Transporting Tenebrio molitor Eggs: The Effect of Temperature, Humidity and Time on the Hatch Rate

David Deruytter (), Carl L. Coudron and Jonas Claeys
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David Deruytter: Insect Research Centre, Inagro, Ieperseweg 87, 8800 Rumbeke-Beitem, Belgium
Carl L. Coudron: Insect Research Centre, Inagro, Ieperseweg 87, 8800 Rumbeke-Beitem, Belgium
Jonas Claeys: Insect Research Centre, Inagro, Ieperseweg 87, 8800 Rumbeke-Beitem, Belgium

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 7, 1-7

Abstract: Insect farming can be an important tool in the realization of a more sustainable future. With a growing insect industry, animal transportation between and within farms is expected to increase. For Tenebrio molitor , using eggs may be convenient as it eliminates the risk of cannibalism, food shortages and has a low risk of asphyxiation. However, there are at least three important variables during regular transport: time, temperature and relative humidity. For each one, as well as their interactions, there is a need to assess the effect on the hatch rate and establish lower and upper boundaries at which a good hatch rate of the eggs is possible. In this study, a total of 20 temperature/RH combinations were assessed (between 5–40 °C and 40–80% RH), with an exposure time ranging between 1 and 6 days for each combination. The results indicated that between 15 and 30 °C no negative effects were observed at any of the assessed RH or exposure times. Higher temperatures did result in a lower hatch rate; no eggs hatched at 40 °C, even after one day. Lower temperatures of 5 and 10 °C can be endured without pronounced adverse effects but only for a limited time (resp. 1 or 2 days). Including relative humidity in the model did improve the overall fit, but the effect is limited (compared to temperature or exposure time) with a slightly better hatch rate in dryer conditions at the extreme temperatures.

Keywords: Tenebrio; temperature; humidity; transport (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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