NL2029812B1 - System and method for generating insect eggs - Google Patents
System and method for generating insect eggs Download PDFInfo
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- NL2029812B1 NL2029812B1 NL2029812A NL2029812A NL2029812B1 NL 2029812 B1 NL2029812 B1 NL 2029812B1 NL 2029812 A NL2029812 A NL 2029812A NL 2029812 A NL2029812 A NL 2029812A NL 2029812 B1 NL2029812 B1 NL 2029812B1
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K67/00—Rearing or breeding animals, not otherwise provided for; New breeds of animals
- A01K67/033—Rearing or breeding invertebrates; New breeds of invertebrates
Abstract
The current disclosure relates to a system to generate insect eggs, preferably black soldier flies. The system comprises a first chamber for receiving insect eggs and/or insect larvae, a 5 second chamber for receiving flying insects, and at least one first passage connecting the first chamber and the second chamber. The at least one first passage may allow the transfer of insect-derived sensory stimuli from the first chamber to the second chamber and at the same time prevent the transfer of flying insects from the second chamber to the first chamber.
Description
P35353NLO0/MJO
Title: System and method for generating insect eggs
The current disclosure relates to a system and method to generate insect eggs. The insects are for instance flying insects such as black soldier flies. The larvae generated by the insect eggs may be used as food or as food ingredient for animals or humans.
More efficient ways are needed to provide food to the ever increasing population of the world. The production of insect-derived protein is thought to be more (energy-)efficient than the production of animal-derived protein. Insects convert organic material to protein more efficiently than animals such as cows and pigs. As a result, insects have a significantly lower greenhouse gas footprint than livestock such as cows, pigs and chicken. Insects consume less feed material in the process. Insects can also be used to decompose organic waste material in favour of protein production. Insect-derived protein is well-suitable for consumption by humans. Insect-derived protein is also suited as feed or as a feed ingredient for animals. There is an increasing interest in the large scale breeding of insects for protein production.
The larvae of black soldier flies (BSF) are an interesting protein source for several reasons. The larvae of BSF are highly nutritious. The larvae of BSF are particularly efficient in the conversion of organic waste material as part of its growth. Adult BSF consume water but do not eat, hence they are not attracted to human foodstuffs. BSF are considered harmless to animals or humans, as they do not sting or bite, nor are they normally associated with the transmission of disease between animals and/or humans. Finally, adult BSF can adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions.
The full life cycle of a BSF typically starts with an egg stage (typical duration: 48 to 72 h). An egg stage is followed by a larval stage (typical duration 12 to 30 days). A larval stage is followed by a pupae stage (typical duration 9 to 20 days). An adult fly stage is eventually reached. The life span of an adult BSF is typically 8 to 15 days. The duration of the full cycle, and the intermediate stages, usually depends strongly on the environmental and food conditions. After mating, gravid female BSF prefer to oviposit (lay eggs) in tight spaces such as narrow slits, crevices and/or honey combs.
The prior art discloses systems for the breeding of BSF. The systems in the prior art typically at least comprise multi-compartment systems, having at least three or more compartments. Herein each compartment is typically independently configured to optimally support the growth of the BSF in a specific life cycle stage (i.e. larvae, pupae, and adult fly stage).
Multi-compartment systems are used in the prior art, as BSF larvae typically require a substrate and an environment with relatively higher moisture content compared to BSF pupae. Moreover, adult flies may benefit from a separate chamber with enhanced lighting conditions to induce mating and chamber. Chamber for adult BSF typically also comprise (chemical) attractants to promote ovipositing at a specific location.
WO2019053458A1 discloses a multi-chamber system comprising an egg-growth chamber, configured to provide an egg holder and a system allowing larvae to pass from the egg holder to a food source, a larval chamber, configured to allow the larvae to grow and transform into pre-pupae in a moisturized food source, a pupation chamber, configured to dry the pre-pupae in the food source to provide pupae in a dried food source and which allows developed flies to be released from the pupae chamber to a fly chamber, and a fly chamber, configured to provide ovipositing sites to collect eggs. After collecting the eggs, the aforementioned steps may be repeated.
The prerequisite that the growth conditions must be adapted to each specific life cycle stage of the BSF metamorphosis, makes conventional BSF breeding systems relatively complex, labour intensive and (energy)-inefficient.
The present invention aims to remove, at least in part, the limitations of the current
BSF breeding systems or aims to at least provide a useful alternative.
In an aspect, the current disclosure relates to a system for generating insect eggs, comprising: afirst chamber (1) for receiving insect eggs and/or insect larvae, a second chamber (2) for receiving flying insects, at least one first passage (3) connecting the first chamber and the second chamber, said at least one first passage allowing the transfer of one or more insect egg-derived and/or insect larvae-derived sensory stimuli from the first chamber to the second chamber and at the same time preventing the transfer of flying insects from the second chamber to the first chamber, and one or more ovisites (4) positioned in the second chamber at or near an outlet of the at least one first passage.
In another aspect, the current disclosure relates to a method for generating insect eggs, comprising the steps of: providing a first chamber (1) for receiving insect eggs and/or insect larvae, providing a second chamber (2) for receiving flying insects,
providing at least one first passage (3) connecting the first chamber and the second chamber, said first passage allowing the transfer of one or more insect egg-derived and/or insect larvae-derived sensory stimuli from the first chamber to the second chamber and at the same time preventing the transfer of flying insects from the second chamber to the first chamber, providing one or more ovisites (4) at or near an outlet of the first passage in the second chamber, introducing insect eggs and/or insect larvae in the first chamber together with a substrate, and allowing ovipositing of insect eggs at the one or more ovisites to generate insect eggs.
In yet another aspect, the current disclosure relates to a use of a passage connecting a first chamber comprising insect eggs and/or insect larvae and a second chamber comprising flying insects in a method for generating flying insects, insect eggs, and/or insect larvae, said passage allowing the transfer of one or more insect egg-derived and/or insect larvae- derived sensory stimuli from the first chamber to the second chamber and at the same time preventing the transfer of flying insects from the second chamber to the first chamber, wherein the use preferably includes one or more of: - increasing ovipositing by flying insects at an ovisite; - reducing and/or eliminating the use of an attractant; - reducing labour intensity; and - reducing energy consumption.
The insect egg-derived and/or insect larvae-derived sensory stimulus in the system, method and/or use of the current disclosure is preferably odour, heat, and/or water vapor.
Further benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after reading the detailed description with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:
FIG.1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the system for the generation of insect eggs;
FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the system for the generation of insect eggs,
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the at least one second passage provided with a closure in a closed position;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the at least one second passage provided with a closure in an open position; and
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the at least one first passage provided with an ovisite guiding system.
The current disclosure relates to a system for generating insect eggs, comprising a first chamber (1) for receiving insect eggs and/or insect larvae and a second chamber (2) for receiving flying insects. The system comprises at least one first passage (3) connecting the first chamber and the second chamber. The at least one first passage preferably allows the transfer of one or more insect egg-derived and/or insect larvae-derived sensory stimuli from the first chamber to the second chamber and at the same time preferably prevents the transfer of flying insects from the second chamber to the first chamber. One or more ovisites 4 may be positioned in the second chamber. The ovisites may be arranged at or near an outlet of the at least one first passage.
Referring to the figures, the system may comprise one or more of a first chamber 1, a second chamber 2, at least one first passage 3, at least one ovisite 4, a first chamber wall 5, and a wall 6 shared by first and second chamber. The system may comprise an air- permeable material 7, at least one second passage 8, a closure provided in the at least one second passage 9. The system may comprise a light source 10. The system may comprise an ovisite guiding system 11, a vehicle guiding system 12, a carriage system for substrate and insects 13, a ventilation system 14, a controller 15, a door in first chamber 16, and a porous mesh 17.
The at least one first passage may comprise one or more openings. Alternatively, the at least one first passage may comprise one or more slits, or slit-shaped openings extending along a length of the partition wall 6. In an embodiment, the at least one first opening 3 may be positioned in a lower part of the partition wall 6, near the ground.
The at least one second passage 8 may comprise one of more openings. The one of more openings may be provided in the partition wall 6. The openings of the at least one second passage 8 may be substantially square, or longitudinal. The openings of the second passage 8 may be arranged periodically, at a predetermined mutual distance.
