Sweden trials mycoprotein feed to replace soy in poultry diets

SWEDEN – Swedish researchers are testing a mycoprotein-based feed for laying hens that could replace imported soy, reduce the climate impact of egg production and advance circular protein use in animal nutrition. 

The initiative, led by Axfoundation in collaboration with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, brings together researchers, farmers, and feed producers to evaluate a soy-free diet derived from food industry byproducts.

Feed accounts for up to 80% of the climate impact in Swedish egg production, with imported soy remaining a dominant protein source. 

The project, part of the broader “Feed of the Future” programme, aims to reduce reliance on imported raw materials while improving sustainability and resource efficiency across livestock systems. 

Eggs produced under the trial are expected to be made available for a limited period in Stockholm, offering an early commercial test of consumer acceptance.

“We have already proven that fish can be raised on feed containing Swedish circular proteins derived from forestry, marine, and food industry side streams. Now we are taking the next step and demonstrating that the same approach works for laying hens,” said Christian Sjöland, project manager at Axfoundation.

The mycoprotein used in the feed is produced by Seaqure Labs through dry fermentation, converting food industry by-products into high-quality protein. 

According to the company, the process requires significantly less land and delivers a lower carbon footprint than conventional soy production, while supporting the development of a domestic protein supply chain.

“The mycoprotein is a high-quality protein with good nutritional value and digestibility. We are now evaluating its effects on animal health and performance, and it has strong potential as a domestically produced protein source,” said Emma Ivarsson, senior lecturer in animal nutrition at SLU.

The feed formulation has been developed by Svenska Foder in collaboration with partners across the value chain. 

Trials are currently underway at the Swedish Livestock Research Center, where performance and health outcomes are being assessed. 

Early sensory evaluations indicate that eggs produced using the feed match the taste and quality of conventional eggs.

“Developing soy-free feed for laying hens aligns with our ambition to continuously evaluate new raw materials that can strengthen Swedish feed production,” said Lotta Waldenstedt, product manager for poultry at Svenska Foder.

The project also evaluates other alternative proteins, including insects and farmed mussels, for different livestock species, all based on the principle of converting underutilised resources into feed ingredients.

Alternative proteins beyond Europe

The development reflects a broader global shift away from imported soy toward alternative protein sources in feed. 

In the Middle East and Africa, similar challenges around feed costs and import dependence are driving interest in locally produced alternatives. 

Soybean meal remains a key imported ingredient across many African markets, exposing producers to price volatility and supply disruptions.

In response, several initiatives are emerging.

In South Africa, insect protein production using Black Soldier Fly larvae is being scaled for use in poultry and aquaculture feeds, while in Kenya and Nigeria, pilot projects are exploring the use of agricultural by-products and insect meal to replace soy in livestock diets partially. 

These efforts aim to reduce feed costs, which can account for up to 60–70% of production expenses in poultry systems across the region.

At the same time, global feed companies are investing in alternative proteins, including fermentation-derived ingredients and algae-based feeds, to improve sustainability and supply chain resilience. 

While mycoprotein remains at an early stage of adoption in livestock feed, successful trials such as the Swedish project could accelerate commercial uptake, particularly in regions seeking to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen local feed production capacity.

As feed remains the single largest cost and environmental driver in animal production, innovations that deliver both nutritional performance and sustainability gains are likely to play a central role in shaping the future of the global feed industry.

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