Beyond the Alternative Proteins: How does Does Fungal-Insect Bioconversion Reshape Nutrient Quality and Functional Value of Animal Feeds?

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 3 | 02 | Page :
By

Md. Emran Hossain,

  1. Professor, Department of Animal Science and Nutrition, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chattogram, Bangladesh

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable animal production has intensified interest in fungi and insects as alternative sources of feed protein; however, their nutritional significance extends well beyond simple replacement of conventional protein ingredients. Fungal-insect bioconversion represents an emerging biological platform in which microorganisms and insects can transform low-value biomass into nutritionally and functionally distinct feed resources. This review examines how sequential or integrated fungal and insect bioconversion can reshape the chemical architecture, digestibility, bioactivity, and physiological functionality of animal feeds. Particular attention is given to fungal degradation of lignocellulosic substrates, enzymatic liberation of otherwise inaccessible nutrients, modification of antinutritional compounds, and production of bioactive metabolites, followed by insect-mediated redistribution and accumulation of protein, amino acids, lipids, minerals, chitin, antimicrobial peptides, and other functional constituents. Rather than evaluating feed ingredients solely according to crude protein concentration, the review proposes a broader framework in which bioconversion history becomes a determinant of feed quality. Evidence is synthesized on how substrate characteristics, fungal species, fermentation conditions, insect species, developmental stage, and rearing environment interact to determine the nutritional phenotype of insect biomass. The potential consequences for amino-acid availability, lipid quality, mineral bioavailability, fibre degradation, antioxidant capacity, gut microbial ecology, intestinal barrier function, immune modulation, and animal productivity are critically evaluated. Particular emphasis is placed on the largely unresolved relationship between upstream microbial transformation and downstream animal responses, including whether fungal preconditioning can generate insect-derived feeds with properties that cannot be predicted from conventional proximate composition alone. The review also addresses methodological limitations, including inconsistent characterization of fungal metabolites, insect biomass, digestibility, chitin fractions, and substrate composition, which complicate cross-study comparisons. Finally, a research framework is proposed linking substrate transformation → fungal metabolism → insect nutrient partitioning → feed functionality → gut physiology → animal performance, positioning fungal-insect bioconversion as a potential transition from alternative protein production toward biologically engineered, resource-efficient, and functionally differentiated animal nutrition

Keywords: animal nutrition, fungal bioconversion, insect biomass, nutrient quality, sustainable feed production

How to cite this article: Md. Emran Hossain. Beyond the Alternative Proteins: How does Does Fungal-Insect Bioconversion Reshape Nutrient Quality and Functional Value of Animal Feeds?. International Journal of Insects. 2026; 03(02):-.
How to cite this URL: Md. Emran Hossain. Beyond the Alternative Proteins: How does Does Fungal-Insect Bioconversion Reshape Nutrient Quality and Functional Value of Animal Feeds?. International Journal of Insects. 2026; 03(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/iji/article=2026/view=261022

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Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 03
02
Received 22/09/2026
Accepted 12/10/2026
Published 12/10/2026
Publication Time 20 Days

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