Part 3/19:
With global population growth straining food systems, scientists are turning to unexpected sources for livestock feed. Globally, we produce over 1.3 billion tons of food waste annually, and repurposing this waste could address both food scarcity and waste management. One approach uses black soldier fly larvae to break down food waste, and these protein-rich insects can be processed into animal feed. Another innovative source is single-cell proteins from bacteria, yeast, or algae, which can be grown on industrial byproducts, turning waste into valuable nutrients. Challenges include scaling up production, ensuring consistent quality, and navigating regulatory hurdles. Consumer acceptance of meat from animals fed these novel diets remains uncertain, but these alternatives offer a path towards more sustainable animal agriculture.