US consumer perceptions of insects as livestock feed: ethical considerations for insects

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 (P = 0.05) of whether or not respondents thought insects could feel pain. Our data highlight potential areas of opposition to developing the insect rearing industry in the US and suggests that producers have reason to establish practices that are perceived as creating high-welfare conditions for their insects.