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Sustainable Insect Production for Food, Feed and Technical Application
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Sustainable Insect Production for Food, Feed and Technical Application

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Agriculture".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 October 2020) | Viewed by 101089

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Lars-Henrik Heckmann

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
SKOV A/S Hedelund 4, Glyngoere, 7870 Roslev, Denmark
Interests: sustainability, environmental impact, ecology, entomology, food, feed, insect production, protein technology, regulatory affairs

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is intended to comprise a selection of papers from the fast-growing global insect industrial sector, aiming to provide sustainable food, feed, and technical products. The papers span the entire value chain from choice of resources as insect feeding substrate, and insect production, to product application. Sustainability and sustainable development cover environmental, social, and economic dimensions and require a multi-disciplinary approach to ensure a critical and holistic analysis and assessment, as will be reflected amongst the contributions. However, to provide a wider perspective of sustainability, albeit with an emphasis on insects, contributions in other areas such as animal welfare, governance, sustainability assessment, and policies, as well as sustainable management of land and biodiversity, will also be considered. Papers selected for this Special Issue will be subject to a rigorous peer review procedure with the aim of rapid and wide dissemination of research results, developments, and applications.

Dr. Lars-Henrik Heckmann
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Insect production
  • Feed and food production
  • Environmental sustainability
  • Economical sustainability
  • Social sustainability
  • Biodiversity
  • Animal welfare
  • Governance and sustainability
  • Sustainability assessment and policies.

