No Bug Left Behind: Developing Non-Destructive Methodologies for Phenotyping Insects

Livestock and aquaculture protein demand is increasing due to human population growth, yet current production depends on unsustainable soy and fishmeal imports. Insects-as-feed is a rapidly emerging market. It comprises of 55+ producers globally. Our market sizing calculations predict 300 production facilities worldwide by 2025, each with a capacity of 10,000 tonnes of insect protein/year selling at £700/tonne, giving revenues of £2.1B/yr.

This project will develop a non-destructive measuring approach to select a commercially relevant trait within black-soldier-fly larvae to improve Beta Bugs' existing genestock. We will do this in partnership with NPL's Agri-Tech team, who have experience of developing non-destructive methodologies for the agri-tech sector.

Livestock and aquaculture protein demand is increasing due to human population growth, yet current production depends on volatile and unsustainable soy and fishmeal imports. An alternative source of protein for livestock and aquaculture feed are insects, which are rapidly growing in importance globally. Today there are 55+ black-soldier-fly producers in the UK, Europe, the Americas and Asia. Market calculations predict 300 production facilities worldwide by 2025, with a capacity of 10,000 tonnes of insect protein/yr and £2.1B/yr revenue.

Black-soldier-fly producers are not able to compete with fishmeal, a key aqua-feed ingredient, on protein level. As a result, they have to compete with soy protein and soy-protein-concentrate on price point. By developing this non-destructive approach Beta Bugs will be able to improve its genestock, selecting for a trait that will improve the insect-meal quality. This will improve Beta Bugs' product offering, enabling it to capture significant market share of the rapidly growing "Insects-as-feed" sector.