Alternative feed sources for sustainable livestock production: Everything you need to know

Alternative livestock feed refers to any non-traditional feed sources used to supplement or replace traditional livestock feed such as grass, hay and grains. 

By reducing reliance on traditional feeds and crops that compete with human food crops, they have the potential to improve the sustainability of livestock production around the world.

Alternative feeds can include a variety of ingredients, such as silage made from fermented grass or corn, legumes like clover and alfalfa, and byproducts from food processing, such as brewers’ grains, distillers’ grains, and soya bean hulls.

Insects such as black soldier flies, mealworms and crickets are also growing in popularity as an alternative feed source, as well as seaweed (particularly in areas where access to mineral-rich soil is limited), and fodder systems, which involves growing sprouted grains or other plants that are fed directly to livestock. This can be a cost-effective and sustainable feed in areas with limited grazing land.

Using traditional ingredients like wheat, corn and soya to feed livestock has raised concerns around the world about the sustainability of animal agriculture: About a third of global cereal production, for example, is fed to livestock.

Alternative feeds, such as insects or agricultural by-products, can be produced in a more sustainable way, potentially helping to reduce the environmental impact of livestock farming.

 Insects and other alternative feeds can often be produced more cheaply and sustainably than traditional feed 

The cost of alternative feeds varies depending on the ingredients, the scale of the farming system, and where you are in the world, but in some cases they can be cheaper than traditional feeds.

Byproducts from food processing industries such as brewers’ grains or distillers’ grains, for example, can be a cost-effective alternative, as they’re often less expensive than traditional grains. 

However, alternative feeds that require specialised equipment or processing, such as insect meal or seaweed, can be more expensive.

The cost of feed is obviously just one factor to think about when looking at feed options for livestock; the nutritional content, availability and sustainability of the feed also needs to be taken into account. 

 Alternative feeds can contribute towards a balanced diet for cattle and other livestock

The cost of alternative feeds varies depending on the ingredients, the scale of the farming system, and where you are in the world, but in some cases they can be cheaper than traditional feeds.

Byproducts from food processing industries such as brewers’ grains or distillers’ grains, for example, can be a cost-effective alternative, as they’re often less expensive than traditional grains fed to cattle, pigs and poultry. 

However, alternative feeds that require specialised equipment or processing, such as insect meal or seaweed, can be more expensive.

The cost of feed is obviously just one factor to think about when looking at feed options for livestock; the nutritional content, availability and sustainability of the feed also needs to be taken into account, so it’s always worth getting some expert advice before you switch diets

Provided they’re properly balanced and supplemented to meet animals’ specific nutritional requirements, alternative feeds can be just as nutritious as traditional feeds.

Some alternative feeds, such as forage crops and byproducts from food processing industries, can provide a good source of energy, protein, and other essential nutrients for livestock. However, the nutritional value of alternative feeds can vary widely depending on the feed source and production methods used.

It’s worth nothing that different types of livestock have different nutritional requirements, and these can vary depending on the animal’s age, sex, and production stage. 

It’s therefore always important to work with a nutritionist to develop a diet that meets the nutritional needs of the animals and ensures optimal health and productivity. 

There are several alternative feeds available for poultry, including:

1. Insects such as black soldier flies, mealworms, silkworm and crickets are rich in protein and other nutrients, and can be a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional poultry feed.
2. Leftover or rejected vegetables and fruits can be fed to poultry as an alternative feed source. 
3. Alternative grains such as sorghum, millet and oats can be used as a substitute for corn or wheat in poultry feed. These grains are often more drought-resistant and require fewer inputs than traditional grains.
4. Legumes such as soybeans, peanuts, and lentils can be added to poultry feed as a source of protein.
5. Seaweed can be added to poultry feed as a source of minerals such as iodine, magnesium, and potassium.
6. Byproducts from food processing industries such as brewers’ grains, distillers’ grains, and soybean hulls can be used as a feed source for poultry.

When using alternative feeds for poultry, it’s important to make sure the feed is nutritionally balanced and meets the requirements of broiler and layer flocks, as not every feed alternative could be suited to all stages of the production system.

