Traditionally, coconut oil—a reliable source of lauric acid—is used in CMR for its technical benefits. However, in the shift toward sustainable and locally-sourced alternatives, a standard palm and coconut oil composition may now be replaced by more eco-friendly options. A promising new fat source for CMR is insect oil, derived from the larvae of the black soldier fly. This insect oil, with 40-50% lauric acid and other MCFA, alongside a high percentage of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA), provides an ideal alternative for calf nutrition.
Through multiple feed trials (Trial Updates: V3-3F1, V3-082, V3-083, and V3-1F1), Schils has verified that a fat composition rich in insect oil can achieve equivalent technical results to a standard CMR fat blend. Additionally, using insect oil in CMR has multiple sustainability benefits, as it is locally produced in the EU, boasts lower CO₂ emissions, and requires less land and water than other fat sources. Insects efficiently convert green waste streams into high-quality oil, adding further value to this eco-friendly option.
The combined health benefits for calves and the sustainability advantages of a high-insect-oil fat composition have inspired Schils’ new Eurolac range: Eurolac iO. This range includes two new products: Eurolac Red, containing 50% skimmed milk powder, and Novilac Premium, which is based on high-quality whey powder. Both products feature premium raw materials and a sustainable fat source with 60% insect oil, complemented by rapeseed oil, delivering an ideal balance of nutrition and environmental responsibility.
