JP2023529271A - Insect rearing method and system - Google Patents

Abstract

This disclosure describes methods and systems for rearing insects. In the methods and systems, edible insects, particularly crickets, can be reared in rearing containers. The container includes a rearing matrix formed from a long sheet of ductile material folded into multiple overlapping layers on a rack. The layers form a plurality of overlapping depending loops. The sheet is perforated with a pattern of cuts through the sheet.

Description

The present invention relates to rearing edible insects, and more particularly to rearing crickets in rearing containers.

Although the eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults of certain insects have been eaten by humans from prehistoric times to the present day, the breeding of these insects for commercial consumption, at least on a large scale, is relatively new. That is. The breeding process still generally relies heavily on manual labor. For example, feed and water supplies may still be done manually. In addition, the rearing environment may be adjusted manually for each harvest. For example, insect habitats may be manually assembled from egg cartons as new insects are born. A less labor intensive but costlier approach is to utilize bottle dividers (cardboard matrices that hold multiple bottles) as a habitat. A low-tech approach can still be considered a viable option, at least if manual labor is more affordable. However, as the demand for insect products increases, the competitiveness of the breeding process becomes more and more important. At the same time, laws and regulations related to insect farming are in place, setting additional constraints and quality standards for farming. These points set new requirements for improving the breeding process.

As the industry develops, more automated approaches to rearing are becoming available. Scaling these approaches to large scale is not without problems. For example, it can be very difficult to maintain an adequate level of hygiene in an automated large scale breeding process. Poor hygiene can increase the risk of bacterial, fungal, or viral contamination of the final product (insects used as food and feed) or rearing equipment. Moreover, in current large-scale rearing systems, monitoring and controlling unwanted insect species and pests can be a difficult task. Furthermore, suboptimal environmental parameters can lead to increased insect population mortality or increased insect cannibalism. Addressing these challenges may require costly technical implementations. Therefore, it may be difficult to economically realize large-scale breeding.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a method and system for implementing the method so as to mitigate the above drawbacks. The object of the present disclosure is achieved by a method and system characterized by what is stated in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the disclosure are disclosed in the dependent claims.

In the rearing system according to the present disclosure, edible insects, particularly crickets, can be reared in rearing containers or containers. Preferably, the container comprises a rearing matrix formed from long sheets of ductile material folded into a plurality of overlapping layers on a rack. The layers form a plurality of overlapping depending loops. The sheet is perforated with a pattern of cuts through the sheet.

Such rearing matrices have several desirable characteristics for insects. For example, it provides mobility and plenty of hiding places. The structure of the rearing matrix facilitates access to the feed as the supplied feed moves throughout the structure. The rearing matrix sheet can be made of very inexpensive materials such as cardboard. Additionally, the rearing matrix sheet may be extracted from the rearing container as one continuous sheet or ribbon. This facilitates automation of harvesting. The rearing matrices and rearing containers may be used with automatic feeding systems that control the amount and/or rate of feed supplied. An automatic feeding system can control the feed supply depending on the estimated size and age of the insect population and/or the temperature at which the insects are reared. Water consumption by an insect population can be used to estimate population size, and that estimate may be used by automatic feeding. In this way, the feeding process can be controlled with less human intervention and the risk of wasting feed through overfeeding is reduced.

In the following paragraphs, the invention will be explained in more detail by way of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 4 shows a simplified example of a rearing matrix according to the present disclosure; FIG. 4 shows a simplified example of a rearing matrix according to the present disclosure; FIG. 4 shows a simplified example of a rearing matrix according to the present disclosure; FIG. 4 shows a simplified example of a rearing matrix according to the present disclosure; FIG. 4 shows a simplified example of a rearing matrix according to the present disclosure; FIG. 2 shows an example of an insect-gathering arrangement according to the present disclosure; 1 illustrates an example insect collection arrangement according to the present disclosure; FIG. 1 illustrates an example insect collection arrangement according to the present disclosure; FIG. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an isolated arrangement according to the present disclosure; FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an isolated arrangement according to the present disclosure; FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an isolated arrangement according to the present disclosure; 1 is an exemplary block diagram of a rearing system with automatic feeding according to the present disclosure; FIG. A Simplified Flowchart of a Method According to the Present Disclosure

This disclosure describes a rearing system for rearing edible insects. Arthropods such as beetles, termites, ants and crickets and their various life stages are examples of edible insects. A wide variety of insects, including crickets, locusts, beetles and honey moths, are also used as pet food and fish food around the world. Crickets are of particular importance as a source of nutrition for human consumption due to their protein content. Among the hundreds of species of crickets, the domestic cricket (Acheta domesticus) is one of the most commonly used species for food. In many parts of the world, crickets are eaten dried, roasted or seasoned. Crickets are also bred for animal feed for pets and agricultural livestock.

Insects usually require manual feeding (by distribution of fresh feed or dry granular food that can utilize resources derived from food industry by-products), watering, handling, harvesting, washing, and assistance with reproduction. . A system according to the present disclosure can be used to provide all these aspects.

The system is particularly suitable for rearing incompletely metamorphosed crawling insects of the order Orthoptera (crickets, katydids, grasshoppers, etc.) and crickets (cockroaches, etc.). Although this disclosure discusses the rearing system primarily in relation to crickets, the system can also be used to rear other insects. Crickets are preferably housed in relatively hot (approximately 30° C.) mobile or stationary breeding containers or areas to provide a sheltered habitat structure. A rearing system according to the present disclosure is scalable to industrial scale. The system can accommodate small scale breeding (eg, 0.1-1 m ³ units) to large scale breeding (eg, 10-100 m ³ units). In the context of the present disclosure, a breeding unit may be a mobile or stationary breeding container or breeding area/space.