Ruminants can be fed a variety of alternative feeds, which can help producers reduce production costs and increase farm sustainability whilst maintaining productivity:

1. Beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep and goats are natural grazers and foragers, so alternative forage crops like legumes, brassicas and cover crops can supplement or replace traditional forages like grass and hay.
2. Silage made from fermented corn, grass, or other crops can provide a source of energy and nutrients for ruminants, particularly during the winter.
3. Byproducts from food processing industries such as brewers’ grains, distillers’ grains, and soybean hulls can be a  valuable feed source.
4. Alternative grains such as sorghum, millet, and oats can be used as a substitute for corn or wheat in ruminant feed. These grains are often more drought-resistant and require fewer inputs than traditional grains.
5. Seaweed can be added to ruminant feed as a source of minerals such as iodine, magnesium, and potassium.
6. Fodder systems involve growing sprouted grains or other plants that are fed directly to livestock. 

Before you introduce alternative feeds into your system, it’s always worth consulting a nutritionist or speaking to your vet to understand how they can be properly integrated into your herd or flock’s diets.

There are several alternative feeds available for swine, including:

1. Byproducts from food processing industries such as brewers’ grains, distillers’ grains, and soybean hulls
2. Leftover or rejected vegetables and fruits
3. Alternative grains such as sorghum, millet, and oats
4. Insects such as black soldier flies, mealworms, and crickets.
5. Whey, a byproduct of cheese and yogurt production, and dairy products such as milk and yogurt
6. Fats and oils such as vegetable oil and animal fat 

Different feeds might be best-suited for pigs at different stages of the production system, so it’s always worth seeking professional advice before introducing changes to diets.

There are several alternative feeds available for tilapia and other farmed fish, including:

1. Plant-based proteins such as soya bean meal are corn gluten meal, which are often less expensive than traditional fish meal

2. Insects, such as black soldier fly larvae, which are high in protein and can be produced on organic waste

3. Single-cell proteins, such as yeast and bacteria, which can be produced using waste products from food processing industries

4. Algae and seaweed, which are rich in nutrients and can be used as a source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids in fish feed

5. Byproducts from food processing industries such as brewers’ grains and distillers’ grains

The nutritional value of alternative feeds can vary, so it’s important to ensure fish receive a balanced diet. If you’re unsure, speak to a qualified fish nutritionist or veterinarian.

Calculating the nutritional value of alternative feed can be complicated, so it’s always worth seeking specialist advice. As a general guide, however, it’s worked out by:

1. Taking random samples from different parts of the batch to ensure that it accurately represents the nutritional value of the entire batch

2. Sending the sample to a laboratory to analyse the amount of protein, fibre, fat, minerals and other nutrients

3. The nutrient content of the feed is then used to formulate a diet that meets the nutritional needs of the specific type of livestock. A nutritionist can use software or mathematical equations to calculate the nutrient composition of the diet and adjust it to ensure that it meets the animal’s nutritional requirements

4. The formulated diet is then fed to the animals and their growth, production, and health are monitored to ensure they’re receiving all the necessary nutrients

They’re produced a variety of ways, depending on the feed source:

1. Food processing industries generate a wide variety of byproducts, such as brewers’ grains, distillers’ grains and oilseed meals. Many of these byproducts can be processed through milling, pressing or fermentation to be used as alternative livestock feeds
2. Forage crops, such as alfalfa, clover, and grasses, can be grown specifically for livestock feed
3. Insects, such as black soldier fly larvae and mealworms, can be raised specifically for use as livestock feed. They can be produced using organic waste products, such as food scraps and manure, and are harvested by sieving or other mechanical methods
4. Algae and seaweed can be grown using aquaculture or open-water systems
5. Single-cell proteins, such as yeast and bacteria, can be produced using fermentation methods. These proteins can be produced using waste products from food processing industries and can be used in livestock feed formulations

Regulatory requirements vary by country and can depend on the type of feed and how it’s produced.

In the United States, for example, alternative feeds are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which oversees the safety and labelling of animal feed products. 

