Black soldier fly larvae farming: is insect protein the revolution the food industry needs?
22-09-2021
There are many reasons why we need to discuss black soldier fly larvae (often abbreviated as BSFL) farming as an alternative source of protein.
According to certain studies, food production will have to be increased by a whopping 70% by 2050 to feed every person on the planet. The need for protein consumption is ever-present in consumers, but by trying to meet that need, the current practices of the traditional meat industry result in a growing burden on the environment through excessive deforestation, water consumption, and a large carbon footprint.
In Celitron’s next article, we will discuss the benefits of black soldier fly larvae farming, as well as how to make the most out of their high protein content right at the site of your farm with our insect protein processing equipment!
Black soldier fly larvae farming: a sustainable source of protein
Black soldier fly larvae farming provides an answer to the common issues associated with the traditional meat industry in more ways than one.
1. You can get more protein from black soldier fly larvae with less feed
Thanks to their short life cycle (the larvae can already be harvested after 13 days),and their extremely high reproduction rate, you only need about 1.5 kgs of feed to get 1 kg of consumable BSFL. For poultry, a farm needs about 7 kgs of feed to reach the same results, and over 20 kgs of feed to get 1kg of consumable, clean beef meat. This is a way more optimal rate!
2. Black soldier fly larvae farming provides a sustainable source of feed for fish farms and livestock
Since the black soldier fly larvae themselves can be used as animal feed, they provide a perfectly sustainable solution to get fodder for fish farms and other livestock, instead of the large-scale deforestation caused by soy fields meant to feed cattle.
3. Black soldier fly larvae farming puts much less of a burden on the environment
BSF larvae require much less available space and clean water to thrive. This means that there does not need to be any big changes made to the land for black soldier fly larvae farming. Especially since the larvae prosper close to each other in high densities, as opposed to other farm animals that would agonize in the same circumstances. Not to mention that to produce 1 kg of consumable chicken meat, you would need more than 17 times the amount of water compared to black soldier fly larvae. In the case of beef, you would need almost 170 times more water!
4. Black soldier fly larvae protein: more meat without heavy environmental drawbacks
Taking into account their short life cycles and high reproduction rates, black soldier fly larvae can bring more meat to the table in 1 year than 3000 acres of cattle or 130 acres of soybeans, which also represent a much higher cost for the environment. Not to mention that the demand for organic, eco-conscious protein sources is already present. In the last 20 years, commercial black soldier fly larvae farming raised around 1 billion USD, and this number is expected to go as high as 30 billion USD by 2030!
5. Black soldier fly larvae farming as a zero-waste solution
Black soldier fly larvae are exceptional at converting waste into quality protein. They are far from being picky eaters and can eat almost all kinds of organic waste and by-products, including manure, compost, food waste, carrion (animal carcass remains),mold, and plant refuse. Their by-products can then be reused as fertilizer.
6. Black soldier fly larvae farming is easier and more cost-effective
The good news is that black soldier fly larvae farming and insect protein processing is not just good for the environment: it represents a profitable business opportunity for farmers. Compared to traditional livestock, BSFL farms can be set up much more easily, and raising the insects requires much less effort on your part. It is also easy to notice when it is time to harvest the larvae, as they will always look for another dark and dry place before the final stage of their life cycle. And of course, you can use almost any organic waste as feed, and you will not even need that much of it, making it way cheaper than caring for beef.
Black soldier fly larvae protein processing equipment by Celitron: farming and extraction made easy
To help make your black soldier fly farming operation profitable, Celitron has developed its own “agriprotein” technology in the form of onsite insect protein processing equipment, which will help you recover high-quality proteins and fat from the remains of edible insects like BSFL. It can easily be installed right at the site of your BSFL farm.
How does Celitron’s black soldier fly larvae protein extraction equipment work?
Our machine uses high-pressure and high-temperature steam (ranging between 121 and 134 degrees Celsius) to provide medical-grade sterilization. This not only ensures that the end product you get is guaranteed to be sterilized and free from foreign materials, but it also helps you keep the high protein content of the black soldier fly larvae, to make sure you don’t lose any of the nutritional value of these edible insects.
Our black soldier fly larvae protein processing equipment is also equipped with powerful shredding blades to render all by-products. Finally, by using a special dryer and separator you will be able to collect all of your end-products: a high-quality, dry protein powder used as fish feed or fodder for other farm animals. It can also be used as the basis for products for human consumption.
Apart from black soldier fly larvae protein, you will also be able to recover fats, insect oil used for biofuel, and the remains of the insects can be used as a fertilizer for nutrient-rich soil.
The whole process does not take more than an hour, and the machine operates with low energy consumption, without emitting any harmful substances or unpleasant odors, ensuring a cost-effective, practical, and green operation.
Our environment and consumers’ expectations are changing, and the food and agricultural industry will need to change too if we want to be able to tackle environmental and social issues that are already present. Black soldier fly larvae farming can provide protein-based products that do not cost the Earth: be sure to check out Celitron’s ISS AGRI Facility for insect protein processing on our website!