A rearing system according to the present disclosure preferably includes a rearing container. The size and shape of such containers may vary depending on the application. Preferably, the container is essentially box-shaped (rectangular parallelepiped) or has at least a rectangular top surface. Thus, a rearing matrix sheet according to the present disclosure can be folded into a rearing matrix that fits neatly within a rearing container. The internal volume of the container may range, for example, from 0.1 to 100 m ³ . Preferably, the volume ranges from 0.5 to 1 m ³ . With volumes in this range, automation of rearing becomes easier. Furthermore, if the volume is within this range, the breeding scale can be easily adjusted by adding a new container. The length, width and height of the container may be, for example, 0.25-5 m. In the context of this disclosure, the "height" of a container is parallel to the direction of gravity in use for the rearing container, and the "width" and "length" are perpendicular to the "height." The dimensions "width" and "length" are perpendicular to each other and define a horizontal plane. The rearing container may be an open container or a closed container. The material of the rearing container has characteristics such that it is non-toxic to insects yet can withstand insect stings without breaking or fraying. Preferably, the material is easy to disinfect. The breeding container may be, for example, a plastic box with a detachable lid.

In the rearing system according to the present disclosure, the rearing container includes a rearing matrix that acts as a habitat structure with an insect shelter. In the context of this disclosure, the term "habitat structure" refers to a structure configured to act as a habitat for a population of edible insects. Insects settle and grow in this habitat structure. The shape and structure of habitat structures can greatly affect the function of rearing systems.

Accordingly, an aspect of a breeding system is a breeding matrix according to the present disclosure. In the following paragraphs, the breeding matrix will be described with reference to FIGS. 1a-1e, which show various exemplary features of the breeding matrix. In the context of this disclosure, a rearing matrix is a habitat structure comprising at least a rearing matrix sheet and a rearing matrix rack. The rack may be, for example, a horizontal ladder-like structure. The rearing matrix sheet is intended to form a habitat surface for rearing insects, and the rearing matrix rack is intended to support the rearing matrix sheet. Figures 1a and 1b show simplified examples of rearing matrices according to the present disclosure. A perspective view of a rearing container 14 is shown in FIG. 1a. The two sides facing the front of container 14 are shown to be transparent. The container 14 has a rearing matrix comprising two rearing matrix sheets 10 next to each other arranged in two stacks 15 on spokes of a rearing matrix rack 12 . Throughout the drawings of this disclosure, where the same element appears more than once in a drawing, only one element will be referenced. FIG. 1b is a simplified cross-sectional view of a rearing matrix according to the present disclosure. 1a and 1b, a rearing matrix sheet 10 is placed on spokes 12 of a rearing matrix rack. Sheet 10 and rack together form a rearing matrix. The rearing matrix may, for example, be placed inside the rearing container 14 . A rearing matrix rack may include a plurality of spokes arranged in a row. In one embodiment, the spokes are aligned in a horizontal plane. 1a and 1b, five rounded spokes 12 are shown. They are aligned vertically in a horizontal plane. The spokes 12 extend in the width direction (ie, the direction parallel to the direction W in FIG. 1a and the viewing direction in FIG. 1b). The rearing matrix sheet (or sheets) 10 may also be folded into multiple layers on the rearing matrix rack to form multiple overlapping, depending folds, thereby forming the rearing matrix. In FIG. 1b, the rearing matrix sheet 10 is folded into six layers 102 over the spokes 12 of the rearing matrix rack. Portions 104 of layer 102 between spokes 12 are arranged to form depending pleats 106 . The depending pleats 106 may be arranged to have different lengths. The upper pendulous pleats may be shorter than the lower pendulous pleats. In this way, gaps are formed between the depending layers 106, as also shown in FIG. 1b. This provides versatility in the construction of the rearing matrix and expands the size of the habitat that the rearing matrix forms. The folding of the rearing matrix sheet 10 may be configured such that it can be extracted from the rearing container 14 as a single continuous elongated sheet or ribbon. For example, as shown in FIG. 1b, the sheet 10 is reciprocated from a first end 140 of the container 14 to a second end 142 of the container 14 such that the end pleats 108 are alternately formed at the ends 140 and 142 . and placed on the spokes 12 on the rack.

In Figures 1a and 1b, the spokes 12 of the rearing matrix rack are arranged at regular intervals with respect to the horizontal plane. However, other configurations are possible in a rearing matrix according to the present disclosure, so long as the configuration allows the rearing matrix sheet to be folded into overlapping pleats over the spokes. For example, the spokes may be spaced differently and/or at different heights. Also, the number of spokes may vary depending on the size and folding configuration of the rearing container. A rearing matrix rack can be adapted to support a single rearing matrix sheet or multiple rearing matrix sheets in parallel on the spokes of the rack. Although two separate rearing matrix sheets are shown in FIG. 1a, one rearing matrix sheet may be substituted. For example, long rearing matrix sheets may be arranged in multiple stacks of hanging pleats on a rearing matrix rack. In FIG. 1a, two stacks 15 may be formed from a single breeding matrix sheet. Alternatively, the rearing matrix may be folded into alternating layers that only partially overlap each other such that the spread stack formed by the alternating layers completely or mostly covers the spokes of the rearing matrix sheet. For example, in FIG. 1a, the rearing matrix sheets are arranged in partially overlapping staggered layers to cover the entire width W of the rearing container 14, even though the rearing matrix sheet itself has a width less than the width W of the rearing container 13. may

The spokes preferably have a smooth surface to minimize the risk of tearing the rearing matrix sheet when removed for harvesting. Alternatively, or in addition, the spokes may be in the form of rolls that rotate freely when the rearing matrix is removed. In some embodiments, the rearing matrix rack is a separate structure insertable inside the rearing container. Alternatively, the rearing matrix rack may be integrated into the inner wall of the rearing container. The width of the rearing matrix sheet and rearing matrix rack can be selected based on the width of the interior space of the rearing container. The width may be, for example, 40-150 cm. Preferably the width is between 60 and 100 cm.

