa) and superworm (SW; Zophobas morio larvae), added at the expense of chicken meal (control diet), as protein sources in retorted feline diets. This study was a complete randomized design, with a total of 28 cats (mean age = 2.1 ± 0.03 yr; mean BW= 4.9 ± 0.8 kg) randomly assigned to 1 of the 4 dietary treatments. All animal procedures were approved by the University of Illinois Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. All diet formulated meet or exceed the AAFCO (2018) nutrient profile. The experimental period was 28 d in length, with 7 d of diet adaptation (control diet) followed by 21 of feeding the assigned experimental diets. Fecal samples were collected at the last 4 d of experiment. All diets were well digested by the cats, and apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter (86.5–88.1%), organic matter (88.9–90.6%), fat (90.1–92.3%), crude protein (86.3–89.4%) did not differ among treatments (P > 0.05). Fecal scores were not affected by dietary treatment, ranging from 1.8 to 2.2 (5–point scale). Similarly, fecal branched-chain fatty acids, indole and phenol concentrations did not differ among treatments. Overall, the selected insect meals tested herein had no negative effects on macronutrient digestibility, fecal characteristics and metabolites, or overall health of adult cats.

The effects of a semi-synthetic diet with inclusion of black soldier fly larvae meal on health parameters of healthy adult cats

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Julia Guazzelli Pezzali, Anna Kate Shoveller (2021). The effects of a semi-synthetic diet with inclusion of black soldier fly larvae meal on health parameters of healthy adult cats Journal of Animal Science, Volume 99, Issue 10, October 2021.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skab290

Abstract: In recent years, black soldier fly larvae meal (Hermetia illucens; BSFLM) has gained attention as a high value alternative protein source that is of great interest to the pet food industry. However, little is known regarding the effects of BSFLM on health parameters in adult cats. Thus, the objective of the current study was to determine the short-term effects of a semi-synthetic diet containing 4.6% inclusion of BSFLM on complete blood count (CBC) and serum biochemistry profile of healthy adult cats. Healthy adult male cats (n = 8; 1.4 yr) were fed the experimental diet for 21 d (experimental period) to maintain BW. Cats were washed in on a commercial diet and blood samples were collected before the start and at the end of the experimental period to measure gross health parameters. Results were analyzed as one-way ANOVA using the GLIMMIX procedure in SAS with cat as a random effect (SAS v. 9.4, The SAS Institute, Cary, NC). Cats lost an average of 5% of their BW (P = 0.0003) due to a concurrent decrease in food intake. A significant increase of alanine aminotransferase, chloride, potassium, sodium, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was observed on day 21 vs. baseline (P < 0.05). In contrast, albumin, amylase, calcium, cholesterol, eosinophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, mean platelet volume, red blood cells, total protein, total solid proteins, and urea decreased over time (P < 0.05). However, all CBC and serum biochemistry parameters stayed within reference range for adult cats, with exception of glucose and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration that were above and below the reference range, respectively. Transient increases in glucose concentrations were likely due to sedation with dexmedetomidine prior to blood collection. The changes observed over time in the aforementioned parameters are likely due to changes in macronutrient composition of the diets offered prior to and during the experimental period (commercial diet vs. semi-synthetic diet, respectively) and cannot be attributed solely to a unique property of BSFLM. In conclusion, cats fed a semi-synthetic diet containing 4% BSFLM inclusion for 21 d remained healthy with no clinically relevant changes in CBC and serum biochemistry parameters.

Black soldier fly larvae as an alternative protein source for canine and feline diets

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Do, Sungho (2021) Black soldier fly larvae as an alternative protein source for canine and feline diets. Dissertation at Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/items/124834

