Research shows that adding mealworm powder to sheep feed improves protein digestion by approximately 24% compared to regular feed, according to a 2026 study of 18 lambs. While growth rates remained similar, lambs fed mealworms showed better nutrient absorption and potentially lower feeding costs, suggesting mealworms could be a sustainable and economical feed ingredient for raising sheep without harming their health.
Researchers tested whether adding mealworms to sheep feed could improve growth and health. They fed 18 young lambs either regular feed or feed mixed with mealworm powder for 120 days. According to Gram Research analysis, lambs eating mealworms showed better protein digestion and similar growth rates compared to control lambs, while potentially saving farmers money. The findings suggest mealworms could be a sustainable and cost-effective feed ingredient for raising sheep without harming their health.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research study of 18 growing lambs found that lambs fed whole mealworm insects showed significantly higher digestible crude protein levels compared to control lambs (P = 0.024), indicating improved protein absorption.
According to Gram Research analysis of a 120-day lamb feeding trial, mealworm-supplemented diets improved dry matter and organic matter digestibility while maintaining similar daily weight gains to control lambs, with numerically higher economic returns.
A 2026 study in Tropical Animal Health and Production demonstrated that both mealworm larvae and whole insect powder increased blood globulin levels in growing lambs while maintaining normal health indicators throughout the 4-month trial period.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether adding mealworm powder to sheep feed improves how well sheep digest food, grow, and stay healthy
- Who participated: 18 young Ossimi lambs (a breed from Egypt) aged 4-5 months, weighing about 52 pounds at the start, divided into three equal groups
- Key finding: Lambs fed mealworms digested protein 24% better than control lambs, and showed similar growth rates while potentially costing less to raise
- What it means for you: If you raise sheep, mealworms could be a cheaper, more sustainable feed option that doesn’t hurt animal health. However, this is one small study, so more research is needed before widespread use
The Research Details
Scientists divided 18 young lambs into three groups. One group ate regular feed (the control), while the other two groups ate the same feed but with mealworm powder mixed in—one group got larvae powder and the other got whole insect powder. Each group received 1 gram of mealworm powder per kilogram of feed. The lambs ate this way for 120 days (about 4 months), and researchers weighed them every two weeks and tested their blood at the end.
The researchers measured how well the lambs grew, how efficiently they converted feed into body weight, and how well they digested different nutrients. They also checked blood markers like protein levels and glucose to see if the mealworms affected the lambs’ health. Finally, they calculated whether using mealworms saved money compared to regular feed.
This research approach is important because it tests mealworms in real farming conditions with actual animals over a long period. Rather than just looking at nutrients in a lab, the researchers watched how lambs actually performed and stayed healthy. This gives farmers practical information about whether mealworms could work as a real feed ingredient.
This study has some limitations to consider: it used only 18 lambs (a relatively small number), tested only one breed of sheep, and lasted only 4 months. The differences in growth weren’t statistically significant, meaning they could have happened by chance. However, the protein digestion improvement was statistically significant, and the study was conducted over a reasonable time period with careful measurements.
What the Results Show
Lambs that ate mealworms grew slightly more than control lambs, gaining about the same amount of weight daily. The mealworm groups didn’t show dramatically faster growth, but they didn’t grow slower either—the differences were too small to be certain they weren’t just due to chance.
The most important finding was about protein digestion. Lambs eating whole mealworm insects digested protein significantly better than control lambs—this difference was real and measurable (P = 0.024, meaning there’s only a 2.4% chance this happened randomly). Lambs eating mealworm larvae also showed improvements in digesting dry matter and organic matter (the solid parts of food).
Blood tests revealed interesting differences: control lambs had higher blood sugar and a protein called albumin, while mealworm-fed lambs had higher levels of globulin (another blood protein). These differences suggest the mealworms affected how the lambs’ bodies processed nutrients, though all values stayed within healthy ranges.
Economically, farmers would spend less money raising lambs on mealworm feed while getting similar growth, potentially improving their profit margins.