A rearing matrix sheet according to the present disclosure may be in the form of an elongated sheet having a pattern of cuts through the sheet such that the sheet forms a lattice-like structure. Incisions may be formed to provide insect access through the rearing matrix sheet. 1c-1d show exemplary details of a rearing matrix sheet according to the present disclosure. In FIG. 1c a top view of part of the rearing matrix sheet 10 is shown. The sheet 10 is provided with a plurality of cuts 101 passing through the sheet 10 from one surface to the opposite surface. In the context of rearing matrix sheets, the term "elongated" may mean that the sheet is rectangular whose length is significantly greater than its width, e.g., the length of the sheet is at least three times the width of the sheet. , preferably at least 10-fold. The length L of the rearing matrix sheet 10 is the dimension along the direction along which the rearing matrix sheet 10 is pulled when the rearing matrix sheet 10 is collected in an insect harvest. The width W of the rearing matrix sheet is the dimension perpendicular to the length L. The length and width extend along planes parallel to the two sides of sheet 10 . The thickness of sheet 10 is perpendicular to length L and width W.

As noted above, a breeding matrix sheet according to the present disclosure may include a pattern of incisions extending through the sheet. FIG. 1c shows one preferred pattern of cuts. In FIG. 1c, the incision 101 is a linear incision along the length L of the rearing matrix sheet 10 so as to ensure sufficient tensile strength of the matrix sheet 10 along the length L. In FIG. The structure of the incisions 101 may form, for example, a regular grid pattern. FIG. 1c shows a preferred example of a suitable cut pattern. In FIG. 1c, the cuts 101 are arranged in a pattern of pairs of parallel cuts in alternating rows. The distance between a pair of cuts may be in the range of 5-15 mm, for example. The pattern of FIG. 1c allows for one preferred variation of the otherwise flat surface topology of the two sides of the rearing matrix sheet 10. FIG. FIG. 1d shows a perspective view of this variant. For simplicity, the rearing matrix sheet is visualized as a thin sheet in FIG. 1d. In FIG. 1d, a pair of cuts define bridges 16 to sheet 10. In FIG. The bridges may be in the form of straight strips separated from the remainder from the sheet 10 at their central portion 161 but connected to the sheet by their ends 162 . The bridges form openings to the rearing matrix sheet 10 . These openings allow insect access through the rearing matrix 10 .

The material and/or surface structure of the rearing matrix sheet is ductile to facilitate folding of the rearing matrix sheet into multiple overlapping pleats. Furthermore, if the material of the breeding matrix sheet is ductile, it can be easily deformed into the shape shown in Figure Id. The sheet may be rectangular with its length considerably greater than its width. The rearing matrix sheet may be formed of cardboard, for example. The corrugated board may include layers having small corrugations across the width. FIG. 1e shows a simplified vertical cross-section when the rearing matrix sheet 18 is made of cardboard. The breeding matrix sheet structure of FIG. 1e can be used, for example, in the embodiments of FIGS. 1a-1d. In FIG. 1 e , the corrugated rearing matrix sheet 18 includes a corrugated middle layer 181 and flat outer layers 182 on either side of the middle layer 181 . Intermediate layer 181 forms waves that extend along the length of sheet 18 . Correspondingly, each corrugation of the corrugated board (ie, each of the wave crests and troughs) extends along the width of the breeding matrix sheet 18 . The ridge size may be, for example, several millimeters (3-8 mm) in the thickness direction of the sheet 18 . Small ridges on the surface of the cardboard provide additional shelter for small insects (eg pinhead stage cricket larvae). Corrugated rearing matrix sheets are very inexpensive and easy to dispose of after use. The cardboard surface allows insects to climb. Furthermore, due to the orientation of the ridges of the intermediate layer 181 of FIG. 1e, the rearing matrix 18 is much more ductile along its length than along its width. As a result, the rearing matrix sheet 18 can be easily folded onto the spokes of the rearing matrix rack. At the same time, sheet 18 is at least semi-rigid along its width, thereby facilitating its deployment and removal. Also shown in FIG. 1e are two larger corrugated structures 183 of the rearing matrix sheet 18. FIG. The wavy structures 183 may be in the form of bridges as described in connection with Figure Id. A pattern of cuts can also be machined into a sheet of cardboard. Long rearing matrix sheets made of cardboard can be rolled along their length or folded into bundles and stored prior to use.

The example of FIG. 1e shows one embodiment of a rearing matrix sheet according to the present disclosure. However, the rearing matrix sheet can have other types of structures and can be made of different materials. For example, a breeding matrix sheet may be formed from cardboard having a corrugated layer and a flat outer layer on only one side of the corrugated layer. Alternatively, the rearing matrix may be formed by a single flat cardboard layer. Additionally, materials other than cardboard can be used. For example, polymer-based materials can also be used for breeding matrix sheets.

Rearing matrices according to the present disclosure offer many advantages. For example, rearing matrices can be assembled very quickly. A rearing matrix sheet can be spread over a rearing matrix rack in minutes (eg, egg pack-based habitat preparation takes more time). Additionally, insects can be harvested very quickly if the rearing matrix sheet is in the form of a single continuous sheet. The rearing matrix approach according to the present disclosure is also very inexpensive and hygienic even in small scale rearing systems.