Abstract: The overall objective of this dissertation was to evaluate the nutrient composition of BSFL, its amino acid (AA) digestibilities using a precision-fed cecectomized rooster model, and its effects on palatability, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), fecal characteristics, and skin and coat health markers of healthy adult cats. Our first aim was to determine the effects of harvest age on nutrient and AA digestibility and digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS)-like values of BSFL using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay. The BSFL were harvested at six different ages (days after hatch; day 0, 11, 14, 18, 23, and 29). Our second aim was to evaluate the effects of BSFL dietary calcium form and concentration on nutrient composition, nutrient and AA digestibilities, and DIAAS-like values for BSFL using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay. Calcium chloride (CaCl2) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) were used to raise BSFL at different concentrations (1.2% of CaCl2, 1.2% of CaCO3, 0.75% of CaCO3, and 0.6% of CaCl2 and CaCO3). Our third aim was to determine palatability and ATTD of BSFL-containing canned diets, fecal characteristics, and skin and coat health markers of healthy adult cats consuming them. Cats were fed the canned diets formulated with poultry by-product meal (PBPM), BSFL meal, whole BSFL, and BSFL oil. In our first aim, we determined that all harvest ages of BSFL were contained high-quality protein that were well digested, but AA digestibilities were highest at days 14, 18, and 23. Threonine, Met, Cys, and Arg often were the first-limiting AA of BSFL based on DIAAS-like reference values for dogs and cats. In our second aim, we determined that nutrient and AA digestibilities were high (81% to 96% digestibilities), but not different among BSFL fed different calcium sources and concentrations. Aromatic AA (Phe + Tyr) and sulfur-containing AA (Met + Cys) often were the first-limiting AA based on DIAAS-like reference values for dogs and cats. In our third aim, we reported that the intake ratios were higher in cats fed canned diets containing BSFL meal (1.93:1), whole BSFL (2.03:1), and BSFL oil (1.57:1) compared with a poultry-based control diet. Fecal pH and scores and caloric intake were not different (P > 0.05) among diets, but fecal output (as-is, DM, and kcal/d) was highest (P < 0.05) for cats fed BSFL meal compared with those fed BSFL oil. The ATTD of acid-hydrolyzed fat (AHF) was not different among treatments, while DM ATTD was greater (P < 0.05) for cats fed the BSFL oil diet than for those fed the BSFL meal diet. The ATTD of OM by cats fed control or BSFL oil diets was greater (P < 0.05) than for those fed the BSFL meal or BSFL whole diets. For crude protein (CP) and energy, ATTD was greatest (P < 0.05) for cats fed the BSFL oil diet and lowest for those fed the BSFL meal diet. Skin and coat health markers, including skin transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration status, hair imaging score, and skin and coat hair scores were not affected (P > 0.05) by treatments. Similarly, hematology and a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to saline, phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), and concanavalin A (CONA) showed no differences (P > 0.05) among diets. A select serum metabolites were affected by diet (P < 0.05), but remained within reference ranges. This research provided information on the potential for using BSFL in pet foods. Based on our results, the suggested harvest age of BSFL ranges between 14 and 23 days because these ages provide the highest protein quality. Black soldier fly larvae raised with calcium chloride and calcium carbonate accumulate more calcium, but protein quality was similar. Finally, BSFL-derived ingredients hold strong potential for use in pet foods, whether it is included in extruded or canned foods.

Chemical composition of selected insect meals and their effect on apparent total tract digestibility, fecal metabolites, and microbiota of adult cats fed insect-based retorted diets

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Reilly et al (2022). Chemical composition of selected insect meals and their effect on apparent total tract digestibility, fecal metabolites, and microbiota of adult cats fed insect-based retorted diets. J Anim Sci 2022 Feb 1;100(2)
DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac024.

Abstract: Insect meals are novel and potentially sustainable protein sources. The objectives of this study were to determine the nutrient composition of speckled cockroach, Madagascar hissing cockroach, and superworm (SW) and to determine the effects of these insect meals on food intake, digestibility of macronutrients, fecal scores, metabolites, and microbiota of adult cats fed insect- or chicken-based wet pet foods. Among the three selected insect meals evaluated, oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and stearic acid were the most prevalent fatty acids. Branched-chain amino acids and arginine were the most preponderant indispensable amino acids in these insect meals. All diets were well digested by the cats with no differences observed on macronutrient digestibility. Similarly, fecal scores did not differ among the treatments and were within the ideal range. No differences in fecal metabolite concentrations were observed. Only a few genera from Firmicutes and Bacteroidota phyla differ in cats fed SW diet in contrast to other dietary treatments. Overall, the selected insect meals evaluated herein are rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid for cats. Insect-based retorted diets led to comparable results to those achieved with a chicken-based retorted diet, suggesting that these novel protein sources might be adequate alternative ingredients in feline diets.

Hälsofördelar med insektsprotein

Clinical application of insect-based diet in canine allergic dermatitis

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Lee et al (2021). Clinical application of insect-based diet in canine allergic dermatitis. Korean Journal of of Veterinary Research, 61 (4).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14405/kjvr.2021.61.e36

Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of the short-term ap- plication of insect-based diet in canine allergic dermatitis. Total 19 atopic dogs with concurrent cutaneous adverse food reactions were enrolled and classified into 3 groups. The treatment group (n = 7) was fed insect-based diet, the positive control group (n = 6) was fed salmon-based diet, and the negative control group (n = 6) was fed commercial or homemade diet for 12 weeks. The degree of skin lesions was evalu- ated based on canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index (CADESI-4). Addi- tionally, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and pruritus visual analog scale were evalu- ated. All indices were evaluated every 4 weeks after the initial administration of hypo- allergenic diets. In the treatment group, significant decrease in the CADESI-4 score was observed at 8 weeks compared to the baseline score (= 0.031). There were sig- nificant differences in the CADESI-4 score between the groups at 8 weeks (= 0.008), 12 weeks (= 0.012), and TEWL at 12 weeks (= 0.022). This preliminary result demonstrates the potential hypoallergenicity of an insect-based diet through features that diminish cutaneous lesions and skin barrier dysfunction.

