A growing trend in agriculture is to use insect meal in animal feed because of high protein content of insects like house crickets (Acheta domesticus, shown here) and their ability to feed on waste byproducts. Meanwhile, corn contaminated with mycotoxins can be problematic for livestock, causing reduced weight gain and other health concerns. But a new study by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service shows house crickets can feed on corn contaminated with a fungal toxin without absorbing it and with no ill effects. (Photo by Ryan Paulk)
house-crickets (Acheta domesticus)
A growing trend in agriculture is to use insect meal in animal feed because of high protein content of insects like house crickets (Acheta domesticus, shown here) and their ability to feed on waste byproducts. Meanwhile, corn contaminated with mycotoxins can be problematic for livestock, causing reduced weight gain and other health concerns. But a new study by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service shows house crickets can feed on corn contaminated with a fungal toxin without absorbing it and with no ill effects. (Photo by Ryan Paulk)
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