Swedish research validates alternative protein sources for livestock feed
A three-year study led by Axfoundation and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences demonstrates that insect, mussel, and mycoprotein meals can effectively replace traditional soy and fishmeal.
A collaborative study involving over 25 partners has concluded that alternative protein sources, specifically mycoprotein, insect meal, and mussel meal, serve as viable substitutes for soy and fishmeal in animal feed. The trials, conducted over three years, evaluated the nutritional impact on fish, chickens, pigs, and laying hens while assessing environmental footprints across the entire value chain.
The project, spearheaded by Axfoundation and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), spanned regional production, industrial manufacturing, and final retail sales. Findings indicate that these circular feed alternatives provide a pathway for reducing the environmental impact of commercial animal agriculture, which has historically relied on high-import feed components.
Despite the positive performance results, researchers noted significant barriers to market entry. Broad adoption remains dependent on increased capital investment, long-term procurement contracts from retailers, and a refined, risk-based regulatory framework to facilitate scaling the production of alternative protein ingredients.