Research Perspective on Biological Science Vol. 8

The global demand for animal feed protein is increasing sharply in line with the growth of the world's population and the demand for animal products, which is expected to jump by more than 70% by 2050. Conventional protein sources such as soybean meal and fishmeal face serious limitations due to land degradation, deforestation, and overfishing, posing economic and ecological challenges. In this context, insects are emerging as a strategic alternative with great potential. Studies have shown that insects such as Hermetiaillucens (Black Soldier Fly), Tenebrio molitor (mealworm), Acheta domesticus (cricket), and Musca domestica (maggot) contain high protein (35–65% BK), essential amino acids, lipids, and essential minerals that are competitive with soybeans and fishmeal. In addition to nutritional value, insects also offer environmental advantages through the efficiency of organic waste bioconversion, land and water savings, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Its practical application has been proven in poultry, fish, pigs, ruminants, and pet feed, with promising results for growth, feed efficiency, product quality, and intestinal health. However, a number of challenges still need to be overcome, such as variability in nutritional composition, food safety standards, hygiene issues, and social acceptance and regulations in various countries. With the support of omics research, technological innovation, and the right policy framework, insects have the potential to become game changers in precision feed systems and circular economies. Therefore, the use of insects as a source of feed protein ternak tidak hanya solution teknis, but also an important strategy to support sustainable farming and global food security in the future.