Black soldier fly (BSF) eggs and/or BSF larvae produce sensory stimuli that attract adult BSD and/or promote the ovipositing by adult BSF. The inventors found that odour, heat, and water vapor derived from BSF eggs and/or BSF larvae all may attract adult BSF and/or enhance ovipositing by adult BSF. The combination of odour and heat/water vapor derived from BSF eggs and/or BSF larvae has a synergistic effect of attracting adult BSF and/or enhancing ovipositing by adult BSF. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one first passage allows odour derived from insect eggs and/or insect to transfer from the first chamber to the second chamber.
Conventionally, typically (harsh) chemical attractants, fermentation products, food waste, and others, are used within BSF breeding systems to attract gravid BSF females. The current invention harnesses the natural odour generated by BSF eggs and/or larvae to entice ovipositing at a predetermined location of choice. Therefore, the need for attractants is 5 eliminated. More specifically, the extensive labour in terms of dosing, cleaning and replacement of the attractants as generally required in the state of the art is obviated. In addition, natural odour is typically more effective and consistent in attracting adult BSF and/or promoting ovipositing compared to the use of (chemical) attractants.
The current inventors found that the generation of BSF eggs is highest when BSF larvae were kept in dark conditions as opposed to shaded or light conditions. Thus, BSF eggs and/or BSF larvae may produce more odour attracting adult BSF and/or promoting ovipositing by adult BSF. In an embodiment of the current invention, the first chamber as disclosed herein is not illuminated and the walls of the first chamber are light-impermeable. In a practical embodiment, said walls of the first chamber may be constructed using a suitable material, such as wood, multiplex, or a laminate at least comprising a light-impermeable material.
The at least one first passage between the first chamber and the second chamber may provide other advantages in the generation of BSF eggs. BSF larvae are typically associated with a relatively high heat and moisture production, for instance due to their high metabolism, respiration, and transpiration. The heat and moisture production by BSF larvae is especially high compared to adult BSF. Conventionally, larval chambers require the dissipation of heat and moisture, whereas fly chambers generally require additional humidification and heating. The at least one first passage as disclosed was found to dissipate heat and moisture from the larval chamber, and providing heat and moisture to the fly chamber.
The transfer of heat and moisture may be further promoted by generating an air flow in the first chamber, for instance using a ventilation system. The ventilation system may facilitate the transfer air flow from the first chamber to the second chamber through the at least one first passage. The air flow may effectively convey egg-derived sensory stimuli and/or larvae-derived sensory stimuli as disclosed herein from the first chamber to the ovisite region especially when the one or more ovisites are positioned in the second chamber near an outlet of the at least one first passage. The air flow from the first chamber to the second chamber through the at least one first passage may improve the environmental conditions for both the BSF eggs and/or larvae in the first chamber and the adult BSF in the second chamber. Overall, this reduces the need of human control of the environmental conditions. In an embodiment, the at least one first passage allows heat and/or water vapor derived from insect eggs and/or insect larvae to transfer from the first chamber to the second chamber.
Overall, the current disclosure provides a system for generating insect eggs that is relatively simple, has reduced operating expenses, is more energy efficient, and does not need (chemical) attractants.
The insect as disclosed herein is preferably a flying insect, preferably the housefly (Musca domestica) or the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), more preferably the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens).
The term “larvae” as used herein refers to an active immature form of an insect, typically one that forms the stage between egg and pupa. The “larvae” as disclosed herein may refer to any one of the six instars (L1-L6) that the insect larvae (preferably BSF larvae) pass through. Larvae and pupae herein may be distinguished based on the feeding behaviour. Before pupation, the sixth instar larvae typically disperse from the feeding site to dry sheltered areas to initiate pupation. Whereas (BSF) larvae are insatiable feeders, (BSF) pupae are not. The “pupae” as used herein may also be distinguished based on their appearance, such as the presence of an exoskeleton (skin) that generally darkens. The prior art has used the term “pre-pupae” to describe an intermediate insect form between larvae and pupae. Herein, we recognize pre-pupae to be the same as larvae. Hence, “pre-pupae” may be used interchangeable with “larvae”.
As used herein, each of the terms “eggs”, “larvae” “pupae”, “pupae” and “flies” refers to the bulk of the batch referred to. It will be understood that due to natural variation and mixing of batches of different ages, each batch may include minor proportions of developmental stage before and/or after that of the bulk of the batch, for example, pre-pupae may mean a bulk batch of pre-pupae including minor proportions of larvae and pupae or adult flies.
The term “ovisite” as used herein relates to a system and/or device for the collection of eggs, preferably insect eggs, more preferably flying insect eggs. Typically, the ovisite is physically-adapted to entice the laying of eggs at the ovisite. For example, an ovisite usually has channels, crevices, slits, and/or cells of dimension such as corresponding to the size of a cluster of flying insect eggs (typically 0.5 -5 mm in size for the black soldier fly egg cluster). Generally, the ovisite will ensure that the eggs can be collected at a specific site. In addition or alternatively, the ovisite may be a system and/or device that allows more easy collecting of eggs. An “ovisite” may herein be used interchangeably with “egg tray”.
Referring generally to Figure 1, in a practical embodiment the ovisites may comprise one or more plate-shaped elements 4. The elements 4 can be arranged between and can slide along guide rails 11. The rails 11 may extend along the length of wall 6 of the second chamber 2. The elements may have a length in the order of 10 to 50 cm, a height of about 5 to 25 cm, and/or a thickness in the order of about 2 to 25 mm. The elements 4 may be provided with said channels, crevices, slits, and/or cells.
The ovisite as disclosed herein may have channels, crevices, slits, and/or cells with a diameter of least 0.5 mm, or at least 1 mm, or at least 1.5 mm, or at least 2 mm, or at least 2.5 mm, or at least 3.0 mm, or at least 4.0 mm, or at least 5.0 mm. In addition or alternatively, the ovisite as disclosed herein may have channels, crevices, slits, and/or cells with a diameter of no more than 5.0 mm, or no more than 4.0 mm, or no more than 2.0 mm, or no more than 2.5 mm, or no more than 2.0 mm, or no more than 1.5 mm, or no more than 1 mm, or no more than 0.5 mm. Diameter herein generally refers to at least one dimension of the channels, crevices, slits, and/or cells. In addition, as shown in Figure 1, the elements 4 may comprise slits having a length substantially extending along the length of the corresponding element 4. ‘Diameter’ herein refers to a width of the slits. The channels, crevices, slits, and/or cells typically have a depth extending throughout the elements 4.
In an embodiment, the ovisite as disclosed herein has channels, crevices, slits, and/or cells with a diameter of 0.5-5 mm, preferably 1-4 mm, more preferably 1-3 mm, most preferably 1.5-2.5 mm.”
As described above, the one or more ovisites as disclosed herein preferably are elements having a cuboid shape. The elements may have any dimension. Preferably, the one or more ovisites have a cuboid shape with a height of 0.01 — 100 cm, preferably 5 - 20 mm, more preferably 7.5 — 12.5 mm.
In an embodiment, the one or more ovisites as disclosed herein have a height of 5 - 20mm, preferably 7.5 — 12.5 mm, a width of 50 — 150 mm, preferably 75 — 125, and/or a length of 50 — 300 mm, preferably 100 — 200 mm.
The term “sensory stimulus” as used herein is anything (e.g. event, object, molecule, chemical, compounds, substance) that is received by the senses and that may typically elicits a response from an insect. For instance, the “sensory stimulus” herein may attract and/or promote ovipositing by flying insects. In addition or alternatively, the “sensory stimulus” herein may promote the health, survival and/or growth of flying insects.
The “sensory stimulus” as disclosed herein may be one or more of odour (smell), heat (temperature), and/or water vapor (relative humidity).
The term “odour” as used herein refers to a molecule, chemical, compound, and/or substance that is perceived by an organism, preferably a flying insect such as a BSF, as smell. Typically, the odour acts as chemical stimulus and binds to olfactory receptors in a recipient. “Odour” may herein be used interchangeable with “odour component’, “odorous molecule(s)” or “odour molecule(s)”.
