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Alternative protein production
Published on 29 April 2021
Ireland
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About this good practice
Grubs™ is a super food for wild birds, fish and reptiles. Grubs for Hens™ is a live product that stimulates natural feeding in poultry. HEXAMEAL™ is a meal powder for the aquaculture and pet food industries. FRASS™ is manufactured from insect manure and is sold as a fertilizer which is particularly beneficial to crops which require high nitrogen content such as barley and potatoes. HEXAOIL™ is approved for use in the pharmaceutical industry as a base for skincare cosmetic products. Similar in composition to fish oil, Hexafly Insect Oil is suitable for the pet food, animal feed & food industries as it offers a highly beneficial combination of healthy fatty acids, unsaturated fats and other essential nutrients. Hexafly™ use waste streams from breweries & bakeries to grow larvae. Currently operating from a 15,000 sq2 unit, the insect farm is producing 1 ton of larvae per day. Each female fly produces approx. 600 eggs. In 1sqm of space, Hexafly™ can produce the equivalent protein of one yearling bullock every 2 weeks. Hexafly aims to move into commercialisation of insect protein for human consumption. EU approval is expected within months for use of insect protein in poultry and swine feed which will see the rapid expansion of the business.
The project focuses on:
1.Waste stream utilization.
2.Design & development of a sustainable insect farming process focusing on a reduction of GHG emissions & production of sustainable protein
3.Optimization of product streams.
The project focuses on:
1.Waste stream utilization.
2.Design & development of a sustainable insect farming process focusing on a reduction of GHG emissions & production of sustainable protein
3.Optimization of product streams.
Resources needed
1.Access to feedstock/substrate & an understanding of Black Soldier Fly Larvae diet to ensure the right nutritional outcomes of the end product.
2.Temperate and environmental control.
3.Quality sieving and separation technology.
4.Quality processing machines.
2.Temperate and environmental control.
3.Quality sieving and separation technology.
4.Quality processing machines.
Evidence of success
Waste stream utilization - Preliminary Results – Ongoing. Feed formulator formulae developed, optimum mix identified, additional food waste trials ongoing. Design/development of sustainable insect farming process with focus on reduction of GHG emissions & production of sustainable protein -Preliminary Result - Full functioning plant achieved production of Insect Meal, Oil & Frass. Co2 calculation outstanding. Optimization of product streams - Preliminary Result – Ongoing.
Potential for learning or transfer
Hexafly have developed Irelands first and only insect farm and seek to scale their production in 2022. Hexafly have developed key IP over the last 6 years. Potential for licensing throughout the EU and farther afield.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Donegal County Council
Ireland
Contact
Project Executive