BLACK SOLDIER FLY FARMING

Welcome to our blog on the amazing and often overlooked black soldier fly! These tiny insects may not be the most glamorous, but they are actually incredibly important for a variety of industries and have numerous benefits for the environment, agriculture, and food security. In this blog, we will delve into the world of black soldier fly farming, exploring how these insects are raised, what they are used for, and the many ways in which they can help to create a more sustainable future. So if you're interested in learning more about this fascinating and important topic, keep reading!

Black soldier fly farming: An overview

Black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens) are small, non-pest species of flies that are native to the Americas. In recent years, they have gained attention as a sustainable source of protein for animals and a way to reduce organic waste. Black soldier fly farming involves raising the flies in controlled environments, using organic materials such as food waste and manure as feed.

Benefits of black soldier fly farming

Black soldier fly farming has a number of benefits for the environment, agriculture, and food security. Some of the key advantages include:

• Sustainable protein source: Black soldier flies can be used as a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources such as fishmeal or soybeans in animal feed. This can help to reduce the environmental impact of animal agriculture and improve food security.

• Reduction of organic waste: Black soldier fly farming can help to reduce the amount of organic waste that is sent to landfills, where it can release methane and other greenhouse gases. By using food waste and manure as feed for the flies, black soldier fly farming can help to divert this material from landfills and create a closed-loop system.

• Soil improvement: The manure produced by black soldier flies can be used as a natural fertilizer, helping to improve soil health and increase crop yields.

• Versatility: Black soldier flies can be used in a variety of applications, including animal feed, composting, and bioremediation. This makes them a versatile and valuable resource for a range of industries.

Black soldier fly farming: Potential challenges

Despite its many benefits, black soldier fly farming is not without its challenges. Some of the potential issues that may arise include:

• Scale: Black soldier fly farming is still a relatively new industry, and there are currently few large-scale operations. This can make it difficult for farmers to access the resources and knowledge they need to set up and operate their own farms.

• Regulation: Black soldier fly farming is regulated by different agencies in different countries, and there may be specific requirements that farmers must meet in order to operate their farms.

• Public perception: Some people may be hesitant to consume products made from black soldier flies, due to a lack of awareness or a perceived "yuck factor." This can be a challenge for farmers and entrepreneurs looking to sell black soldier fly-derived products.

Black soldier fly farming has the potential to be a valuable and sustainable resource for a variety of industries. By providing a sustainable source of protein, reducing organic waste, and improving soil health, black soldier flies can help to create a more environmentally and economically sustainable future. However, there are also challenges that must be overcome in order to fully realize the potential of this exciting and innovative industry

In conclusion, black soldier fly farming is an innovative and sustainable approach to addressing a range of environmental, agricultural, and food security challenges. By providing a sustainable source of protein, reducing organic waste, and improving soil health, black soldier flies can help to create a more environmentally and economically sustainable future. However, there are also challenges that must be overcome in order to fully realize the potential of this exciting industry.

As more people become aware of the benefits of black soldier fly farming, it is likely that this industry will continue to grow and expand. If you are interested in learning more about black soldier fly farming or getting involved in this exciting field, there are a number of resources available online. You can also consider supporting companies and organizations that are working to promote the use of black soldier flies in a variety of applications. Together, we can help to create a more sustainable and secure future for all.

Black Soldier Fly farming is presently the most widespread form of insect farming in the world. The Black Soldier Fly is ideally suited for food production due to its rapid production cycle and high concentration of protein. The high percentage of protein in the larvae makes them an ideal source of food for a wide variety of animals.

Black Soldier Fly larvae farming

During the breeding phase, also referred to as the hatchery phase, the eggs deposited by adult Black Soldier Flies are placed in vertically racked containers filled with compost consisting of residual waste streams such as organic food waste. Under completely controlled climate conditions, the eggs hatch very quickly into tiny Black Soldier Fly larvae.