The term “insect egg-derived and/or insect larvae-derived sensory stimulus” as used herein may refer to a stimulus (for instance odour, heat, or water vapor) produced, secreted, and/or dissipated directly by insect eggs and/or insect larvae. In addition or alternatively, “Insect egg-derived and/or insect larvae-derived sensory stimulus” may refer to a stimulus produced, secreted and/or dissipated by other organisms than an insect (e.g. bacteria) due to the presence of the insect egg and/or insect larvae. In addition or alternatively, “insect egg- derived and/or insect larvae-derived sensory stimulus” herein refers to a stimulus provided by a substrate comprising insect eggs and/or insect larvae.
In the system of the present disclosure, a relatively high amount of odour, heat and/or water vapor is generated in the first chamber due to the presence of insects (preferably insect eggs and/or larvae) and/or substrate. The transfer of odour, heat and/or water vapor from the first chamber to the second chamber (e.g. through the at least one first passage) may create a gradient of odour, heat, and/or water vapour over the two chambers. The difference in odour, temperature, relative humidity between the first and the second chamber and/or measuring points in the first and second chamber may be denoted by a delta (A) value. For example, A temperature refers to the difference in temperature, between the first and the second chamber and/or measuring points in the first and second chamber. In accordance, a
A odour, a A temperature, and/or a A relative humidity may be established. The current inventors consider that the one or more ovisites are preferably positioned along the gradient, more preferably at or near the centre of the gradient, as to optimally attract and/or stimulate ovipositing by gravid flying insects.
In an embodiment, the one or more ovisites is positioned at or near the centre of the odour gradient.
In an embodiment, the A temperature is at least 1°C,2°C,3°C,4°C,5°C,6°C, 7 °C, 8 °C, 9°C, or 10 °C. In an embodiment, the A temperature is no more than 10 °C, 9 °C, 8 °C,7°C,6°C,5°C,4°C,3°C,2°C, or 1 °C. In a practical embodiment, A temperature is about 2 to 5 °C. In an embodiment, the one or more ovisites are positioned at or near the centre of the temperature gradient.
In an embodiment, the A relative humidity is at least 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, 18%, or 20%. In an embodiment, the A relative humidity is no more than 20%, 18%, 18%, 14%, 12%, 10%, 8%, 6%, 4%, or 2%. In an embodiment, A relative humidity is 2 — 5 °C. In an embodiment, the one or more ovisites is positioned at or near the centre of the relative humidity gradient.
In an embodiment, the at least one first passage as disclosed herein effects an odour gradient, a temperature gradient, and/or a relative humidity gradient between the first and the second chamber, wherein the odour, temperature and/or relative humidity is preferably higher in the first chamber.
In an embodiment, the one or more ovisites as disclosed herein are positioned along the odour gradient, the temperature gradient, and/or the relative humidity gradient as disclosed herein.
In an embodiment, the odour as disclosed herein attracts (gravid female) flying insects.
In an embodiment, the odour as disclosed herein enhanced ovipositing by (gravid female) flying insects.
As used herein, the term “oviposit' or “ovipositing” refers to laying of eggs, in particular by an insect. Female insects tend to have ovipositing tubes through which fertilised eggs are laid. As used herein, the term 'gravid female' refers to a female carrying fertilised eggs.
The term “at or near an outlet” (of the at least one first passage) as used herein means that may mean no more than 200 cm, preferably no more than 100 cm, more preferably no more than 50 cm, most preferably no more than 10 cm away (from the outlet).
In addition or alternatively, the term “at” may mean directly adjacent. In an embodiment, the outlet of the at least one first passage is covered by an air-permeable material as disclosed herein, preferably a porous material as disclosed herein, wherein the position of an ovisite “at or near an outlet” means that the ovisite is positioned directly adjacent to the porous material (in the second chamber), or within 50 cm, preferably within 10 cm, of the porous material. In an embodiment, “at or near an outlet” may mean that the ovisite is in direct contact with the porous material. In an embodiment, e.g. wherein the first passage is a tube, pipe, ventilation system, and/or duct that connects the first chamber and the second chamber (for example when the first chamber and the second chamber are separated and/or do not share a wall), “at or near an outlet” may mean that the ovisite is positioned in said tube, pipe, ventilation system.
The first chamber and/or a second chamber as disclosed herein is preferably cuboidal. In addition or alternatively, the first and/or chamber is preferably enclosed by side walls, a top wall (e.g. roof) and a bottom wall (e.g. a floor).
In an embodiment, the first chamber as disclosed herein is cuboidal. The first chamber may have a length of 1 — 20 m or more. referably 5 — 10 m, a height is for instance about 1 — 5m, preferably 1.5 — 3 m, or more. The first chamber may have a width of about 0.25 -5m, for instance about 1 — 2.5 m, or more.
In a practical embodiment, the second chamber as disclosed herein is cuboidal. The second chamber may have a length in the order of 1 — 20 m, for instance 5 — 10 m, a height in the range of 1 — 5 m, for instance about 1.5 — 3 m, or more. The second chamber may have a width in the order of 0.25 — 5 m, for instance 1 — 2.5, or more.
In an embodiment, the first and/or second chamber may have a length in the order of 1-10 m, for instance 3 — 5 m, a height in the range of 1 — 5 m, for instance about 1.5-3 m, and/or a width in the order of 0.2 — 2 m, for instance 0.5 — 2 m, or more.
In an embodiment, the volume (m3) ratio between the first chamber and the second chamber and the as disclosed herein is 1:3 -3:1, 1:22-2:11, 1:1.5-1.5-1,1:1.25-1.25, 1:11 -1.1:1, or 1.05:1 — 1:1.05
In an embodiment, the first chamber and the second chamber as disclosed herein have the same dimensions and/or the same volume.
In an embodiment, the first chamber and/or the second chamber as disclosed herein has a volume of 2-100 m}?, preferably 4--50 m?, more preferably 4-30 m3, or more.
The first and/or the second chamber as disclosed herein may have a volume of at least2 m3, 4 m3, 6 m3, 8 m3, 10 m3, 20 m3, 30 m3, 40 m3, 50 m3, 60 m3, 70 m3, 80 m3, 90 m3, 100 m®, 110 m3, 120 m?, 130 m3, 140 m3, or 150 m3. In addition or alternatively, the first and/or the second chamber as disclosed herein may have a volume of no more than 150 m3, 140 m3 130 m3, 120 m3, 110 m3, 100 m3, 90 m3, 80 m3, 70 m3, 60 m3, 50 m3, 40 m3, 30 m3, 20m? 10m38m3? 6 m3 4m3 or 2 md
In an embodiment, the first chamber as disclosed is enclosed by walls (5}, wherein all the walls are light-impermeable.
The term “light impermeable”, when used to describe a material herein, means that the material does not allow light (preferably visible light) to transmit through the material. “Light impermeable” may herein be used interchangeably with “opaque”. Materials such as wood, stone, and metals are typically considered to be light-impermeable (opaque) to visible light.
The light impermeability (opacity) may be determined by calculating the mass attenuation coefficient k, at a particular frequency v of electromagnetic radiation. As an example, if a beam of light with frequency v travels through a medium with opacity k, and mass density p, both being substantially constant, then the intensity | will be reduced with distance x according to the formula:
I(x) = Ie PX where x is the distance the light has travelled through the medium, I(x) is the intensity of light remaining at distance x, lg is the initial intensity of light, at x = 0.
For a given medium at a given frequency, light impermeability (opacity) k, can have a numerical value that may range between 0 and infinity, with units of length/mass. Thus, where opacity, ky, is approximately 0, light is not attenuated; and, where it tends to infinity, light is heavily attenuated and a medium (e.g., a material) may be characterized as being light impermeable (opaque).
In addition or alternatively, the term “light-impermeable” may mean that a material has a visible light transmission (VLT - expressed as a percentage %) of no more than 90%, 80%, 70%, 80%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, 4%, 3% , 2%, 1%, or 0%. Preferably, “light-
impermeable” means that the material has a VLT (expressed as a percentage %) of no more than 5%, preferably no more than 1%, more preferably no more than 0.1%.
In an embodiment, the internal surface of the walls of the second chamber is flat and/or smooth (e.g. having no channels, crevices, slits, cells, and/or protrusions of more than 0.5mm in size), for instance such that random egg laying by flying insects is reduced.
