US consumer perceptions of insects as livestock feed: ethical considerations for insects
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Abstract
Insects have potential to be integrated into livestock production systems as feed. However, to be viable as feed, insects must be mass-reared in a ‘mini-livestock’ system. As these mass-rearing systems are relatively new, industry standards and welfare regulations are not yet in place, leaving insect welfare-related questions open. Given the importance of consumer attitudes to the social legitimacy of insect production, an analysis of consumers’ ethical perceptions of producing insects as livestock feed is warranted. The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine if US consumers support or oppose using insects as livestock feed, (2) determine if perceptions regarding insect welfare or ethics are reasons for opposition, and (3) identify US consumers’ perceived risks and benefits of using insects as livestock feed. We developed a quantitative electronic questionnaire-based survey and established reliability and validity prior to distribution. Distribution was achieved through convenience sampling to adult US consumers (n = 361). When asked if insects should be used as livestock feed, 34% of respondents were supportive, 52% were neutral, and 15% were opposed. Of those who were opposed (n = 53), 58% cited ethical concerns as their reason for opposition. Of respondents who were supportive or neutral towards using insects as livestock feed (n = 308), 29% reported livestock welfare and 26% reported insect welfare as perceived risks. Perceived benefits emphasised environmental sustainability. From our entire sample, 74% of respondents thought insects could feel pain, 23% did not know, and 4% did not think insects could feel pain. Gender, age, household income, education level, and previous knowledge were significant determinants (
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| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
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US consumer perceptions of insects as livestock feed: ethical considerations for insects
In: Journal of Insects as Food and FeedSearch for other papers by E.P. Fukuda in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by M.N. Carrasco in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by A.J. Perez in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by B. Fischer in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by M.L. Drewery in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
Insects have potential to be integrated into livestock production systems as feed. However, to be viable as feed, insects must be mass-reared in a ‘mini-livestock’ system. As these mass-rearing systems are relatively new, industry standards and welfare regulations are not yet in place, leaving insect welfare-related questions open. Given the importance of consumer attitudes to the social legitimacy of insect production, an analysis of consumers’ ethical perceptions of producing insects as livestock feed is warranted. The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine if US consumers support or oppose using insects as livestock feed, (2) determine if perceptions regarding insect welfare or ethics are reasons for opposition, and (3) identify US consumers’ perceived risks and benefits of using insects as livestock feed. We developed a quantitative electronic questionnaire-based survey and established reliability and validity prior to distribution. Distribution was achieved through convenience sampling to adult US consumers (n = 361). When asked if insects should be used as livestock feed, 34% of respondents were supportive, 52% were neutral, and 15% were opposed. Of those who were opposed (n = 53), 58% cited ethical concerns as their reason for opposition. Of respondents who were supportive or neutral towards using insects as livestock feed (n = 308), 29% reported livestock welfare and 26% reported insect welfare as perceived risks. Perceived benefits emphasised environmental sustainability. From our entire sample, 74% of respondents thought insects could feel pain, 23% did not know, and 4% did not think insects could feel pain. Gender, age, household income, education level, and previous knowledge were significant determinants (
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 929 | 579 | 15 |
| Full Text Views | 56 | 27 | 0 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 120 | 66 | 0 |