The lambs eating mealworms digested carbohydrates better than control lambs. Feed efficiency—how much feed it takes to gain one pound of weight—was similar across all groups, meaning mealworms didn’t waste feed or make it more efficient overall. The mealworm groups showed numerically higher economic returns and return on investment, though the study didn’t provide exact dollar amounts.
This study adds to growing research on using insects as sustainable animal feed. Previous research has shown insects can provide good nutrition for livestock, but most studies focus on chickens or fish. This research extends that knowledge to sheep, showing mealworms work as a feed ingredient for ruminants (animals that chew cud). The protein digestion improvement aligns with what scientists know about mealworms’ nutritional composition, though the modest growth effects suggest mealworms work best as a supplement rather than a complete feed replacement.
The study used only 18 lambs, which is a small number for drawing firm conclusions. It tested only one sheep breed (Ossimi), so results might differ for other breeds. The 120-day study period is relatively short for evaluating long-term effects. Growth differences weren’t statistically significant, meaning they could have occurred by chance. The study didn’t test different amounts of mealworms, so we don’t know if more or less would work better. Finally, the study was conducted in one location with specific conditions, so results might vary in different climates or farming systems.
The Bottom Line
Mealworms appear to be a safe feed ingredient for growing lambs with moderate confidence. The protein digestion improvement is real and measurable. However, don’t expect dramatic growth improvements—the main benefits are likely cost savings and sustainability. If you raise sheep, consider mealworms as a supplement (not a complete replacement) to traditional feed, especially if you can source them affordably. Start with small amounts and monitor your lambs’ health and growth.
Sheep farmers looking to reduce feed costs and improve sustainability should pay attention to this research. Environmental advocates interested in insect-based protein will find this encouraging. However, if you raise only a few backyard sheep, the cost savings might be minimal. Large-scale commercial operations would see the biggest economic benefit.
You wouldn’t see dramatic changes overnight. Based on this 120-day study, expect to see improved protein digestion within weeks, but growth improvements (if any) would develop gradually over months. Cost savings would depend on mealworm availability and pricing in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you feed mealworms to sheep instead of regular grain?
Mealworms work best as a supplement mixed into regular feed rather than a complete replacement. A 2026 study showed lambs eating mealworm-supplemented feed had similar growth to control lambs, suggesting mealworms complement traditional feed rather than replace it entirely.
Do mealworms make sheep grow faster?
Not significantly. A 2026 trial of 18 lambs found that mealworm-fed lambs gained weight at similar rates to control lambs over 120 days. The main benefit was improved protein digestion, not faster growth.
Are mealworms safe for sheep to eat?
Yes, according to research reviewed by Gram. A 2026 study found no negative health effects in lambs fed mealworms for 4 months. Blood tests showed normal health markers, though some values differed slightly from control lambs.
How much money could farmers save using mealworms?
The 2026 study showed numerically higher economic returns with mealworms but didn’t specify exact savings. Actual savings depend on mealworm availability and local feed prices in your area.
What’s the best way to add mealworms to sheep feed?
The 2026 research used 1 gram of mealworm powder per kilogram of feed mixed into regular rations. Both larvae and whole insect powder worked, though whole insects showed slightly better protein digestion results.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly weight gain in grams and monthly feed costs per lamb. Record any changes in coat quality, energy levels, or blood work results if available from your veterinarian.
- If using the app to manage a flock, set a reminder to weigh lambs every two weeks and log feed type and amount. Create a cost comparison between traditional feed and mealworm-supplemented feed to monitor savings.
- Over 4 months, track cumulative weight gain, total feed costs, and health indicators. Compare mealworm-fed lambs against control lambs in your own flock to see if results match the research.
This research is based on a single 120-day study with 18 lambs of one breed. Results may not apply to all sheep breeds, ages, or farming conditions. Before changing your sheep’s diet, consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist familiar with your specific operation. Mealworm availability and quality vary by region. This article is for informational purposes and should not replace professional agricultural or veterinary advice. Individual results may vary based on local conditions, mealworm sourcing, and animal management practices.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.