In an embodiment, the at least one first passage in the second chamber has an outlet in the second chamber with a has a total surface area (m?) that is at least 1%, 5%, 10%, or 20% of a the surface area (m?) of a wall where the outlet is comprised in. In an embodiment, the at least one first passage has an outlet in the second chamber with a total surface area (m2) of no more than 20%, 10%, 5%, or 1% of a the surface area (m?) of a wall where the outlet is comprised in. Preferably, at least one first passage has an outlet in the second chamber with a total surface area (m2) that is 1-20%, preferably 1-10% of a the surface area (m?) of a wall where the outlet is comprised in.
In an embodiment, the second chamber as disclosed herein may comprise one or more porous meshes (17), such as in side wall and/or in a top wall. The porous mesh in the wall of the second chamber may function to permit the transfer of air and/or light between the second chamber and the surrounding.
In an embodiment, the first chamber as disclosed herein comprises one or more doors (16), preferably one or more light-impermeable doors.
In an embodiment, the second chamber as disclosed herein comprises ane or more doors.
In an embodiment, the first chamber comprises at least two doors in a side wall, wherein the at least two doors are comprised in a different side wall, preferably two side wall (oppositely) facing each other. The two or more doors in a side wall may allow the import of material (e.g. substrate, egg, and/or larvae) through a first door, and the export of material (substrate, frass, eggs, and/or larvae) through a second door.
In an embodiment, the door as disclosed herein is a sliding door 16. Preferably, the sliding door slides sideward. Optionally, the door 16 is a hinged door opening outward. Thus, the door does not slide or open into the first chamber, such that the door does not interfere with or hinders substrates and/or a carriage system present in the first chamber.
The term “door” as used herein may refer to a hinged door, a sliding door, and/or a folding door.
In an embodiment, the door as disclosed herein is a sliding door (16).
In an embodiment, the least one first passage as disclosed herein is comprised in a wall shared (6) by the first chamber and the second chamber.
In an embodiment, the first and/or second passage as disclosed herein is an opening in a wall shared by the first chamber and the second chamber.
In an embodiment, the first and/or second passage is a tube, pipe, ventilation system, and/or duct that connects the first chamber and the second chamber, and wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are separated and/or do not share a wall.
In an embodiment, the system as disclosed herein is provided in a room, preferably a room wherein the temperature and relative humidity can be controlled and/or an air- conditioned room. The temperature of the room comprising the system of the current disclosure may be between 23 - 33 °C, preferably between 25 — 31 °C, more preferably between 27-29 °C. The relative humidity of the room comprising the system of the current disclosure may be between 50-90 %, preferably between 55-85%, more preferably between 60-80%.
In an embodiment, the environmental conditions in the first chamber and/or the second chamber as disclosed herein is controlled. The temperature of the first and/or second chamber may be maintained at above 21 °C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, or 35°C. In addition or alternatively, the temperature of the first and/or second chamber may be maintained below 35 °C, 34°C, 33°C, 32°C, 31°C, 30°C, 29°C, 28°C, 27°C, 26°C, 25°C, 24°C, 23°C, 22°C, or 21 °C. The relative humidity of the first and/or second chamber may be maintained at above 50%, 55%, 80%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 80%, or 85%. In addition or alternatively, the relative humidity of the first and/or second chamber may be maintained below 85%, 90%, 85%, 80%, 75%, 70%, 70%, 65% 60%, 55%, or 50%.
In an embodiment, the (average) temperature in the first chamber is 25 - 33°C, preferably 26-31 °C, more preferably 27-29 °C.
In an embodiment, the average temperature in the second chamber is 25 - 33°C, preferably 26-31 °C, more preferably 27-29 °C.
In an embodiment, the relative humidity in the first chamber is 55 - 85%, preferably 70-80%.
In an embodiment, the relative humidity of the second chamber is 40-70%, preferably 55-85%.
In an embodiment, the at least one first passage as disclosed herein provides an opening connecting the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein the opening is covered by an air-permeable material (7), wherein the air-permeable material preferably allows insect one or more egg-derived and/or insect larvae-derived sensory stimuli to transfer from the first chamber to the second chamber, wherein the air-permeable material preferably prevents the transfer of flying insects from the second chamber to the first chamber.
In an embodiment, the one or more ovisites as disclosed herein are positioned downstream of the air-permeable material.
The term “downstream” as used herein (such as to describe the position of an ovisite) means in a direction relatively nearer to the outlet of a (first) passage into the second chamber. In addition or alternatively, if an air-permeable mesh is provided in a (first) passage in (such as when the first passage is a tube, pipe, and/or ventilation system), “downstream” may mean that the air-permeable mesh is provided in the (first) passage nearer to the outlet of the (first) passage into the second chamber. If an air-permeable mesh is provided at or in an outlet of a (first) passage in the second chamber, “downstream” typically means that the ovisite is positioned in the second chamber.
The air-permeable material as disclosed herein may be any type of material allowing the transfer of air but preventing the transfer of flies, including but not limited to a gauze, mesh, filter, window, net and/or curtain.
In an embodiment, the air-permeable material as disclosed herein -is a porous material having pores of about 2 mm or smaller; and/or - reduces the transmission of light.
As used herein, the term “transmission of light” or “light transmission” preferably refers to the visible light transmission (VLT - expressed as a percentage %). The VLT is a measurement of the amount of light in the visible portion of the spectrum that passes through a material, for instance an air-permeable material or a wall. The higher the number, the greater the amount of light that is passing through the material. The term “reduction of transmission of light” or “reducing the transmission of light” preferably refers to the % decrease in VLT which is attributed to the material.
In an embodiment, the air-permeable material as disclosed herein has a visible light transmission of no more than 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, 4%, 3% ,2%, or 1%. In an embodiment, the air-permeable material as disclosed herein has a visible light transmission of no more than 75%, preferably no more than 50%, most preferably no more than 25%.
In an embodiment, the air-permeable material as disclosed herein reduces the transmission of light by at least 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80, %, 90%, 95%, or 99%. In an embodiment, the reduction of transmission of light by the air-permeable material as disclosed herein is at least 25%, preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 70%.
Preferably, the air-permeable material and/or porous material as disclosed herein has pores of at least 0.5 mm, or at least 1 mm, or at least 1.5 mm, or at least 2 mm, or at least 2.5 mm, or at least 3.0 mm, or at least 4.0 mm, or at least 5.0 mm. In addition or alternatively, the air-permeable material and/or porous material as disclosed herein has pares of no more than
5.0 mm, or no more than 4.0 mm, or no more than 2.0 mm, or no more than 2.5 mm, or no more than 2.0 mm, or no more than 1.5 mm, or no more than 1 mm, or no more than 0.5 mm.
In an embodiment, the porous material as disclosed herein has pores of 0.5 — 2.5 mm, preferably 1 — 2 mm.
In an embodiment, the system as disclosed herein provides at least one second passage 8 connecting the first chamber and the second chamber, the at least one second passage allowing flying insects to transfer from the first chamber to the second chamber.
In an embodiment, the at least one second passage as disclosed herein is provided with a closure 9 moveable between an open position and a closed position.
In an embodiment, no light is transmitted from the second chamber to the first chamber when the closure is a closed position, whereas light may be transmitted from the second chamber to the first chamber when the closure is an open position.
The closure as disclosed herein may be an open and closable hatch, lid, aperture, and/or screen in front of the second passage as disclosed herein. The closure preferably is light-impermeable (opaque). Preferably, the closure can be moved into an open and closed position at (fixed) intervals. Preferably, the closure is automated, controlled by an actuator, and/or can be moved without entering the second chamber as disclosed herein. The one or more closures may be connected allowing simultaneously moving one or more closures to an open and closed position.
In an embodiment, the hatches are connected to one or more ropes, and wherein the hatches can be moved into an open and closed position according to the tension and/or force applied to the ropes.
In an embodiment, the system comprises two or more hatches that are connected through a central rod rotatable in the long end axis.
In an embodiment, the closure and/or hatch as disclosed is a light-reflective material, preferably a visible light-reflective material.
In an embodiment, the closure and/or hatch as disclosed herein allows light in the second chamber originating from above the closure and/or hatch to be reflected into the first camber. For instance, the closure and/or hatch as disclosed herein allows may have a horizontal orientation or angled position in an open position such that light originating from above the closure and/or hatch is reflected into the first camber.
