The animal feed insect proteins market is anticipated to grow massively through 2030 owing to growing consumption of meat across the world. In addition, consistent efforts to reduce carbon emissions of animal feed production, along with the expanding pet feed industry, are likely to propel market growth over the forecast period.

During the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry witnessed a negative impact due to consumers’ fear of exposure to the virus through animal-based products. However, burgeoning awareness regarding the benefits of insect-based protein and increased inclination toward more sustainable animal feed raw ingredients have bolstered market growth.

Moreover, major market players have been working on introducing new product ranges, expanding their production facilities, and forming strategic mergers to strengthen their market position, thereby fueling the animal feed insect proteins industry growth. For instance, in July 2022, Beta Hatch, an animal feed protein technology firm, opened the largest regenerative mealworm hatchery in North America. The new facility features mealworm hatching and growing areas and supports animal feed production.

The animal feed insect proteins market has been bifurcated in terms of insect type, livestock, and region. Based on insect type, the animal feed insect proteins industry has been divided into housefly, black soldier fly, crickets, mealworms, scale insects & true bugs, beetles, grasshopper, locusts, caterpillars, bees, wasps & ants, and others.

The black soldier fly segment is primed to progress at more than 6% CAGR through the review period. Black soldier fly larvae or BSFL have nearly 50% crude oil and up to 35% lipid as well as an amino acid composition equivalent to that of fishmeal. They are broadly utilized as a substitute protein source in feed for pigs, chickens, and several shrimp and fish species.

Meanwhile, the animal feed insect proteins market share from the caterpillars segment is foreseen to grow at above 7% CAGR through the estimated timeline as caterpillar protein production requires little land and involves low carbon emissions.

With respect to livestock, the animal feed insect proteins industry has been classified into poultry, aquaculture, swine, pet food, and others. The swine segment was worth over $50 million in 2021 and is slated to grow at more than 8% CAGR through the study timeline. The segment growth is attributed to surging penetration of modern technologies and rising concerns to reduce environmental footprint.

Meanwhile, the others livestock segment is expected to amass substantial gains by 2030. Escalating livestock farming of animals like donkeys, mules, llamas, and camels is poised to accelerate the demand for animal feed proteins.

In the regional context, the North America animal feed insect proteins market is poised to grow at over 8% CAGR through the projected timeline as a result of steady investments in the research and development for product innovation, coupled with the booming regional livestock business.