According to Celitron, there are many reasons why BSFL (short for black soldier fly larvae) are the next step in sustainable farming. Read on to find out more about the environmental and nutritional benefits of this increasingly popular edible insect!
1. BSF Larvae Farming Represents An Excellent Alternative Protein Source
Black soldier fly larvae farming is an opportunity to provide humans and animals alike with an organic protein source that has a much lower impact on the environment.
Since one larva consists of about 43% of protein (which is a lot more than most traditional sources of protein), meat-eaters and athletes can still have a diet with a high-protein intake. What’s more, thanks to high-tech insect protein processing equipment, these BSF larvae can be rendered into a dry powder necessary to make flour and provide the basis for many protein-based meals (no need to eat the insects whole), right at the site of the farm.
They are also rich in calcium and essential amino acids and can be used as either pet food, or animal feed for farm animals. The reason they are packed with so much energy is that as larvae, BSF eat about twice their own body weight each day!
2. BSF Larvae Farming is Much More Sustainable Compared to Traditional Farm Animals
BSF larvae farming is a low-input and high-output activity. They need much less space, water, and fodder to be grown efficiently, and as such, do not require any mass scale deforestation or changes to the land. Their protein and fat content can be extracted with sustainable insect processing equipment that emits no harmful substances whatsoever. This means that both BSF larvae farming and the protein extraction process of these insects is perfectly environmentally friendly: lower emissions for quality protein.
BSF larvae farming also produces zero waste. Black soldier flies are extremely adept at decomposing whatever organic material you give them as fodder, and their by-products are digested as a perfectly inert substance. You can even use their remains as a fertilizer, making them an even more attractive option for those working in the agricultural industry.
3. BSF Larvae Farming Can Be Much Cheaper and Easier Compared to Livestock
Thanks to their high reproduction rate, short life cycles, and their ability to eat twice their weight every single day, BSF larvae farming can be much more practical compared to traditional livestock.
Setting up the farm itself is relatively easy, as the larvae need much less space to themselves, and they need a lot less feed to produce an edible meat source. You would need about 10 kgs of animal feed to produce one kg of beef, but you only need 1.5 kgs of fodder to produce the same amount of meat with BSF larvae farming!
Coupled with the fact that black soldier fly larvae are not picky eaters, and can decompose organic waste used as fodder (like food waste, manure, compost, and more), feeding them is also a lot cheaper!
