The feed industry is a global, multibillion-dollar industry that plays a pivotal role in both human and animal nutrition. The increasing global demand for food, particularly meat and the pressing responsibility of enacting sustainable food production techniques, ignited the race to search for alternate protein solutions. The dilemma of reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) and aspiring to form a circular economy, has spurred the development of insects as a protein source in animal and fish feed. Insects are being investigated as a key alternative food source for a number of reasons. Relative to traditional methods, insect-based protein sources release less GHGE, consume less water and land, and have a higher feed conversion efficiency. Additionally, insects can feed on organic substrate thus converting waste to animal feed which supports sustainable food production.
The career fellowship track enabled selected participants to work with host organizations to research and contribute in contemporary environmental matters. Host organization, BioLoop aims to feed Malaysia sustainably and affordably by using black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) based solutions. BioLoop’s industrial scale facilities have the potential to produce 15 tonnes of insect protein and 150 tonnes of organic fertilizer. BioLoop was driven to innovative BSFL solutions as an alternative animal feed from traditional feeds like soy which has high land usage or fishmeal which relies on intensive fishing. These solutions involved insects converting organic waste like animal manure, municipal organic waste and food waste into valuable biomass rich in fat and protein. Fortunately, BSFL cannot transmit parasites or diseases when used in feed, despite feeding on waste or spoiled feed.
The career fellows that worked with BioLoop were Erin Canto, Nguyen Phuong Linh and Chuck Chuan Ng. They worked under the guidance of their mentor, Amirul Merican, co-founder and COO of BioLoop. The career fellows worked diligently to make meaningful contributions to the project, Erin researched the feasibility of BSFL as fishmeal in aquaculture species, Nguyen investigated the application of BSFL larvae in pet food products and Chuck explored the feasibility of BSFL frass (nutrient-rich excrement) as biofertilizer in conventional agricultural farming in certain Malaysian regions. Throughout their fellowship they’ve found important findings in feasibility of BSFL solutions and its market success.
BSFL has huge potential to replace fishmeal although more laboratory research is required. It was also found that they have a holistic high quality nutrition profile which offers a more sustainable and natural option for pet owners who choose to reduce reliance on pelleted pet food. However, accepting market attitudes towards BSFL-based animal feed demand more effort, time and education. They also learned that penetrating the market calls for engaging local communities, reaching out small-scale farmers, pet shop owners and veterinarians and using collective efforts to advance their scalable circular economy business model.
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