In an embodiment, the second chamber as disclosed herein is provided with a light source 10. The light source provided in the second chamber may attract flying insects and/or stimulate flying insects to transfer from the first chamber to the second chamber. The light source as disclosed herein may be artificial light source (e.g. a lamp), present in or around the second chamber. The light source as disclosed herein may be natural light, wherein the second chamber is provided with said natural light by a light-transmitting wall, a light- transmitting mesh, and/or light-transmitting window.
In an embodiment, the system as disclosed herein comprises an ovisite guiding system 11 allowing the one or more ovisites as disclosed herein to be positioned at and removed from a location at or near an outlet of the at least one first passage.
In an embodiment, the ovisite guiding system comprises one or more rails for guiding the one or more ovisites. The one or more rails may allow sliding the one or more ovisites along the direction of the one or more rails. In addition or alternatively, the one or more rails may allow the one or more ovisites to be positioned at and removed from a location at or near an outlet of the at least one first passage. In addition or alternatively, the ovisite guiding system may provide slot for keeping the one or more ovisites in a fixed position, for instance parallel to the air-permeable mesh as disclosed herein.
In an embodiment, the ovisite guiding system as disclosed herein allows the one or more ovisites to be postioned at and removed from a location at or near an outlet of the at least one first passage. This may include introducing the one or more ovisites into a slot provided by the ovisite guiding system. The slot may be accessible from the exterior of the second chamber. Positioning may, for instance, include sliding the one or more ovisites along the direction of the ovisite guiding system, for instance along the rails, to a location at or near an outlet of one of the least one first passage.
In an embodiment, see Figure 1, the ovisite guiding system 11 comprises two rails that are horizontally orientated and parallel to each other, and wherein the distance between the two rails is in the range of the size of the width or the length of the one or more ovisites as disclosed herein, such that a slot is created for keeping the one or more ovisites in a fixed position between the two rails. Preferably the two rails as disclosed herein are mounted to a side wall of the second chamber, more preferably to a side wall of the second chamber that is shared with the fist chamber. The two rails as disclosed herein are preferably positioned in front of the at least one first passage as disclosed herein. Alternatively, a first of the two rails as disclosed herein may be positioned above the outlet of the at least one first passage in the second chamber, and a second of the two rails may be positioned below the out outlet of the atleast one first passage in the second chamber, such that the one or more ovisites is positioned in at or near the outlet of the at least one first passage in the second chamber.
In an embodiment, the first chamber as disclosed herein comprises a vehicle guiding system 12 for guiding a vehicle in to and out of the first chamber.
The vehicle guiding system as disclosed herein may be installed to the bottom wall (floor), side wall, and/or top wall of the first chamber as disclosed herein, preferably to the bottom wall.
The vehicle as disclosed herein may be any form of carriage system (13) for the storage and/or transportation of at least one substrate, insect eggs, and/or insect larvae. The vehicle may be a container or a repository for one or more containers comprising of at least one substrate, insect eggs, and/or insect larvae.
In an embodiment, the vehicle as disclosed is a carriage system (13) for one or more crates. Said one or more crates may be suitable to have a stacked configuration. In an embodiment, the stacked configuration of crates as disclosed herein has a height fitting within, and up to a maximum of the internal height of the first chamber. The crates may have a width that fits within internal width of the first chamber, while allowing movement along the first chamber. In a preferred embodiment, a vehicle will be loaded with a stack of crates having a dimension up to a maximum while fitting within the height and width of the first chamber, so that the stack may prevent flying insects from leaving the first chamber when the stacked configuration is introduced in the first chamber.
The crate as disclosed herein may have any dimension. In a practical embodiment, the crate has a dimension chosen such that multiple crates, preferably 5-10 crates, can be stacked on top of each other in the first chamber. In addition or alternatively, the crate may have a width and/or a length chosen such that it can be easily transported into and out of the first chamber, for instance along the vehicle guiding system as disclosed herein. The crate as disclosed herein preferably has a width of 20 — 60 cm, a length of 40 — 80 cm and a height of 10-30 cm and/or a volume of 0.005-0.2 m3, preferably, of 0.01-0.1 m®. In an embodiment, each crate holds 5-20 kg substrate, preferably 7-15 kg substrate, wherein the substrate may comprise 2000-50000, preferably 5000 — 20000 insect eggs, insect larvae and/or insect pupae.
In a practical embodiment, one or more crates with fresh substrate comprising insect eggs, insect larvae and/or insect pupae are introduced the first chamber. Introducing said fresh substrate may be performed at an interval of 4,5,6,7, or 8 days, preferably 7 days. In addition or alternatively, one or more crates with frass are removed from the first chamber.
Preferably, removing frass is performed at the same moment or on the same day as introducing fresh substrate. Removing frass may be performed at an interval of 4,5,6,7, or 8 days, preferably 7 days.
The vehicle guiding system, carriage system and/or crate system as disclosed herein may allow a continuous input and output of substrate, insect eggs, insect larvae and/or insect pupae from the first chamber.
Preferably, the vehicle including the stack of crates 13 is introduced at one end of the first chamber and is removed from another, preferably opposite, end of the first chamber.
Multiple vehicles, each carrying a stack of crates, may be introduced in series into the first chamber. The first chamber may comprise an entry door 5 at one end, and an outlet door (not shown) at an opposite end.
In an embodiment, the vehicle guiding system 12 allows the import of material (e.g. substrate, egg, and/or larvae) through one end of the first chamber, and the export of material (substrate, frass, eggs, and/or larvae) through another end (preferably an opposite end) of the first chamber, allowing material to be refreshed according to a first in first out principle
In an embodiment, the vehicle guiding system 12 as disclosed herein is, or comprises, one or more selected from the group of rails, belt, chain, gutter, and track. The vehicle guiding system 12 is suitable for guiding the vehicle along the vehicle guiding system.
The relative humidity of the first and/or second chamber may be maintained at above 50%, 55%, 80%, 88%, 70%, 75%, BO, 85%, 80%, or 85%.
In an embodiment, the vehicle as disclosed herein is a carriage system for the storage and/or transportation of at least one substrate, insect eggs, and/or insect larvae.
In an embodiment, the system as disclosed herein comprised one or more controllers 15 allowing parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, lighting and/or air flow to be adjusted.
The controller may function in a centralized way or decentralized way. For instance, a centralized controller may comprise one or more process computers controlling both the first and/or the second chamber. A user interface to control the controller may include a handheld device like a telephone or tablet, or a computer or the like. For instance, a decentralized controller may be positioned in, at or near a chamber and provide the control per chamber, such as for the first and the second chamber independently, via a tablet or a computer or the like.
In an embodiment, the system as disclosed herein, preferably the second chamber as disclosed herein, comprises a drainage system , for instance allowing liquid to be removed from the system after cleaning.
In an embodiment, the fist chamber and/or second chamber as disclosed herein comprised a microprocessor including monitor, for instance allowing adjusting of settings in the chamber.
The fist chamber as disclosed herein may comprise a ventilation system 14 operable to force air from outside the first chamber into the first chamber. In addition or alternatively, the ventilation system may effect an (increased) air flow in the first chamber, Preferably, the air flow can be conditioned by controlling one or more of a temperature of the air flow, a flow rate of the air flow, a moisture content of the air flow. In addition or alternatively, the ventilation system may provide an overpressure in the first chamber relative to the second chamber, such so as to effect the transfer of air from the first chamber to the second chamber through the at least one first passage. In accordance with the foregoing, the air flow may convey egg-derived sensory stimuli and/or larvae-derived sensory stimuli as disclosed herein from the first chamber to the ovisite region (through the at least one first passage).
The ventilation system as disclosed herein may generate an air flow of at least 0.5 m3/hour, 1 m3/hour, 2 m3/hour, 3 m¥hour, 4 m3hour, 5 m3/hour, 6 m3hour, 7 m3 hour, 8 m3/hour, 9 m3/hour, 10 m3hour, 15 m3¥hour, 20 m3/hour, 25 m3/hour, 30 m3hour, 40 m3hour, 50 m3/hour, 60 m3/hour, 70 m3/hour, 80 m3hour, 90 m3/hour, or 100 m3/hour, all per m3 internal volume of the second chamber. In addition or alternatively, the ventilation system as disclosed herein may generate an air flow of no more than 100 m*/hour, 9 Om?/hour, 80 m3/hour, 70 m3/hour, 60 m3/hour, 50 m3/hour, 40 m3/hour, 30 m3hour, 25 m3/hour, 20 m3/hour, 15 m3/hour, 10 m3/hour, 9 m3/hour, 8 m3hour, 7 m3/hour, 6 Mm3/hour, 5 m3hour, 4 m3/hour, 3 m3/hour, 2 m3/hour, or 1 m3/hour, all per m®internal volume of the second chamber.