Rearing matrices according to the present disclosure also have many desirable characteristics for insects, such as ease of movement, hiding, and feeding. At least when the insects to be reared are crickets, it is desirable that they are mobile. Pinhead stage cricket larvae can be 100 times smaller than harvestable crickets. Cricket larvae can easily get lost or become stranded in their habitat. Thus, an easily accessible rearing matrix according to the present disclosure improves the survival rate of cricket larvae. Making hideouts easier to find may reduce cannibalism and size variation. For example, when a cricket sheds its exoskeleton, it must find shelter because the new exoskeleton is so soft for several hours after the old exoskeleton is shed. Crickets with soft exoskeletons are at increased risk of being victims of cannibalism in other crickets. A matrix according to the present disclosure provides shelter for insects of various sizes. Also, depending on the cricket's location in the matrix (close to heat source, close to feed, etc.), different microclimates can be imparted to the cricket. The rearing matrix can also be configured so that gravity or insect movement causes food to traverse downward through incisions in the overlapping layers of the rearing matrix sheet. Thus, the feed provided is distributed over a wider area within the feeding matrix. As a result, feed becomes more useful to insects. In addition, it becomes more difficult to control the feed supply by the dominant insect population, resulting in more uniform insect sizes at harvest.

The exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1a-1e are but one example of suitable structures, cut patterns, and materials. However, other structures, cut patterns, and materials can also be used in rearing matrices according to the present disclosure. Also, although the above examples describe a rearing matrix formed primarily of rearing matrix racks, rearing matrices according to the present disclosure can be formed without rearing matrix racks. A rearing matrix sheet according to the present disclosure may be folded into a rearing matrix, eg, at the bottom of a rearing container. The rearing matrix may be free of hanging folds. Although pendent pleats have the advantage of providing versatility in the construction of rearing matrices according to the present disclosure, rearing matrices can be formed without them. Rearing matrices without hanging folds have their own advantages. Without drooping folds, the density of the rearing matrix may be higher. Openings and crevices may be smaller than rearing matrices with drooping folds, and thus may be suitable for small and/or larval insects. In some applications, insect larvae are first reared in pendulous, non-folded rearing matrices and, when they reach a certain average size, are transferred to a different rearing matrix (e.g., pendent, pleated rearing matrices). good too.

Another aspect of rearing systems according to the present disclosure is ease of harvesting. Accordingly, this disclosure describes a sweeper device that can be used to remove insects from the rearing matrix of a rearing container. The present disclosure also describes insect-gathering arrangements for rearing containers. 2a-2c are diagrams illustrating exemplary features of sweeper device 22 and insect collecting arrangement 24 according to the present disclosure. 2a is an exemplary perspective view of the sweeper device and insect collecting arrangement, and FIG. 2b is a simplified longitudinal cross-section of sweeper 22 and insect collecting arrangement 24. FIG. 2c is a perspective view showing details of the insect collecting arrangement 24. FIG.

A sweeper apparatus according to the present disclosure may include at least two opposing rotating sweeper rolls having a plurality of flexible elongated members (eg, bristles, flaps, wings) extending from the surfaces of the rolls. 2a and 2b show an embodiment in which the sweeper device 22 includes two sweeper rolls 221. FIG. Note that the sweeper device 22 may be attached to a detachable lid 222, for example. Lid 222 may be configured to fit over a rearing container according to the present disclosure to facilitate harvesting. Thus, a sweeper device can also be attached to the rearing container. 2a and 2b, sweeper device 22 is attached to rearing container 14 according to the present disclosure. 2a and 2b, each roll 223 comprises two wings 223 arranged on opposite sides of the roll 221. In FIG. The sweeper rolls 221 have narrow slots 224 between each other. The sweeper device 22 is configured to receive a rearing matrix sheet through the slot to pass between the sweeper rolls. FIG. 2b shows the rearing matrix sheet 10 passing through roll 221. FIG. Sweeper rolls 221 are configured to keep and/or remove insects from the rearing matrix sheet while the rearing matrix sheet is transported between the sweeper rolls. For example, the roll 221 may be configured to hit and rock the sheet 10 with wings 223 (or other elongated members) to scare away insects, and/or the roll may sweep away from the sheet 10 by a sweeper motion due to its rotation. It may be configured to brush off insects. Insects cannot pass through the sweeper roll 221 and fall to the bottom of the rearing container. Rotation of the sweeper roll 221 may be driven by, for example, an electric motor assembly. An electric motor assembly (not shown in FIGS. 2a-2c) may be attached to lid 222, for example.

As shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the sweeper device 22 may further comprise a frame 225 having support spokes 226 on the sweeper roll 221. As shown in FIGS. In Figures 2a and 2b the frame is made of transparent plastic. The central axis of the support spokes 226 may be aligned parallel to the axis of the sweeper roll 221 so that the tensile force pulling the rearing matrix sheet 10 upward through the sweeper roll 221 is shifted from the upward tensile force to the horizontal direction. The support spokes may be placed over the gaps between the sweeper rolls to change the tension. In this way, it is easier for a person to pull the rearing matrix sheet. Alternatively, or in addition, the sweeping operation may continue automatically when the first end of the rearing matrix sheet 10 is fed into the sweeper device. In some embodiments, the sweeper device may include a traction device (such as a nip roller) to stably pull the entire rearing matrix sheet from the rack as a single continuous ribbon. In this way insects can be harvested quickly in a reliable manner. Additionally, insects can be removed from the rearing matrix sheet with less dust (eg, compared to shaking the sheet to remove the insects).

