Siberian scientists don't want to feed people with insect protein. For now

Russian scientists are developing a method for processing insects into feed proteins.

According to Kirill Golokhvast, head of the Siberian Scientific Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, the Russian government has allocated 6 million rubles (about 100,000 US dollars) to figure out how to make protein from insects. Current research focuses on mealworm larvae, crickets, cockroaches and other species, Interfax reports.

“No matter how it sounds, I don’t call for anything, but it’s more profitable to grow insects than cows, for example, you spend less on feed, you get more protein,” a 42-year-old scientist noted.

The product is currently being considered as a feed additive for fish. “We are not talking about people yet so that there are no insinuations,” Kirill Golokhvast emphasised.

Last month, Tomsk scientists reported that the nutrient composition of slugs “in many respects surpasses the meat of farm animals.” According to the project leader, invertebrates are very profitable since there is no need to invest in pastures and expensive feed.

Elia Kabanov is a science writer covering the past, present and future of technology (@metkere)

Illustration: Elia Kabanov feat. MidJourney.