In an embodiment, the ventilation system as disclosed herein generates an air flow of 1-40 m3hour, preferably 5-25 m3/hour, all per mè internal volume of the second chamber.
The system as disclosed herein may or may not comprise an attractant. Preferably, the system as disclosed herein does not comprise an attractant.
In an aspect, the current disclosure relates to a method for generating insect eggs, comprising providing a first chamber (1) for receiving insect eggs and/or insect larvae, providing a second chamber (2) for receiving flying insects, providing at least one first passage (3) connecting the first chamber and the second chamber, said at least one first passage preferably allowing the transfer of one or more insect egg-derived and/or insect larvae-derived sensory stimuli from the first chamber to the second chamber and at the same time preferably preventing the transfer of flying insects from the second chamber to the first chamber, providing one or more ovisites (4) at or near an outlet of the at least one first passage in the second chamber, introducing insect eggs and/or insect larvae in the first chamber together with a substrate, and allowing ovipositing of insect eggs at the one or more ovisites to generate insect eggs.
The term “substrate” as used herein refers to a material whereon or wherein an insect lives. Typically, the substrate serves to contain, grow and/or feed an insect. The flying insect, insect eggs, insect larvae, and/or insect pupae may use the same or a different substrate. For example, insect pupae generally require a substrate with a relatively low moisture content (as compared to insect eggs and/or larvae). The term “substrate” as used may be herein be used interchangeably with “feed substrate” or “food substrate”. The substrate may have a defined and/or reproducible composition. Alternatively, the substrate may be food waste and/or detritus material (e.g. a waste and/or side stream of the food industry). “Frass” as disclosed herein refers to substrate which is at least partially consumed by insects and/or substrate comprising remnants of (dead) insect eggs, larvae, and/or pupae. In addition or alternatively, “frass” may refer to excreta of insects.
The method as disclosed herein may or may not use an attractant. Preferably, the method as disclosed herein does not use an attractant.
In an embodiment, the method of the current disclosure does not use an attractant.
The term “attractant” as used herein refers to a substance or chemical that attracts (gravid female) flying insects, preferably gravid female) BSF, and which excludes (natural) odour produced, generated and/or released during the normal process of generating insect eggs, insect larvae and/or flying insects. “Attractants”, as used in the prior art, are generally placed at (e.g. beneath) an ovisite to enhance ovipositing at the ovisite. Accordingly, the attractant is only provided for the purpose for attracting (gravid female) flying insects and/or to enhance the ovipositing. The use of attractants typically requires their dosing and removal, for instance from a fly breeding chamber. Typical examples of attractants are chemical attractants, fermenting grain (such as corn brewery grain), decomposing food waste, and Gainesville diet.
The “attractant” as used herein preferably refers to a source of attractant that is introduced into a system of generating insect eggs, insect larvae and/or flying insects primarily or only for the purpose of attracting (gravid female) flying insects and/or enhancing ovipositing. The term “attractant” as used herein excludes any odour provided naturally during the growth of insect eggs to mature insects. The “attractant” as used herein excludes any (natural) insect egg- derived and/or insect larvae-derived odour as disclosed herein.
In an embodiment, the method as disclosed herein comprises the step of providing at least one second passage (8) connecting the first chamber and the second chamber, the at least one second passage allowing flying insects to transfer from the first chamber to the second chamber.
In an embodiment, the method as disclosed herein comprises the steps of: a) introducing insect eggs, insect larvae, and/or insect pupae in the first chamber; b) allowing the insect eggs, insect larvae, and/or insect pupae in the first chamber to generate flying insects; c) allowing the flying insects in the first chamber to transfer to the second chamber; and d} allowing ovipositing by the flying insects in the second chamber at the one or more ovisites to obtain insect eggs.
In an embodiment, the method as disclosed herein comprises the step of generating insect larvae from the flying insect eggs obtained in step d) as disclosed herein in a third chamber to obtain insect larvae in a third chamber. In an embodiment, the eggs and/or larvae are supplementary fed in the third chamber, which may result into the flies will eventually being larger and/or more eggs being laid per flying insect.
In an embodiment, the method as disclosed herein comprises the step of introducing the insect eggs obtained in step d) as disclosed herein and/or larvae in a third chamber as disclosed herein in the first chamber (e.g. in step a. of the method as disclosed herein).
An embodiment of the method as disclosed herein, may comprise generating an air flow from the fist chamber through the at least one first passage towards the second chamber so as to convey egg-derived sensory stimuli and/or larvae-derived sensory stimuli as disclosed herein from the first chamber to the ovisite region.
In an embodiment, the transfer of flying insects from the first chamber to the second chamber, for instance in step c) of the method as disclosed herein, is stimulated by light illuminating the second chamber, wherein the light illuminating the second chamber may enter the first for instance through the at least one second passage as disclosed herein. In an aspect, the current disclosure relates to the use of a passage connecting a first chamber comprising insect eggs and/or insect larvae and a second chamber comprising flying insects in a method for generating flying insects, insect eggs, and/or insect larvae, said passage preferably allowing the transfer of one or more insect egg-derived and/or insect larvae-derived sensory stimuli from the first chamber to the second chamber and at the same time preferably preventing the transfer of flying insects from the second chamber to the first chamber, wherein the use includes one or more of: - increasing ovipositing by flying insects at an ovisite; - reducing and/or eliminating the use of an attractant; - reducing labour intensity; and - reducing energy consumption.
In an embodiment, reducing the labour intensity and/or reducing the energy consumption as disclosed herein is by one or more of: - decreasing temperature in the first chamber, - decreasing relative humidity in first chamber - increasing temperature in the second chamber; - increasing relative humidity in the second chamber; - decreasing use of attractants; - effecting an odour gradient between the first and the second chamber and/or effecting a delta odour; - effecting a temperature gradient between the first and the second chamber and/or effecting a delta temperature; - effecting a relative humidity gradient between the first and the second chamber and/or effecting a delta relative humidity; - increasing mating of flying insects;
- increasing ovipositing by flying insects; and/or - increase ovipositing at an ovisite.
Generally, a level is increased or decreased when it is at least 5%, such as 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50% higher or lower, respectively, than the corresponding level in a control or reference. Alternatively, a level in a sample may be increased or decreased when it is statistically significantly increased or decreased compared to a level in a control or reference.
