Given the rising demand for animal-based protein feed ingredients for livestock (fish and farm livestock production), insect-based protein has been discussed as an alternative ingredient for some time. All developmental stages of the Black soldier fly Hermetia illucens are suited to this use. The lipid and amino-acid profiles of feed meal produced from the flies’ prepupae are ideal for animal nutrition. In a comprehensive collaborative project between the industry, the farming sector and scientists, the mass production, processing techniques and product characteristics are being progressed from preliminary work and brought to industrial maturity.
The feed industry has a major interest in this type of sustainable product. Judging from up-to-date FAO figures, it can be estimated that the fish feed industry alone has a need for a five-to-six figure tonnage per year in Europe of such a fish meal substitute. However, the technology needed for the industrial production of such quantities in Europe is as yet less than rudimentary in its development.
The project’s techno-scientific objective is to develop practical targeted solutions for in-door applications for the mass production of the larvae, allowing for the utilization of synergies with existing enterprises (livestock and crop production, biogas, food industry).
Kommission für Technik und Innovation, Schweizer Detailhandel und Industrie
Coop Fond für Nachhaltigkeit
Projekt-Koordination/Leitung
www.fibl.org/de/schweiz/forschung/tiergesundheit/tiergesundheit-forschungsschwerpunkte.html
Beitrag in der Tagesschau vom 3.10.2012: www.videoportal.sf.tv