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 2942 KiB  
Article
Industrial Symbiosis in Insect Production—A Sustainable Eco-Efficient and Circular Business Model
by Chloé Phan Van PhI, Maye Walraven, Marine Bézagu, Maxime Lefranc and Clément Ray
Sustainability 2020, 12(24), 10333; https://doi.org/10.3390/su122410333 - 10 Dec 2020
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 7568
Abstract
Insect meal (IM) is a source of high-quality protein for aquafeed while insect oil (IO) is a source of fatty acids used in monogastric feed with identical or better performance than premium fishmeal (FM) or vegetable oils (VOs) respectively. Although insects’ ability to [...] Read more.
Insect meal (IM) is a source of high-quality protein for aquafeed while insect oil (IO) is a source of fatty acids used in monogastric feed with identical or better performance than premium fishmeal (FM) or vegetable oils (VOs) respectively. Although insects’ ability to feed on agricultural by-products and the entire valorization of insect products (IM, IO, frass) suggest insect production is sustainable, no studies have documented its environmental impact using industrial-scale production data. The present study is the first attributional life cycle assessment (A-LCA) based on data from an industrial-scale facility implementing an innovative symbiosis production model. This A-LCA was used to (i) assess the environmental performance of the symbiosis model vs. a no-symbiosis model and (ii) compare the environmental impacts of IM and IO production vs. their respective alternatives. The results revealed that the symbiosis model introduces a meaningful change in terms of environmental footprint by reducing CO2 emissions by 80% and fossil resources depletion by 83% compared to the no-symbiosis model. The higher sustainability of the IM and IO produced using the symbiosis model was also demonstrated, as CO2 emissions were reduced by at least 55% and 83% when compared to the best FM and VOs alternatives, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Insect Production for Food, Feed and Technical Application)
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13 pages, 1551 KiB  
Article
Production and Optimization of Hermetia illucens (L.) Larvae Reared on Food Waste and Utilized as Feed Ingredient
by Anton Gligorescu, Christian Holst Fischer, Peter Foged Larsen, Jan Værum Nørgaard and Lars-Henrik Lau Heckman
Sustainability 2020, 12(23), 9864; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12239864 - 25 Nov 2020
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4881
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. [...] Read more.
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). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Insect Production for Food, Feed and Technical Application)
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11 pages, 289 KiB  
Article
Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal as a Fishmeal Substitute in Juvenile Dusky Kob Diets: Effect on Feed Utilization, Growth Performance, and Blood Parameters
by Molatelo Junior Madibana, Mulunda Mwanza, Brett Roderick Lewis, Chris Henri Fouché, Rashieda Toefy and Victor Mlambo
Sustainability 2020, 12(22), 9460; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12229460 - 13 Nov 2020
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2763
Abstract
Using black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFM) in place of fishmeal is an ingenious strategy for sustainable fish aquaculture. However, BSFM has not been evaluated for dusky kob (Argyrosomus japonicus), an economically important fish in South Africa. Therefore, this five-week study [...] Read more.
Using black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFM) in place of fishmeal is an ingenious strategy for sustainable fish aquaculture. However, BSFM has not been evaluated for dusky kob (Argyrosomus japonicus), an economically important fish in South Africa. Therefore, this five-week study investigated the effect of partially replacing fishmeal with BSFM on feed utilization, growth performance, and blood parameters of juvenile dusky kob in a recirculating aquaculture system. Four diets were formulated by replacing fishmeal in a commercial dusky kob diet with BSFM at the rate of 0 (BSFM0), 50 (BSFM50), 100 (BSFM100), and 200 g/kg (BSFM200). Fish length and weights were measured weekly, while blood analyses were performed at the end of Week 5. For fish length and weight gain, there were neither linear nor quadratic responses in Weeks 1–4, while quadratic trends (y = 14.77 (± 0.19)−0.11 (± 0.05)x + 0.01 (± 0.00) x2; R2 = 0.35 and y = 49.85 (± 1.53)−1.22 (± 0.39)x + 0.06 (± 0.02) x2; R2 = 0.47, respectively) were observed in Week 5 in response to BSFM levels. Quadratic effects (y = 1.75 (± 0.15) + 0.10 (± 0.04)x − 0.01 (± 0.00) x2; R2 = 0.39) were also observed for feed conversion ratio (FCR) in response to BSFM inclusion levels. Fish fed BSFM200 had a similar overall FCR and specific growth rate as those reared on BSFM0. All blood parameters fell within the normal range for the dusky kob. We concluded that 20% dietary replacement of fishmeal with BSFM does not compromise feed utilization and growth performance of juvenile dusky kob. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Insect Production for Food, Feed and Technical Application)
14 pages, 1813 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Fertilizer Value of Residues Obtained after Processing Household Organic Waste with Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens)
by Kiyonori Kawasaki, Toshiya Kawasaki, Hirofumi Hirayasu, Yoshiki Matsumoto and Yasuhiro Fujitani
Sustainability 2020, 12(12), 4920; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12124920 - 17 Jun 2020
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 5465
Abstract
The residue generated by the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, BSF) during the processing of organic waste is considered a suitable crop fertilizer. However, no detailed studies have investigated the fertilizer value of the residue obtained from processing household organic waste. [...] Read more.
The residue generated by the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, BSF) during the processing of organic waste is considered a suitable crop fertilizer. However, no detailed studies have investigated the fertilizer value of the residue obtained from processing household organic waste. In this study, experimental household organic waste (EHOW) was processed by BSF at 200 mg of EHOW per head for 15 days at 27 °C. To evaluate the fertilizer value of the obtained BSF larvae production residue (BSFR), the chemical composition and microbiota were analyzed, and Komatsuna (Brassica rapa var. perviridis) cultivation tests were conducted. BSFR results demonstrated higher ammonium nitrogen and lower nitrate nitrogen, and the highest above-ground dry matter weight of Komatsuna. Although the relative abundance of Escherichia was low, the relative abundance of Xanthomonadaceae, which contains a genus that causes disease in plants, was high. Therefore, the presence of plant pathogens in the BSFR microbiota should be considered. Finally, the effects of BSFR on the external environment requires more detailed investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Insect Production for Food, Feed and Technical Application)
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14 pages, 759 KiB  
Article
Nutrient Recapture from Insect Farm Waste: Bioconversion with Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)
by Costanza Jucker, Daniela Lupi, Christopher Douglas Moore, Maria Giovanna Leonardi and Sara Savoldelli
Sustainability 2020, 12(1), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12010362 - 02 Jan 2020
Cited by 49 | Viewed by 7003
Abstract
Hermetia illucens is an efficient bioconverter able to grow on various different organic materials, producing larvae, which are a good source of protein and fat with applications in the animal feed and biochemical industries. This fly’s capacity to reduce huge amounts of waste [...] Read more.
Hermetia illucens is an efficient bioconverter able to grow on various different organic materials, producing larvae, which are a good source of protein and fat with applications in the animal feed and biochemical industries. This fly’s capacity to reduce huge amounts of waste presents an interesting opportunity to establish a circular food economy. In this study, we assessed the suitability of using organic wastes from cricket and locust farming to rear H. illucens. Larvae developed until adult emergence on all the wastes, with a mean survival of over 94%. Cricket waste allowed faster development of heavier larvae than locust waste. Substrate reduction was particularly interesting on cricket waste (<72%), while locust waste was only reduced by 33%. The nutritional composition of the larvae reflected that of the growing substrates with a high protein and fat content. These results demonstrate the potential of using H. illucens to reduce and valorise waste generated when farming various insects through the production of a larval biomass for use as a protein meal in animal feeds or industrial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Insect Production for Food, Feed and Technical Application)
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10 pages, 216 KiB  
Article
A Nutritional Evaluation of Insect Meal as a Sustainable Protein Source for Jumbo Quails: Physiological and Meat Quality Responses
by Fezile G. T. Mbhele, Caven Mguvane Mnisi and Victor Mlambo
Sustainability 2019, 11(23), 6592; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11236592 - 22 Nov 2019
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3878
Abstract
The use of insect meals in place of soybean meal in diets is critical for sustainable intensification of poultry production, but the utility of this alternative dietary protein source is unknown for the Jumbo quail. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of partial [...] Read more.
The use of insect meals in place of soybean meal in diets is critical for sustainable intensification of poultry production, but the utility of this alternative dietary protein source is unknown for the Jumbo quail. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of partial substitution of soybean with black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal on feed intake, physiological, and meat quality parameters of Jumbo quails. Three hundred and fifteen mixed-gender quails (53.8 ± 5.19 g live-weight) were reared on five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic experimental diets formulated by replacing soybean products with BSFL meal at 0 (BSFL0), 25 (BSFL25), 50 (BSFL50), 75 (BSFL75), and 100 (BSFL100) g/kg. Feed intake, body weight gain, gain-to-feed ratio (G:F), blood parameters, and carcass and meat quality traits were determined. Quadratic trends were observed for overall feed intake (y = 605 (±17.56) + 2.1 (±0.82)x − 0.02 (±0.008)x2; R2 = 0.20; p = 0.023) and overall body weight gain (y = 155 (±4.70) + 0.57 (±0.22)x − 0.005 (±0.002)x2; R2 = 0.22; p = 0.026) in response to BSFL levels. However, there were neither linear nor quadratic trends for meat quality and blood parameters, except for albumin-to-globulin ratio. Only gizzard size linearly increased (y = 0.05 (±0.004)x + 2.3 (±0.09); R2 = 0.18; p = 0.04) with BSFL levels. We concluded that BSFL meal could replace soybean products in Jumbo quail diets at 54 g/kg without compromising weight gain and meat quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Insect Production for Food, Feed and Technical Application)