Effect of an insect protein-based diet on clinical signs of dogs with cutaneous adverse food reactions

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Böhm TMSA, Klinger CJ, Gedon N, Udraite L, Hiltenkamp K, Mueller RS. Effect of an insect protein-based diet on clinical signs of dogs with cutaneous adverse food reactions. Tierarztl Prax Ausg K Kleintiere Heimtiere. 2018 Oct;46(5):297-302. English, German.DOI: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30541169/

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a new commercially available, insect protein-based diet on the clinical signs in those dogs via Canine Atopic Dermatitis Lesion Index (CADLI), Pruritus Visual Analogue Scale (PVAS) and coat quality score. A total of 20 dogs with atopic dermatitis due to previously diagnosed adverse food reaction were included in this study. This food was the only food fed to the patients for 2 weeks. The lesion score improved in 12 out of 20 dogs in. Only two dogs out of 15, which completed the study, showed mild deterioration of their lesions (on average by 1.5 CADLI points). One dog's skin lesions were unchanged. Pruritus could be reduced in eight patients but remained unchanged in four dogs. Two further patients deteriorated minimally (on average by 1.5 pruritus score points) and one dramatically (8 pruritus score points). The coat quality was only evaluated in 14 dogs. Six of 14 dogs showed an improvement in coat quality. The improvement of the lesion scores (Wilcoxon test, p = 0.007) and coat quality (Wilcoxon test, p = 0.01) was significant, there was no significant change in pruritus scores (p = 0.53). The palatability was very good the compatibility was except for one patient very good. Based on these results, the investigated insect protein-based diet is an interesting alternative for dogs with food intolerance.

Potential application of black soldier fly fats in canine and feline diet formulations

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Ghina Kotob, Nicky Sluczanowski, Shahida Anusha Siddiqui, Nuria Martin Tome, Monika Dalim, Paul van der Raad, Kees Aarts, Aman Paul (2022). Potential application of black soldier fly fats in canine and feline diet formulations: A review of literature. Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology, 25 (4)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aspen.2022.101994.

Abstract: Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae derived ingredients are being considered as sustainable alternatives to conventional animal derived ingredients in pet food formulations. In Europe, legislations permit the use of BSF fat in pet food formulations. However, BSF fat has received very little attention from pet food producers till now. This article examines literature regarding fatty acid profile and some minor components reported in BSF fat. Literature on digestibility, antimicrobial activity, intestinal immunity, and brain health improvement potential has also been carefully reviewed. Finally, some examples of pet food brands using BSF fat commercially were mentioned, and compilation of consumer review scores from popular review websites have also been illustrated. Literature reviewed in this article indicate that BSF fat is highly digestible and has interesting health benefits, thus supporting its use as functional pet food ingredient.

Black soldier fly larvae meal based extruded diets: potential to improve canine oral health.

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Neto et. al (2023). Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal based extruded diets: potential to improve canine oral health. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed,1(aop), 1-13.
DOI: 10.1163-23524588-20230098

Abstract: Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal-based pet food is gaining traction in Europe. In order to unlock the full potential of antimicrobial peptides and fatty acids present in BSFL meal, we evaluated the role of BSFL meal containing pet food in modulating the oral health of dogs. During this study eight female beagle dogs were fed with two iso-nutritive diets in a cross-over design with two periods of 50 days each. These diets were made using defatted BSFL meal or low ash poultry by product (PBP) meal as the main protein source. At the end of the first period, the animals underwent a wash out period of 7 days and the treatments were inverted following this treatment. Oral health of dogs was measured by: (1) count of colony forming unit of volatile sulfur producing bacterial (VSC) in dental plaque; (2) DNA extraction and amplification of 16S rRNA genes from saliva for bacterial profiling; and (3) oral malodor scoring. We found significant reduction of VSC (P<0.05) before and after 50 days of BSFL based pet food consumption. Oral malodor score was not significantly different before and after BSFL based pet food consumption. However, there was a strong tendency for malodor reduction related to BSFL fed groups (P=0.097). Finally, there was a significant difference (P<0.05) between treatments in the relative abundance of Moraxella, with higher abundance in dog’s saliva when fed BSFL diets. This bacterial group is identified as a marker of oral health. In conclusion, the consumption of BSFL meal-based diets has strong potential to decrease VSC and positively modulates the saliva microbiota, which can suppress the occurrence of halitosis and improve oral health.