Clauses 1. A system for generating insect eggs, comprising a first chamber (1) for receiving insect eggs and/or insect larvae, a second chamber (2) for receiving flying insects, at least one first passage (3) connecting the first chamber and the second chamber, said at least one first passage allowing the transfer of one or more insect egg-derived and/or insect larvae-derived sensory stimuli from the first chamber to the second chamber and at the same time preventing the transfer of flying insects from the second chamber to the first chamber, one or more ovisites (4) positioned in the second chamber at or near an outlet of the at least one first passage. 2. The system according to clause 1, wherein the first chamber is enclosed by walls (5), wherein all the walls are light-impermeable. 3. The system according to any one of the previous clauses, wherein the at least one first passage is comprised in a wall shared (6) by the first chamber and the second chamber. 4. The system according to any one of the previous clauses, wherein the at least one first passage provides an opening connecting the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein the opening is covered by an air-permeable material (7), wherein the air-permeable material allows insect one or more egg-derived and/or insect larvae-derived sensory stimuli to transfer from the first chamber to the second chamber, wherein the air-permeable material prevents the transfer of flying insects from the second chamber to the first chamber. 5. The system according to clause 4, wherein the one or more ovisites are positioned downstream of the air-permeable material. 6. The system according to any one of clauses 4-5, wherein the air-permeable material: -is a porous material having pores of about 2 mm or smaller; and/or - reduces the transmission of light. 7. The system according to any one of the previous clauses, comprising providing at least one second passage (8) connecting the first chamber and the second chamber, the at least one second passage allowing flying insects to transfer from the first chamber to the second chamber. 8. The system according to clause 7, wherein the at least one second passage is provided with a closure (9) moveable between an open position and a closed position. 9. The system according to any one of the previous clauses, wherein the second chamber is provided with a light source (10). 10. The system according to any one of the previous clauses, comprising an ovisite guiding system (11), the ovisite guiding system allowing the one or more ovisites to be positioned at and removed from a location at or near an outlet of the at least one first passage. 11. The system according to clause 10, wherein the ovisite guiding system comprises one or more rails for guiding the one or more ovisites along a direction of the rails. 12. The system according to any one of the previous clauses, wherein the first chamber comprises a vehicle guiding system (12) for guiding a vehicle in to and out of the first chamber. 13. The system according to clause 12, wherein the vehicle guiding system is, or comprises, one or more selected from the group of rail, belt, chain, gutter, and track for guiding the vehicle along the vehicle guiding system. 14. The system according to any one of clauses 12-13, wherein the vehicle is a carriage system (13) for the storage and/or transportation of at least one substrate, insect eggs, and/or insect larvae. 15. A method for generating insect eggs, comprising providing a first chamber (1) for receiving insect eggs and/or insect larvae, providing a second chamber (2) for receiving flying insects, providing at least one first passage (3) connecting the first chamber and the second chamber, said at least one first passage allowing the transfer of one or more insect egg-derived and/or insect larvae-derived sensory stimuli from the first chamber to the second chamber and at the same time preventing the transfer of flying insects from the second chamber to the first chamber, providing one or more ovisites (4) at or near an outlet of the at least one first passage in the second chamber, introducing insect eggs and/or insect larvae in the first chamber together with a substrate, and allowing ovipositing of insect eggs at the one or more ovisites to generate insect eggs. 16. The method according to clause 15, wherein the method does not use an attractant. 17. The method according to clauses 15 or 16, wherein the at least one first passage effects an odour gradient, a temperature gradient, and/or a relative humidity gradient between the first and the second chamber. 18. The method according to clause 17, wherein the one or more ovisites are positioned along the odour gradient, the temperature gradient, and/or the relative humidity gradient. 19. The method according to any one of clauses 15-18, comprising the step of providing at least one second passage (8) connecting the first chamber and the second chamber, the at least one second passage allowing flying insects to transfer from the first chamber to the second chamber. 20. The method according to any of clauses 15-19, comprising the steps of: a) introducing insect eggs and/or insect larvae in the first chamber; b) allowing the insect eggs and/or the insect larvae in the first chamber to generate flying insects; ¢) allowing the flying insects in the first chamber to transfer to the second chamber; and d) allowing ovipositing by the flying insects in the second chamber at the one or more ovisites to obtain insect eggs. 21. The method according to clause 20, comprising the step of introducing the insect eggs obtained in step d) in the first chamber. 22. Use of a passage connecting a first chamber comprising insect eggs and/or insect larvae and a second chamber comprising flying insects in a method for generating flying insects, insect eggs, and/or insect larvae, said passage allowing the transfer of one or more insect egg-derived and/or insect larvae- derived sensory stimuli from the first chamber to the second chamber and at the same time preventing the transfer of flying insects from the second chamber to the first chamber, wherein the use includes one or more of: - increasing ovipositing by flying insects at an ovisite; - reducing and/or eliminating the use of an attractant; - reducing labour intensity; and - reducing energy consumption. 23. The system according to any one of clauses 1-14, the method according any one of clauses 15-21, the use according to clause 22, wherein the insect egg-derived and/or insect larvae-derived sensory stimulus is odour, heat, and/or water vapor.
Experimental example
The current inventors developed a two-chamber system for generating BSF eggs. The first chamber is a rearing chamber for the generation of adult black soldier flies (BSF) starting from BSF eggs and/or BSF larvae in an appropriate substrate. The second chamber is a fly breeding chamber comprising ovisites for the laying of eggs by adult BSF. The two chambers are connected by at least one opening allowing the transfer of sensory stimuli derived from insects from the rearing chamber to the fly breeding chamber.
To determine the optimal conditions for promoting the egg laying by BSF in the two- chamber system.
Method
Two-chamber system
A two-chamber system was used for this experiment. A first chamber (i.e. the rearing chamber) was used for introducing BSF eggs, larvae, or pupae. Mature BSF generated in the rearing chamber were received in a second chamber (i.e. the fly breeding chamber). The rearing chamber had a volume of 3.8 m3. The fly breeding chamber had a volume of 4.32 m3.
The rearing and the fly breeding chamber shared a light-impermeable partition wall. The remaining walls of the rearing chamber were light-impermeable. The remaining walls of the fly breeding chamber were, at least in part, light- and air-permeable. The two chamber system was positioned in a room wherein the temperature was maintained at 27-29 °C and the relative humidity was maintained at 65-75%.
The partition wall comprised one lower opening and three upper openings connecting the two chambers. The lower opening had an area of 0.3 m2. The lower opening of was covered with a mesh with a pore diameter of 1.2 mm to prevent the transfer of BSF between both chamber, but permitting air to transfer between both chamber. Up to twenty ovisites (15 cm length , 10 Cm width, 10 mm height, slit size of 2 mm) were positioned directly in front of the mesh in the second chamber. The upper openings each provided an area of 0,03 m2.
The upper openings could be blocked using controllable hatches (15 x 20 cm) covering the openings in the second chamber. The controllable hatches were opened each hour for a duration of 1 minute to allow the transfer of adult BSF generated in the rearing chamber to transfer to the fly breeding chamber.
A ventilator was used to force air from the environment into the first chamber. The air flow was controllable between 25 — 150 m3/hour. For the two-chamber system as disclosed in the current Experimental example, an air flow in the range of 30 - 50 m? was found to be optimal. This created an overpressure in the rearing chamber relative to the fly breeding chamber. This also allowed sensory stimuli derived from the insects in the rearing chamber to be conveyed to the fly breeding chamber, in particular to the ovisites in the fly breeding chamber.
Generation of BSF eggs
BSF eggs, larvae, or pupae were introduced in the rearing chamber in a total dose of 77 kg of feed. 1 kg feed comprised 500 — 2000 eggs, larvae, or pupae. The 77 kg of feed was divided over a carriage holding 7 crates, each crate comprising 11 kg of feed.
As a control, feed was introduced in the rearing chamber in absence of any BSF eggs, larvae, or pupae and 1000 adult BSF were introduced in the fly breeding chamber.
Outcome parameters
The temperature and relative humidity were measured seven days after introducing the BSF larvae in the two-chamber system.
The egg yield was determined by counting the total weight of eggs in the ovisites after a certain time period, for instance seven days. The total weight of eggs is shown as a score of 0-5, wherein the scores represent: -0: 0-20 greggs -1:219gr-50greggs -2:51gr— 100 gr eggs -3: 101 — 150 gr eggs -4: 151-250 gr eggs -5: 251 - 500 gr eggs
Results
The current inventors first established the role of : - sensory stimuli derived from BSF egg, larvae, and pupae introduced in the rearing chamber on the amount of eggs generated at the ovisites; - the position of ovisites in the fly breeding chamber on the amount of eggs generated at the ovisites; and - illumination of the rearing chamber on the amount of eggs generated at the ovisites
Table 1 shows the amount of eggs harvested from the ovisites after 7 days presented as a score of 0-5.
Irrespective of the location of the ovisites in the fly breeding chamber, the largest amount of eggs were produced at the ovisites when BSF eggs or BSF larvae were introduced into the breeding chamber (condition 3/4 , left column), in particularly when BSF larvae were introduced in the rearing chamber (condition 4, left column). Egg production was further increased when the ovisites were positioned in the fly breeding chamber in front of the first opening in connection with the rearing chamber (condition 4, right column).
To study the effect of illumination of the first chamber on the egg laying by BSF at the ovisite, an artificial light source providing a light intensity of 250 lux was placed in the rearing chamber. The egg production was reduced when the rearing chamber was illuminated, irrespective of the location of the ovisites in the fly breeding chamber {condition 5).
