Hermetia illucens larva: protein substrate for animal feed

The why our proposal? The proposal is based on. (1) The need for the proper management (recycling and use) of organic waste. (2) The need to produce feed for animal nutrition with a lower ecological footprint, high rates of growth and reproduction, high levels of protein, fat, and minerals; and (3) The global demand for protein for animal feed sustainability as a replacement of traditional protein sources (fish and soybean meal among others) for new protein sources. The FAO estimates that 80% of agriculture is dedicated to the production of protein for animal consumption. The Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly) is a crop insect that provides the opportunity to produce animal feed, fuels, organic fertilizers, and nutrient-rich biobased products with the simultaneous management of organic waste. Insects are part of the natural diet of many species of fish, birds and humans. The breeding of Hermetia illucens in the pilot plant shows high feed conversion efficiency, low consumption of resources (food, water, space, energy), low emission of greenhouse gases, reduced space for their breeding and production. Adiotionally, the larvae can feed on various organic waste (food waste, fresh fruits, and vegetables or in the process of being divided, solid waste from animals or the benefit of food animals). What do we want to develop? The mass use of Hermetia illucens as a tool to: (1) Provide a nutritious food source. (2) Mitigate the environmental impact in the production of traditional sources of protein. (3) Provide development generation tools for vulnerable communities, mainly agricultural. The breeding of guinea pigs and trout is due to the need for protein sources for human consumption. Its meat is characterized by its high protein and low fat level, containing essential amino acids and essential fatty acids. The guinea pig is a native species to the high Andean area of Peru and therefore represents an important food product for the food security of the rural population and others with low resources. Reasons that encourage further research: we can mention :(1). Global Food Security: Increased demand for protein for both animal and human consumption. (2). Competitive nutritional values with other sources of protein in animal feed. (3). Responsible buyers willing to pay for nutritious and responsibly sourced food in production. (4). Promotion of circular economy using reduction of agro-exports. (5). Environmental benefits over other protein sources based on organic waste management and (6). Versatility of presentation and use from live and whole larvae to meals, for animal or human consumption.

本提案的核心理由如下：本提案基于以下三项核心需求：(1) 有机废弃物规范化管理（回收与资源化利用）的需求；(2) 开发生态足迹更低、生长繁殖速率快、蛋白质、脂肪与矿物质含量高的动物营养用饲料的需求；(3) 全球动物饲料蛋白可持续供应的需求，即开发新型蛋白源以替代传统蛋白源（如鱼粉、豆粕等）。
粮农组织（FAO）估计，全球80%的农业生产用于生产供动物食用的蛋白质。黑水虻（Hermetia illucens，black soldier fly）是一种可用于开发动物饲料、燃料、有机肥料及富含营养的生物基产品的饲用昆虫，同时可实现有机废弃物的资源化处理。昆虫本身便是众多鱼类、鸟类及人类的天然饮食组成部分。
试点工厂中的黑水虻养殖展现出优异的饲料转化率，资源（食物、水、空间、能源）消耗低，温室气体排放量少，养殖与生产所需空间大幅缩减。此外，其幼虫可摄食多种有机废弃物（包括餐厨垃圾、新鲜果蔬及其加工副产物、动物源固体废弃物或食用动物的生产废弃物）。
本项目拟实现的目标为：大规模推广黑水虻的应用，以达成以下三项任务：(1) 提供高营养的食物来源；(2) 缓解传统蛋白源生产过程中的环境压力；(3) 为脆弱群体（主要为农业从业者）提供可持续的发展赋能工具。
开展豚鼠与鳟鱼养殖的初衷，是为了开发供人类食用的蛋白源。二者的肉类均具备高蛋白、低脂肪的特点，且含有人体必需的氨基酸与脂肪酸。豚鼠是秘鲁安第斯高海拔区域的原产物种，因此对于农村人口及低收入群体的粮食安全而言，豚鼠是一项至关重要的食品来源。
推动进一步研究的核心动因包括：(1) 全球粮食安全：供动物与人类食用的蛋白需求持续增长；(2) 在动物饲料领域，其营养价值可与其他蛋白源相媲美；(3) 涌现出一批愿意为营养充足且生产过程合规的食品支付溢价的负责任采购方；(4) 通过减少农业出口环节推动循环经济发展；(5) 相较于其他蛋白源，基于有机废弃物管理的黑水虻养殖具备显著的环境效益；(6) 应用场景广泛：可从鲜活完整幼虫加工为可供动物或人类食用的虫粉等多种形态。