Review

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23 pages, 965 KiB  
Review
Waste Management through Composting: Challenges and Potentials
by Modupe Stella Ayilara, Oluwaseyi Samuel Olanrewaju, Olubukola Oluranti Babalola and Olu Odeyemi
Sustainability 2020, 12(11), 4456; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12114456 - 30 May 2020
Cited by 358 | Viewed by 68409
Abstract
Composting is the controlled conversion of degradable organic products and wastes into stable products with the aid of microorganisms. Composting is a long-used technology, though it has some shortcomings that have reduced its extensive usage and efficiency. The shortcomings include pathogen detection, low [...] Read more.
Composting is the controlled conversion of degradable organic products and wastes into stable products with the aid of microorganisms. Composting is a long-used technology, though it has some shortcomings that have reduced its extensive usage and efficiency. The shortcomings include pathogen detection, low nutrient status, long duration of composting, long mineralization duration, and odor production. These challenges have publicized the use of chemical fertilizers produced through the Haber–Bosch process as an alternative to compost over time. Chemical fertilizers make nutrients readily available to plants, but their disadvantages outweigh their advantages. For example, chemical fertilizers contribute to greenhouse effects, environmental pollution, death of soil organisms and marine inhabitants, ozone layer depletion, and human diseases. These have resulted in farmers reverting to the application of composts as a means of restoring soil fertility. Composting is a fundamental process in agriculture and helps in the recycling of farm wastes. The long duration of composting is a challenge; this is due to the presence of materials that take a longer time to compost, especially during co-composting. This review discusses the proper management of wastes through composting, different composting methods, the factors affecting composting, long-duration composting, the mechanism behind it, the present trends in composting and prospects. The extraction of mono-fertilizers from compost, development of strips to test for the availability of heavy metals and pathogens as well as an odor-trapping technique can go a long way in enhancing composting techniques. The addition of activators to raw materials can help to improve the nutritional quality of compost. This review further recommends that degradable organic material in which composts slowly should be assessed for their ability to mineralize slowly, which could make them advantageous to perennial or biennial crops. Viricides, fungicides, anti-nematodes, and anti-bacterial of plant or organic sources could as well be added to improve compost quality. The enhancement of composting duration will also be useful. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Insect Production for Food, Feed and Technical Application)
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