Production and Optimization of Hermetia illucens (L.) Larvae Reared on Food Waste and Utilized as Feed Ingredient

Anton Gligorescu, Christian Holst Fischer, Peter Foged Larsen, Jan Værum Nørgaard and Lars-Henrik Lau Heckman
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Anton Gligorescu: Division of Environmental Technology, Danish Technological Institute, Kongsvang Alle 29, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark
Christian Holst Fischer: Division of Environmental Technology, Danish Technological Institute, Kongsvang Alle 29, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark
Peter Foged Larsen: HedeDanmark A/S, Klostermarken 12, DK-8800 Viborg, Denmark
Jan Værum Nørgaard: Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Blichers Allé 20, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark
Lars-Henrik Lau Heckman: Division of Environmental Technology, Danish Technological Institute, Kongsvang Alle 29, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 23, 1-13

Abstract: The feed sector requires new sustainable sources of protein, and at the same time better waste management practices are required to decrease and upcycle post-consumers’ food waste (catering and organic household waste), which is currently used for energy production or discharged as waste. The production of Hermetia illucens larvae (L.) (BSFL) was conducted in 15 batches at pilot scale. Furthermore, a feeding strategy experiment was conducted to optimize feedings and decrease handling, followed by a digestibility study for assessing the applicability of BSFL as a feed ingredient. About 190 kg of food waste was used to produce 79 kg of BSFL. The bioconversion of food waste into BSFL was found to be highly efficient, with feed conversion rate (FCR) values ranging between 1.7 and 3.6, when assessed on dry matter. The feeding experiment showed similar BSFL and insect frass production as well as similar FCR, revealing that a decrease in handling can be obtained if two feeding episodes are used. The digestibility of protein and fat was high at 86.2 and 90.4% and revealed that BSFL meal can be successfully used as a protein and fat source in feed for carnivore animals outside the food chain (e.g., pet food).

Keywords: food waste; insects; circular economy; sustainability; pilot production; feed application; upcycling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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