As noted above, the breeding container may also include an insect collection arrangement according to the present disclosure. One primary function of the insect collection arrangement is to improve the ease of collecting insects from the bottom of the rearing container during and after clearing of the rearing matrix sheet. As such, the insect collection arrangement may include at least one suction inlet. In this context, the suction port is the entry point through which insects may be sucked out of the container into the suction line from the container. Figures 2a-2c illustrate an example of an insect collection arrangement according to the present disclosure. In Figures 2a-2c, a removable insect collecting arrangement 24 is arranged on the inner wall of the rearing container 14. Figs. FIG. 2a shows in dashed lines the portion of the insect collecting arrangement 24 that extends below the lid 22. FIG.

The insect collection arrangement 24 in FIGS. 2a-2c is a unit that includes two parts, a mouthpiece 242 and a dark cover 244. As shown in FIG. Inlet 242 (or inlet, depending on the embodiment) may be located near the bottom of container 14 for easy access by insects. For example, the center of the suction port 242 may be arranged on the inner wall of the breeding container 14 at a height of 15 cm or less from the bottom surface of the container 14 . The mouthpiece 242 may be at least partially covered with a dark colored cover 244 to give insects the impression that the mouthpiece 242 is a safe haven. 2a-2c, cover 244 is secured to inlet 242 and has an L-shaped profile. Therefore, the cover 244 functions as a stand for the unit formed by the inlet 242 and the cover 244, and the side wall of the container 14 allows the unit to be easily positioned on the bottom surface of the breeding container 14 without the unit falling over. . For example, when the sweeper device 22 is used to scare and/or force insects away from the rearing matrix 10, the insects instinctively seek shelter. The dark colored cover 244 gives the vicinity of the inlet 242 such a sheltered appearance that insects will flock to it and enter the inlet. When an insect enters (or gets close enough to) entrance 242, the suction force draws the insect into the suction line.

The insect collection arrangement 24 described in Figures 2a-2c may be adapted to be a detachable unit for use only during harvest. In this way, the insect collecting arrangement 24 may be inserted into the rearing container that is to be harvested next. Therefore, only one device at a time is required for suction (no need for a more complex network of suction lines). As shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the lid 222 of the sweeper device 22 may be provided with slots to allow simultaneous use of the sweeper device and the insect collecting arrangement 24 during harvesting.

Since only live insects actively move toward the suction port, the above-described embodiment acts effectively as a means for collecting insects and also as the first step in separating life and death of insects. There are advantages. Separation of live and dead insects is generally important, at least if the insects are intended for human consumption. The detachable embodiment of the insect collecting arrangement shown in Figures 2a-2c is only one possible implementation. Alternatively, the inlet (with cover) may be integrated into the inner wall of the rearing container.

Breeding systems according to the present disclosure may further include separate arrangements. The separation arrangement may comprise a separation space in which the at least one suction line sucks the insects, and a separation surface below the separation space. A separation space is used to separate the insects from the airflow of the suction line. Insects fall from the separation space onto the separation surface below. Figures 3a-3c show a simplified example of an isolation arrangement. In Figure 3a, two chambers 32, 34 are arranged on top of each other. Both chambers 32, 34 have a conical cross-section, thereby forming two downward funnels stacked on top of each other. These funnels may be, for example, circular funnels or rectangular funnels. In Figure 3a, the insect paths are indicated by dashed arrows.

The upper chamber 32 acts as a separation space in the form of a cyclone chamber that separates insects from the incoming airflow. The upper chamber has an insect inlet 322 and a suction outlet 324 at the top of chamber 32 and an insect outlet 326 at the bottom of chamber 32 . A suction inlet 324 is connected to a machine that produces suction, thereby reducing the air pressure in the upper chamber 32 . In some embodiments, the machine may be, for example, a vacuum cleaner.

A reduction in air pressure inside the upper chamber 32 creates a suction to the insect inlet 322 . Insect inlet 322 may be connected to a rearing container according to the present disclosure. For example, insect inlet 322 may be connected to a rearing container according to Figures 2a-2c. The suction draws the insects out of the rearing container and carries them towards the upper chamber 32 by the air current. Suction and airflow can be selected such that when an insect enters the upper chamber 32, it falls downward (assisted by gravity) and is separated from the airflow. At the same time, light objects such as dust and other small debris may be sucked into inlet 324 . Due to the conical cross-section of the upper chamber 32 , insects slide into the insect outlet 326 of the upper chamber 32 . The inner wall of the upper chamber may be processed or treated to make it difficult for insects to adhere to the wall.

