Overview of Technology
Method for reducing variability in insect performance through the use of gut microbe-mediated dietary intervention, enhancing growth consistency and optimizing resource utilization in mass-reared insects.
Background
Mass-reared insects, such as black soldier flies, face challenges related to variability in weight and growth, which can impact product quality and economic viability. Nutritional inconsistencies and processing inefficiencies contribute to unpredictable yields and suboptimal resource utilization, leading to negative economic impacts.
Description of Technology
This innovation involves isolating a specific microbe from the gut of black soldier fly larvae, which was enriched on a carbohydrate:protein ratio diet. The isolated microbe, Klebsiella aerogenes, is added to the larvae's feedstock, resulting in higher and more consistent weights compared to larvae not receiving the microbial amendment. This method addresses the variability in weight observed in mass-reared insects, providing a more stable growth profile.
Benefits
- Reduction in weight variability
- Improved growth rates
- Enhanced resource utilization
- Potential for consistent product quality
- Economic benefits for large-scale insect producers.
Applications
- Large-scale insect farming
- Animal feed production
- Waste management
- Other industries utilizing mass-reared insects.
Opportunity
Companies involved in insect farming and feed production could benefit from adopting this microbial amendment technology to enhance growth consistency and optimize production efficiency.