Environmental Impacts from Energy and Non-Residue Feed Provision Prevent Black Soldier Fly Larvae from Being a Sustainable Alternative Protein Source

Abstract

Insect production is explored as a sustainable, alternative protein feed source.Life cycle assessment (LCA) was used to evaluate black soldier fly production on different diets under Belgian conditions. The diets included agro-residues such as Brussels sprouts stems, endive roots, and solid pig manure. The LCA assessed different diets, compared insect-based feed to soy- and fishmeal, and compared composting through insects with conventional treatments. Underlying LCA data is based on feeding experiments. To measure sensitivity, the effect of alternative energy sources and dietary components were tested.Non-residue insect feed and energy use contributed greatly to overall environmental impacts. Protein from insects has greater impacts than soy- or fishmeal. To outperform these conventional sources of protein feed, impacts from energy consumption need to be reduced. For Brussels sprouts stems and endive roots, conventional treatments outperformed composting through insects. Between industrial versus insect pig manure composting, results are inconclusive.

Keywords: Circular Economy, Hermetia illucens, insect composting, insect protein, LCA