An insect outlet 326 in the upper chamber 32 is configured to communicate with the lower chamber 34 . Lower chamber 34 acts as an isolation chamber. The lower chamber contains a separation surface in the form of a separation tray 36 onto which insects fall from the insect outlet of the upper chamber 32 . Lower chamber 34 also includes an outlet 344 . The lower chamber 34 and separation tray 36 are separated by gravity assisted separation tray 36 of insects and residual debris (such as leftover feed and/or insect frass) sucked from the bottom of the rearing container into the suction line. may be configured to drop into the Separation tray 36 is configured to allow live crickets to descend therefrom and drop into outlet 344 . In FIG. 3a, the tray 36 includes a planar structure 361 in the center of the tray 36 and tubular structures 362 on either side of the planar structure 361 in the periphery of the tray 36. In FIG. An inner portion 364 on the top side of tubular structure 362 may be configured or treated to allow insects to climb, while an outer portion 366 on the top side of tubular structure 362 has a slippery outer portion to prevent insects from escaping therefrom. It may be configured or treated to fall. The instinct for shelter and the proximity of other insects falling on the tray 36 drives the live insects out of the tray 36, leaving only dead insects on the tray 36. - 特許庁Additionally, the separation tray 36 may be configured so that potential debris passes through a shifter grid and falls into a reservoir where it remains. This provides a second stage of separation. In Figure 3a, the planar structure may be a sift, under which a reservoir 368 is placed. FIG. 3b is a perspective view of the tray 36 in the lower chamber 34 (with the front side of the chamber cut away). In FIG. 3b, two tubular structures 362 are on either side of the sieve 361. In FIG. On its upper surface, both tubular structures have an inner portion 364 that insects can climb and an outer portion that is slippery for insects. Also shown in FIG. 3b is a reservoir 368 through which debris falls through the screen 361. FIG. In some embodiments, the entire separation tray (with reservoirs) can be removed from the lower chamber and washed. Also, the sieve may be removable from the tray. For example, a horizontal slit may be provided in the lower chamber from which the flat screen can be removed and reinstalled. In this manner, tray 36 can be cleaned without removing the entire tray. The outlet 344 of the lower chamber 34 may lead to a unit for freezing insects and/or other units for further processing of the insects. Although FIG. 3b shows a rectangular conical shaped separation chamber, the separation arrangement of chambers according to the present disclosure is not limited to such a shape. For example, in some embodiments the chamber may have a conical shape. In some embodiments, instead of a reservoir, the lower chamber may include a second conical shape forming another funnel inside the funnel shape of the lower chamber. FIG. 3 c shows an embodiment in which the funnel-shaped lower chamber 35 includes a second inner funnel 378 positioned directly below the separation tray 37 . Debris that passes through screen 371 of separation tray 37 falls into the mouth of inner funnel 378 . The inner funnel 378 can direct debris that falls through the screen to, for example, a larger reservoir. Similar to the embodiment of Figure 3a, insects can climb over the tubular structure 372 of the separation tray 37 of Figure 3c. Once over tubular structure 372 , it falls into outlet 354 surrounding inner funnel 378 .

The structure and characteristics of the rearing environment, as well as the amount of feed and water, greatly affect the growth rate of insect populations reared in the environment. If the insects are not supplied with sufficient food, the insect population cannot grow at an optimal rate. At the same time, oversupply of feed may lead to feed waste and hygiene problems. Therefore, it is preferable to control the amount of feed available in the feeding container based on actual feed consumption. Accordingly, yet another aspect of a rearing system according to the present disclosure is automatic feeding. To this end, a rearing system according to the present disclosure includes a liquid dispenser configured to supply liquid to insects within a rearing container and an automated feed dispenser configured to supply feed to insects within the rearing container. may further include: The system may also include a control system configured to control the automatic feed dispenser. The amount of feed (or feed rate) may be controlled depending on the estimated size of the insect population in the rearing container.

Estimation of insect population size can be made, for example, based on historical data collected. A model of the insect population (of the growth cycle) at different stages of development may be created and the control system adapted to adapt the amount and/or rate of feed supplied to the insects based on this model. good too. Water consumption may be used to provide reliable feedback on insect population size. Accordingly, the system may further include a sensor for detecting liquid consumption from the liquid dispenser, and the control system is configured to control the amount of feed dispensed based on the detected liquid consumption. may FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustratively showing a breeding system with automatic feeding according to the present disclosure; In FIG. 4, a rearing system includes a rearing container 42 according to the present disclosure (eg, as shown in FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b), a water dispenser 44 that supplies water to the insects within the container 42, and a a feed dispenser 46 for dispensing feed. The water dispenser 44 includes a sensor 441 that measures the consumption of water supplied by the water dispenser 44 . The feed dispenser 46 includes a regulating unit 462 (eg, an electronic control valve) that controls the size and/or rate of discharge of the feed portion in response to control signals. The rearing system further comprises a controller 48 that receives measurement data from sensors 441 as input. The controller 48 may then determine the proper amount/rate of feed to be supplied based on the measured data and generate a control signal to control the adjustment unit 862 based on the determined appropriate amount/rate of feed. good.

Appropriate amounts can be determined in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the detected liquid consumption may be used in conjunction with models of insect populations in creating an accurate estimate of the current size of the insect population. Based on this estimate, the amount of feed supplied (or feed rate) may be adjusted. In some embodiments, the system may also utilize other data sets such as temperature measurements and/or ventilation to estimate insect population size. Alternatively, in some embodiments, feed amount and/or feed rate may simply be adapted directly based on detected water consumption. Water consumption and/or estimated population may be used for monitoring purposes. For example, if water consumption or population estimates suddenly drop or deviate from expectations, an alarm can be issued to alert personnel to the problem.

Two exemplary embodiments of a rearing system according to the present disclosure are presented below. In a first embodiment, the rearing environment is in the form of an open-climate rearing container. The expression "open-climate rearing container" is intended to be understood as a rearing container that does not have its own independently controllable climate. The container may be similar or similar to that shown, for example, in Figures 1a and 1b. A plurality of containers may be arranged in rows. Feed may be supplied to the rearing container (or containers) manually or by, for example, a moving dispenser robot. Water may be supplied by a central watering system, or each rearing container may be provided with its own independently controllable water dispenser. In the latter case, water dispensers could be equipped with water consumption sensors to provide feedback on insect population size. This feedback can be used to adjust the feeding and/or monitor the progress of the breeding process, for example as described above in connection with automatic feeding. Since the rearing containers are open climate containers, the climate within each rearing container changes with the surrounding climate. In order to optimize climatic parameters for optimal rearing, rearing containers may be located in climate-controlled facilities. Such an approach may be preferable if manual labor is more affordable and/or if it makes economic sense to place the rearing container/container in a climate-controlled facility.

