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For example, the case for conscious pain in insects may be challenged by the simplicity of their central nervous systems, including their brains, relative to mammals. Some have adopted an “argument by analogy” approach, supposing that the potential for suffering can be determined by looking for behaviors in insects that would suggest conscious pain in humans. There is considerable disagreement concerning the likelihood of sentience in insects and the appropriate methods for determining so. 10 This review will focus on evidence for sentience in farmed insects due to the fact they have not received this degree of attention and the vast numbers in which they are farmed. government policy under the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill. A recent report 9 that reviewed the evidence of sentience in cephalopod mollusks and decapod crustaceans resulted in such species being officially recognized as sentient in U.K. 8 Of relevance to farmed invertebrate welfare are subjective experiences of pain, suffering, and stress. Sentience can be defined as the capacity for both positive and negative subjective feelings and experiences. The scale of invertebrate farming motivates the consideration of these species’ sentience and capacity to suffer. 6 The farming of octopuses (a cephalopod mollusk) is less common-the world’s first commercial octopus farm is set to open in 2023. Other commonly farmed invertebrates include decapod crustaceans (e.g., crabs, lobsters, and shrimp), with an estimated 253–605 billion farmed a year as of 2017. 5 Insects account for the majority of farmed invertebrates. Despite the relative novelty of insect farming, an estimated 1–1.2 trillion insects (largely comprised of crickets, mealworms, and black soldier flies) are slaughtered, sold live, or pre-processed annually. Importanceįarming insects for nonhuman animal feed and human consumption has been increasingly studied as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional animal protein sources, 4 such as chickens, pigs, and fishes. In the face of insufficient evidence, we adhere to the precautionary principle on this topic, assuming sentience in farmed insects until evidence confirms otherwise. We believe that conducting further research into the sentience of commonly farmed insects could be an effective strategy for highlighting potential animal welfare concerns in a rapidly developing industry. However, the scale of insect farming is considerable. Our AssessmentĪt present, there is insufficient evidence to conclude the presence of sentience in farmed insects. 2 This is based on the idea that “when faced with such little research, we cannot assume that absence of evidence, is evidence of absence.” 3 Increased understanding of farmed insect sentience may rely on further research, which is theoretically and methodologically appropriate to address this question. Nevertheless, some have advocated for a “precautionary principle,” that unless farmed insects can be concluded not to be sentient, their welfare should be considered.
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Conclusions regarding farmed insect sentience remain even less clear. 1 Despite the growth of insect farming, there has been little research into farmed insect cognition. Cognition refers to mental processes including memory, learning, and problem solving, whereas sentience is the ability to have subjective feelings and experiences. The importance of welfare considerations for farmed animals can be affected by several factors. This piece was authored by a volunteer contributor, Nicholas Souter.