During the production phase, temperature, humidity, and food supply are carefully controlled and optimised for growth of the larvae, which reach their maximum body mass in only 6 days. During this period, the larvae rapidly consume nutrients from the organic waste in order to prepare themselves for the following stage of their life as an adult fly.

When they are ready to be harvested, the larvae consist for 40% to 65% of protein and other essential nutrients for humans and animals. The dried insects are then processed to provide an insect meal that is ready for distribution and further processing.

Advantages of rearing Black sodier fly (hermetia illucens)

Hermetia illucens, also known as the black soldier fly, is a type of insect that is often used in sustainable waste management and animal feed production. Some potential advantages of rearing Hermetia illucens include:

1. Efficient waste management: Hermetia illucens are voracious feeders and can quickly break down a wide variety of organic waste, including food waste, animal manure, and plant materials. This can help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and improve overall waste management.

2. Sustainable animal feed: Hermetia illucens are rich in protein and other nutrients, making them a potential source of sustainable animal feed. In addition, the larvae can be fed on organic waste, reducing the need for conventional feed sources.

3. Environmental benefits: In addition to their role in waste management and animal feed production, Hermetia illucens can also provide environmental benefits. For example, the larvae are known to attract predatory insects, which can help control pests in agricultural settings.

4. Economic benefits: Rearing Hermetia illucens can also have economic benefits, as the larvae can be sold as animal feed or as a source of organic fertilizer. In addition, the waste management and environmental benefits of the insects can help save money and improve the sustainability of agricultural operations.

Overall, there are several potential advantages to rearing Hermetia illucens, including efficient waste management, sustainable animal feed production, environmental benefits, and economic benefits.

BSF IN A NUTSHELL

The Black Solider Fly (Hermetia illucens) is native to tropical and sub-tropical ecological zones. It is a multi-beneficial fly that is considered a non-pest. The adult black soldier fly does not have mouth parts, does not feed on waste, does not bite and is not a pathogen vector. Its presence makes breeding areas undesirable to house flies.

The BSF is a weak flier that mates in flight; the females deposit egg masses (about 500 egs) near the edges of decaying organic matter. Eggs incubate from four days to three weeks before hatching. Hatched larvae are off-white in color and measure just under 2mm in length. BSF larvae are voracious feeders that grow to between 3mm to 25.4mm in length. They gradually darken to a reddish-brown color through six instars.

BSF larvae scavenge and thrive on decomposing organic matter. They have large, powerful chewing mouth parts used to shred and devour waste. The larvae digest organic compounds before they decompose, in the process significantly eliminating odour. The BSF larvae's digestive system leaves behind a fraction of the orginal weight and volume of waste.

BSF larvae are non-pest larvae that convert manure and organic waste into feedstuff with 42% protein, 35% fat, and calcium content. The larvae are dry, friable, and odorless, and can be ground up and fed to poultry, fish, and livestock.

BSF larvae's eating style discourages the development of pest flies. BSF populations churn manure making it liquid and less suitable for egg-laying and actual development of pest fly larvae, substantially reducing their numbers.

BSF - the Game Changer

BSF flies and larvae produce nutrient-rich organic compust, protein-rich food sources/ additives (for both human and animal feeds), and essential-oil rich by products (dead BSF flies and dried larvae) while sustainably eliminating organic waste

MAINSTREAMING BSF

The Black Soldier Fly is a miracle insect that takes what we throw away (organic waste) and converts it into what we need (organic fertilizer, high nutrient value feed). But this alone is not guarantee enough to mainstream and promote BSF Production.

We require a system-wide effort to mainstream BSF production while continuously improving and building capacity within the BSF value chain to ensure all stakeholders on both the demand and supply side realize and enjoy maximum value. To this end, Protein Masters uses a Total Quality Management (TQM) model (see below).

Our TQM process constantly tracks our project performance and outcomes providing us with measurable benchmarks and milestones for continuous improvement.

QUOTE

To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.

Winston Churchill