In a second embodiment of a rearing system according to the present disclosure, closed-climate rearing containers are used. In this context, the expression “enclosed climate rearing container” is intended to be understood as a rearing container with its own independently controllable climate. To that end, the internal volume of the rearing container is sealed from the surrounding climate (eg with a lid). The rearing system may include at least one rearing container having a rearing matrix. The rearing container and rearing matrix may, for example, be similar or similar to those described in the first embodiment (and FIGS. 1a and 1b). The breeding container is equipped with an automatic feed dispenser and a water dispenser. Preferably, the breeding system includes a plurality of such breeding containers.

The rearing container in the second embodiment may be provided with a climate control arrangement for controlling at least one climatic parameter (such as temperature and/or humidity) inside the rearing container. Climate control may include ventilation inlets and ventilation outlets in the walls of the rearing container. The climate control may also include a heater inside the container to warm the air entering the rearing container outside the container. The rearing system in the second embodiment can be configured such that each rearing container is a separate stand-alone unit. The rearing container may be configured in a compact, stackable form, and the machinery required to maintain the rearing process may be optimized for the intended population size within the container.

Since each rearing vessel contains all the machinery to maintain the rearing process within the container, the number of rearing vessels used can be easily reduced or increased, and the capacity of the rearing process can be adjusted. It is also possible to individually control the breeding process in each breeding container. Insects in different rearing containers are separated from each other, which facilitates overall hygiene control and prevents the spread of diseases and pests.

Furthermore, since the climate inside the breeding container can differ from the surrounding climate, the climate outside the breeding container can be adjusted to a more acceptable level for humans. For example, cricket rearing does not require personnel to endure the relatively high temperature of 32° C. that is preferred for cricket rearing. In addition, isolation can minimize personnel exposure to dust and other particulates generated from insect habitats. This can minimize the risk of developing an allergic reaction (eg from prolonged exposure).

Although automatic feeding has been described above in relation to rearing in rearing containers, automatic feeding according to the present disclosure is also applicable to other types of rearing environments, such as large rearing spaces and areas within large facilities. Furthermore, although the above paragraphs discuss population size estimation associated with automatic feeding, population size estimation can be used to optimize other variables in rearing systems. Further, while the above-described feeding systems have been discussed mostly in relation to rearing matrices according to the present disclosure, the feeding systems may be used with other types of habitat structures, including conventional egg pack-based and bottle compartment-based structures. It is also possible to use them together.

Yet another aspect that appears to play an important role in optimizing the insect rearing process is breeding (ie, egg-laying, incubation, hatching, etc.). For example, crickets reproduce relatively easily by a factor of 10 per generation. Under favorable conditions, it can reproduce up to 50 times, and in optimal conditions, up to 200 times more per generation. However, reproductive consistency and high offspring quality also play an important role in the success of the breeding process. In breeding systems according to the present disclosure, breeding may occur in separate units. This unit may be, for example, a climate-controlled version of a rearing vessel according to the present disclosure, as described in connection with the second embodiment of the rearing system according to the present disclosure above. In this way, environmental parameters may be controlled to levels for incubation and hatching. For example, humidity may preferably be maintained at a high level during incubation and hatching for best results. In addition, because the incubation/hatching units are separate, the amount of unwanted invasive insect species (eg, flies, spiders, etc.) and other pests can be easily controlled. Larvae hatched from eggs may be placed in rearing containers before the rearing process begins. A portion of the larvae (eg, 2-10%) can be used for breeding a new generation of eggs.

Insects may be provided with a specifically dedicated breeding environment to maximize the number of newborn larvae. Materials traditionally used as breeding environments include coconut fiber and moss. As these materials are natural materials, they pose unique biological challenges to the breeding process. For example, each natural material may harbor its own microorganisms. Furthermore, finding and separating eggs from these materials can be very difficult. Accordingly, the present disclosure also describes breeding environments according to the present disclosure. The breeding environment includes microfiber cloths on which insects can lay eggs. Preferably, the microfiber cloth is a microfiber chenille cloth. Microfiber chenille fabrics may be in the form of numerous nodules of tubular-appearing microfiber structures extending from the surface of the fabric. The structures may be, for example, about 2-5 cm long. Chenille cloth provides a suitable habitat for spawning. Since the eggs are visible on the cloth, their number can be easily estimated. In addition, the egg can be easily peeled from the cloth. When it comes time to harvest the eggs, the cloth may be soaked with the liquid (eg, water) in the container, causing the blobs to swell. As a result, the eggs fall from the blob and drift to the bottom of the container. Unlike natural materials, very little non-egg material is removed from the microfiber cloth. After collecting the eggs, the cloth may be sanitized or sterilized and reused. The breeding environment described above according to the present disclosure allows very fast and clean separation of eggs from the breeding environment. The breeding environment is particularly suitable for crickets.

The present disclosure also describes a breeding method using the above-described aspects of the breeding system according to the present disclosure. The breeding method is particularly suitable for breeding edible crickets. FIG. 5 shows a simplified flow diagram of the method. The method can be divided into four main stages: propagation, rearing, harvesting, and post-treatment. These stages are shown as sections 50, 52, 54 and 56 in FIG.

The first stage 50 may include stages relating to egg laying, incubation and hatching. In FIG. 5, steps 502, 504, and 506 cover these aspects. For example, to prepare new larvae for rearing, a method according to the present disclosure may include providing a microfiber cloth as an egg-laying surface, as described in previous paragraphs of the present disclosure.