Feed ingredients that haven’t been previously approved for use in animal feed may need to undergo an approval process, which includes safety evaluations and public comment periods.

In the European Union, alternative feeds are regulated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). EFSA evaluates the safety and nutritional value of feed ingredients and provides scientific advice to support the regulation of animal feed products.

Some alternative feeds have more regulatory acceptance than others, however: Despite growing scientific evidence that industrial hemp could be a promising source of sustainable feed, regulators in some countries are reluctant to allow it to be fed to animals.

There are a variety of ways insects are produced for feed, depending on the specific insect and the scale of production.

They can be reared indoors in a controlled environment, such as a greenhouse or warehouse, where they are typically raised in containers with a substrate for egg laying.

Environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, are controlled to optimise growth and development.

Insects can also be raised outdoor in fields or on farms. Outdoor rearing typically involves providing insects with suitable habitats and food sources, such as compost or agricultural waste. The insects are allowed to develop and grow naturally.

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) can be produced through composting. The insects are introduced to a compost pile containing organic waste, such as food scraps or manure, which the larvae feed on and convert into a nutrient-rich substrate. The mature larvae can then be harvested for animal feed.

Automated insect rearing systems use robotics and automation to produce insects on a large scale. These systems typically involve feeding and monitoring the insects using sensors and automated feeders, and insects are harvested and processed.

When used appropriately, alternative feeds can be a safe and sustainable way to provide nutrients to livestock. However — as with conventional feeds — it’s always worth taking some safety considerations into mind:

1. Ensure that the alternative feed is sourced from a reputable supplier and that it is free from harmful contaminants, such as pesticides, heavy metals, or other toxins
2. Carry out a nutritional analysis of the alternative feed to ensure that it provides the appropriate balance of nutrients
3. Introduce alternative feeds gradually to allow the livestock to adjust to the new feed and to monitor for any adverse reactions or health issues
4. Ensure that the alternative feed is balanced with other feed sources to provide a complete and balanced diet 
5. Work with a qualified animal nutritionist or veterinarian to develop a feeding plan that takes into account the specific needs of the livestock and the characteristics of the alternative feed.

Insects have been consumed by animals in the wild for millions of years; provided they’re used appropriately and from reliable sources, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be safe.

However, it’s important to consider a few factors to ensure the safety of feeding insects to livestock:

1. Ensure that the insects are sourced from reputable and reliable producers
2. Insect farms should follow proper hygiene and biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of diseases. The farming environment should be clean and well-maintained to ensure the health and safety of the insects
3. Proper processing and handling of insects are crucial to maintain their quality and safety. Processes such as drying, grinding, or heat treatment can be used to process the insects into a suitable form for livestock feed.
4. Follow local regulations and guidelines regarding the use of insects as livestock feed. Different countries or regions may have specific regulations in place, so it’s important to be aware of and comply with these regulations

The EU approved the use of insect proteins as a feed ingredient for aquaculture and pet food in 2017, and in 2021 it approved the use of insect protein as a feed ingredient for poultry and pigs. 

These approvals were made after extensive safety assessments by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Commission, which concluded that the use of insect proteins in animal feed is safe for both animals and humans.

Several insect farms have been established in Europe to produce insect protein for animal feed, the most commonly farmed insects including black soldier fly, mealworms, and crickets. 

While the use of insect protein as livestock feed is still a relatively new practice in Europe, it’s expected to grow in popularity as farmers look for more sustainable and cost-effective ways to feed livestock.

The use of alternative feeds for livestock varies by country and region. However, some countries are known to use a large amount:

1. China is a major producer of alternative feeds, particularly insect meal. According to an Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) report, China produced about 1.5 million tons of insect protein for feed in 2020. The majority of production is from the black soldier fly.
2. The EU has been a leader in the development and use of alternative feeds for livestock, including the use of by-products from the food and beverage industry, such as brewer’s grains, and crops that are not typically used for animal feed, such as peas and beans.
3. Southeast Asia is a major producer of aquaculture products, and alternative feeds such as insect meal, algae and by-products from the seafood industry, such as fish meal and fish oil, are commonly used as feed ingredients for farmed fish.