We used grain-based feed, partly consisting of bread waste, and a well-controlled bioreactor-based rearing process to cultivate black soldier fly larvae. A controlled feeding scheme (fed-bach) together with effective ventilation and moisture level control guaranteed steady growth and minimized larval mortality.
It is clear that every feed requires optimization of the bioprocess. For example, salt accumulation was observed when using bread-based feed. A unique feature of the EntoReactor is its ability to wash the larvae in the bioreactor during the run to remove growth-inhibiting compounds or microbes that are harmful to the bioprocess.
We were able to achieve 501 kg of fresh larvae in a 1.9 m3 reactor space using a non-optimized baseline protocol. We can conclude that
- Good yield is possible even with a process that has not been fully optimized, because the process conditions can be guided back to optimal with the wash-in-drum procedure.
- When the protocol is fully optimized (feed moisture content, rolling speed, length of rolling periods and pauses), the yield can be substantially higher.
For more detailed information about EntoReactor2CM or the high yield bioprocess make a request for a video conference.