Conditions in rearing chamber Ovisite in center of | Ovisite in front of first the fly breeding opening in the fly chamber breeding chamber 1. | Feed introduced / 1 1 wie 2. | Feed + pupae introduced / 1 2
Ee 3. | Feed + eggs introduced / 2 4 in 4. | Feed + larvae introduced / 3 5 ee 5. | Feed + larvae introduced / 1 2
Ca ee
Table 1 above indicates examples of an amount of eggs harvested from the ovisites in the two-chamber system according to the present disclosure after seven days. The amount of eggs is presented as a score of 0-5. 0: 0 — 20 grams of eggs, 1: 21 gr. — 50 gr. eggs, 2: 51 gr. — 100 gr. eggs, 3: 101 — 150 gr. eggs, 4: 151 — 250 gr. eggs, 5: 251 - 500 gr. eggs.
Based on the results as provided in Table 1, the current inventors considered that BSF eggs and/or BSF larvae produce certain sensory stimuli that attract adult BSF and/or promote the ovipositing by adult BSF. Moreover, the current inventors considered that BSF pupae may produce no or little sensory stimuli that attract or promote the ovipositing by adult BSF.
The current inventors noticed that the temperature and relative humidity in the rearing chamber was increased due to the presence of the BSF eggs and/or larvae. In presence of
BSF eggs and/or larvae, the temperature of the rearing chamber increased from 27-29 °C to 30-32 °C. In presence of BSF eggs and/or larvae, the relative humidity of the rearing chamber increased from 65-75% to 85-95%.
Based on the foregoing, the current inventors performed an experiment to determine if possibly odour, air temperature, or relative humidity generated in the rearing chamber may attract adult BSF and/or promote the ovipositing by adult BSF. To study the effect of these parameters, the temperature of the first chamber was adapted (lowered) to provide a set temperature of 27-29 °C in the rearing chamber. To study the effect of relative humidity on the egg laying by BSF at the ovisite, the relative humidity in the first chamber was adapted (lowered) to provide a set relative humidity of 65-75% in the rearing chamber. The temperature and relative humidity were subsequently measured in the fly breeding chamber in front of the first opening in connection with the rearing chamber (i.e. at the preferred location of the ovisites). BSF larvae or BSF pupae were introduced in the rearing chamber.
This followed form the earlier finding that only BSF eggs and/or BSF larvae may produce certain sensory stimuli that attract adult BSF and/or promote the ovipositing by adult BSF (Table 1).
Table 2 below shows the amount of eggs harvested from the ovisites after seven days presented as a score of 0-5, as aforementioned.
It was found that a relative increase in temperature and relative humidity at the ovisite (i.e. 29-31 °C / 75-85% RH, conditions 3 and 4) resulted in a higher egg production at the ovisite compared to the baseline temperature and relative humidity at the ovisite (i.e. 27-29 °C / 65-75% RH, conditions 1 and 2). The presence of larvae in the rearing chamber {conditions 2 and 4) resulted higher egg production at the ovisite as compared to the presence of pupae in the rearing chamber (conditions 1 and 3), irrespective of temperature/relative humidity.
The results indicate a synergistic effect of the combination of odour derived from BSF larvae and increased temperature/relative humidity due to larvae in attracting and/or promoting ovipositing adult BSF.
Starting condition in Temperature / RH at ovisite Egg production at
TT
Pae | een | 1 eee eee dane | een | 5
Table 2 above indicates examples of an amount of eggs harvested from the ovisites after seven days in the two-chamber system according to the present disclosure. The amount of eggs is presented as a score of 0 to 5. 0: 0 — 20 grams of eggs, 1: 21 gr — 50 gr. eggs; 2: 51 gr. to 100 gr. eggs; 3: 101 to 150 gr eggs; 4: 151 to 250 gr eggs; 5: 251- 500 gr eggs. RH: relative humidity
The inventors identified the optimal conditions for promoting the egg laying by BSF in the two-chamber system, namely to: - start with BSF eggs and/or larvae in the breeding chamber, most preferably BSF larvae; - provide dark conditions for the BSF eggs and/or larvae; - provide ovisites in the rearing chamber at or near an opening where sensory stimuli derived from BSF eggs and/or larvae can be received.
The inventors surprisingly found that BSF eggs and/or larvae produce certain sensory stimulithat promote the ovipositing by adult BSF. Odour, heat, and water vapor derived from
BSF eggs and/or larvae all appear to attract and/or enhance ovipositing by adult BSF. The inventors showed that the combination of odour and heat/water vapor produced by BSF eggs and/or BSF larvae may have a synergistic effect of attracting and/or enhancing ovipositing by adult BSF. Dark conditions for the BSF eggs and/or larvae appear to be important for such synergistic effect to be established.
The higher amount of odour, heat and/or water vapor in the second chamber, and the transfer thereof to the second chamber (through the at least one first passage) may create a gradient of odour, heat, and/or water vapour over the two chambers. The difference in odour, temperature, relative humidity between the first and the second chamber and/or measuring points in the first and second chamber may be denoted by a delta (A) value. For example A temperature refers to the difference in temperature, between the first and the second chamber and/or measuring points in the first and second chamber. The current inventors consider that the one or more ovisites are preferably positioned along the gradient, more preferably at or near the centre of the gradient, as to optimally attract and/or stimulate ovipositing by gravid flying insects.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiments as mentioned above, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claim or claims will cover such modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the invention. Features of respective embodiments as described above may, for instance, be combined.
Claims (23)
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2029812A NL2029812B1 (en) | 2021-11-18 | 2021-11-18 | System and method for generating insect eggs |
| PCT/EP2022/082503 WO2023089142A1 (en) | 2021-11-18 | 2022-11-18 | System and method for generating insect eggs |
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| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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| NL2029812A NL2029812B1 (en) | 2021-11-18 | 2021-11-18 | System and method for generating insect eggs |
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| NL2029812B1 true NL2029812B1 (en) | 2023-06-12 |
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| NL2029812A NL2029812B1 (en) | 2021-11-18 | 2021-11-18 | System and method for generating insect eggs |
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| NL (1) | NL2029812B1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2023089142A1 (en) |
Citations (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2016005296A1 (en) * | 2014-07-05 | 2016-01-14 | Unger Katharina | System and method for breeding and harvesting insects |
| US20170042131A1 (en) * | 2014-07-05 | 2017-02-16 | Katharina Unger | System and method for breeding and harvesting insects |
| US10159229B2 (en) * | 2014-07-21 | 2018-12-25 | Enterra Feed Corporation | Continuous production system for culturing dipteran insects |
| WO2019053456A1 (en) | 2017-09-14 | 2019-03-21 | Entocycle Ltd | Apparatus and methods for production of dipteran insects |
| CN111727937A (en) * | 2020-07-22 | 2020-10-02 | 华南农业大学 | Integrated breeding equipment for hermetia illucens |
| CN112335611A (en) * | 2020-11-05 | 2021-02-09 | 重庆市环卫集团有限公司 | Black soldier fly trapping and spawning method |
| CN112913787A (en) * | 2021-03-04 | 2021-06-08 | 南京大学（溧水）生态环境研究院 | Intensive cultivation device and method for adult hermetia illucens |
-
2021
- 2021-11-18 NL NL2029812A patent/NL2029812B1/en active
-
2022
- 2022-11-18 WO PCT/EP2022/082503 patent/WO2023089142A1/en unknown
Patent Citations (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2016005296A1 (en) * | 2014-07-05 | 2016-01-14 | Unger Katharina | System and method for breeding and harvesting insects |
| US20170042131A1 (en) * | 2014-07-05 | 2017-02-16 | Katharina Unger | System and method for breeding and harvesting insects |
| US10159229B2 (en) * | 2014-07-21 | 2018-12-25 | Enterra Feed Corporation | Continuous production system for culturing dipteran insects |
| WO2019053456A1 (en) | 2017-09-14 | 2019-03-21 | Entocycle Ltd | Apparatus and methods for production of dipteran insects |
| CN111727937A (en) * | 2020-07-22 | 2020-10-02 | 华南农业大学 | Integrated breeding equipment for hermetia illucens |
| CN112335611A (en) * | 2020-11-05 | 2021-02-09 | 重庆市环卫集团有限公司 | Black soldier fly trapping and spawning method |
| CN112913787A (en) * | 2021-03-04 | 2021-06-08 | 南京大学（溧水）生态环境研究院 | Intensive cultivation device and method for adult hermetia illucens |
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| WO2023089142A1 (en) | 2023-05-25 |
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