In the second stage 52 of Figure 5, the insects are reared for harvest. The second stage 52 may also include steps related to preparing the breeding environment. This is shown as step 522 in FIG. A rearing matrix according to the present disclosure is preferably used in the second stage 52 . The rearing matrix is preferably within a rearing container according to the present disclosure. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the rearing matrix sheet may be an elongated sheet having a pattern of cuts through the elongated sheet such that the elongated sheet forms a lattice-like structure. Next, the method may include folding the rearing matrix sheet over the rearing matrix rack to form a plurality of overlapping, depending folds. A rearing matrix rack may comprise a plurality of parallel spokes arranged in a row in a horizontal plane as described in the previous paragraph.

The second step 52 further comprises supplying liquid to the insects in the rearing container with the liquid dispenser, detecting liquid consumption from the liquid dispenser, and feeding the insects in the rearing container with the automatic food dispenser. may contain. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the amount of feed supplied may be based on detected liquid consumption. Feed and water supply control is shown as step 524 in FIG. Water consumption may be used to estimate the size of the insect population, eg feed supply may be based on this estimate. Additionally, as mentioned above, water consumption can also be used for monitoring purposes. This monitoring is shown as step 526 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the second stage 5 may include controlling 528 the climate inside the rearing container.

Once the insects are large enough, the method can move to a third step 54 and the insects are harvested. For example, the third step 54 of the method may include removing the insects from the rearing matrix of the rearing container with a sweeper device. FIG. 5 shows step 542 of sweeping insects in step 54 . As previously mentioned, the sweeper devices were configured to receive the rearing matrix between them and to keep and/or remove insects from the rearing matrix while the rearing matrix was conveyed between the brushes. It may include at least two opposing rotating brushes. As a result, the insects fall to the bottom of the rearing container. As previously mentioned, the rearing container may be provided with a suction line inlet that is at least partially covered with a dark colored cover. This cover gives insects the impression that the entrance to the pipe is a safe haven. Insects approaching the entrance can then be sucked from the breeding container into a separation chamber with a suction line. This portion of the procedure is shown as step 544 in FIG. The separation chamber may define a separation space into which insects are sucked and a separation surface below the separation space. The separation space and separation tray may be configured for gravity-assisted insects to fall onto the separation surface, and the separation tray may be configured for live crickets to descend therefrom and drop into the outlet.

From the outlet, for example, insects may be transported for further processing and/or freezing. In FIG. 5 this is shown as steps 562 and 564 of the fourth stage 56 . However, some of the harvested insects may be used for breeding. Thus, FIG. 5 shows the flow path from step 844 at the end of the third stage 54 back to the beginning of the first stage 50 .

Although the present disclosure discusses insect rearing primarily in relation to crickets, the methods and systems according to the present disclosure can also be used to farm other types of edible insects. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the methods and systems can be implemented in a variety of ways. The invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above, but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims (11)

A rearing matrix for rearing insects, comprising:
The rearing matrix is
a rearing matrix sheet for forming a habitat surface for rearing insects, the sheet being an elongated sheet having a pattern of cuts through the sheet such that the sheet forms a grid-like structure;
a rearing matrix rack having a plurality of parallel spokes;
with
the rearing matrix sheet is folded over the spokes of the rearing matrix rack to form a plurality of overlapping depending folds;
rearing matrix. a rearing container for rearing insects therein;
wherein the rearing container comprises the rearing matrix of claim 1,
rearing system. further comprising a sweeper device for removing insects from the rearing matrix sheet;
The sweeper device has at least two opposing sides configured to receive the rearing matrix sheet therebetween and to keep and/or remove insects from the rearing matrix while the rearing matrix is conveyed between brushes. comprising a sweeper roll,
The breeding system according to claim 2. The rearing container comprises at least one suction port inside the rearing container, and the suction port is connectable to a suction line.
The breeding system according to claim 2 or 3. said inlet is at least partially covered with a dark colored cover to give insects the impression that the pipe inlet is a safe haven;
The breeding system according to claim 4. further comprising a separation arrangement having a separation space and a separation surface below said separation space;
the separation space receives insects carried by the airflow from the suction line and separates the insects from the airflow so that the insects fall onto the separation surface;
the separation surface is configured to allow live crickets to descend therefrom and drop into the outlet;
The rearing system according to claim 4 or 5. moreover,
a liquid dispenser configured to dispense liquid to insects in the rearing container;
a sensor that detects liquid consumption from the liquid dispenser;
an automatic feed dispenser configured to supply feed to insects in the rearing container;
a control system for controlling the automatic feed dispenser, the control system being configured to control feed delivery based on sensed liquid consumption;
comprising
A breeding system according to any one of claims 2 to 6. A method for rearing an insect, comprising:
providing a rearing container having a rearing matrix sheet and a rearing matrix rack, said rearing matrix sheet being an elongated sheet having a pattern of cuts through said sheet such that said sheet forms a lattice-like structure; said rearing matrix rack having a plurality of parallel spokes;
folding a portion of the rearing matrix sheet over the spokes of the rearing matrix rack to form a plurality of overlapping, depending folds;
including,
Method. moreover,
A sweeper comprising at least two opposing sweeper rolls configured to receive the rearing matrix sheet therebetween and to keep and/or remove insects from the rearing matrix while the rearing matrix is conveyed between brushes. removing insects from a rearing matrix of said rearing container with an apparatus;
9. The method of claim 8. providing a suction line inlet to the rearing container;
said inlet is at least partially covered with a dark colored cover to give insects the impression that the pipe inlet is a safe haven;
10. A method according to claim 8 or 9. moreover,
supplying liquid to insects in the rearing container with a liquid dispenser;
detecting liquid consumption from the liquid dispenser;
supplying food to insects in said rearing container with an automatic food dispenser;
including
Feed supply is based on detected liquid consumption,
11. A method according to any one of claims 8-10.

Images