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Farmers are being asked for their views on the potential use of insect oil in calf milk replacers as part of a student research project.  

Final-year Veterinary Bioscience student Sophie Billingham, from Grantham in Lincolnshire, is using a short questionnaire to investigate farmers’ perceptions for the research.

The work is being carried out in collaboration with an industry partner that is keen to understand attitudes towards alternative protein and fat sources in youngstock nutrition. With sustainability and efficiency becoming increasingly important in agriculture, the findings could help inform future product development and on-farm decision-making. 

The project is open to a wide range of participants, including farm owners, farm workers, students who work on farms, and anyone with recent experience of rearing calves.  

By gathering responses from across the UK and Ireland, Sophie aims to build a broad picture of how the use of such oils is emerging and how they are viewed within the industry, including what informs farmers’ choices to buy milk replacer or use whole milk, as well as views on insect oil and if it’s a viable option within the consumer base. 

Sophie’s journey to Veterinary Bioscience began with a long-standing desire to work with animals – and our Veterinary Bioscience route felt like the perfect choice for her.

Her studies have allowed her to explore animal health, nutrition and wellbeing in depth, with her final-year project reflecting both her academic interests and a passion she has developed during her time at Harper Adams – working with cattle and understanding the specific needs of ruminants. 

Sophie said: “The only answer I was ever able to give when I was asked what do you want to do when you grow up was: ‘Work with animals.’ 

“This morphed into wanting to be a Vet and then realising that I wouldn’t make the best Vet. I realised I was more interested in working on animal health and wellbeing than treating them as a Vet.  

“From here I found the Vet Bioscience course route, which I felt suited me betterand covered most aspects of animal health, nutrition and fertility that I was personally interested in. 

“I have since discovered a love of cows and their specific ruminant needs, which is why my final project is focusing on the nutrition of calves.” 

Sophie hopes her research will contribute valuable insight into how innovative, sustainable ingredients may be received by the farming community in the years ahead. 

Farmers and those with experience of rearing calves are invited to anonymously take part in Sophie’s survey, which is open until approximately February 23.

You can fill in her survey here: