Difference between revisions of "Insect farming"

Insect-based bioconversion of organic waste is the controlled breakdown of an initial feedstock (organic waste) into insect biomass and frass (waste residuals), with the latter consisting of predominantly insect frass and to a lesser extent, shed exoskeletons, dead insect parts, and potentially uneaten feedstock. The process of insect-based bioconversion mirrors the natural breakdown of organic matter in ecosystems.<ref>{{Cite journal|author=Lim, S. L., Lee, L. H., & Wu, T.Y.|year=2016|title=Sustainability of using composting and vermicomposting technologies for organic solid waste biotransformation: Recent overview, greenhouse gases emissions and economic analysis|journal=Journal of Cleaner Production|volume=111|page=262-278|doi=10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.08.083}}</ref> In such systems, naturally ocurring insects, earthworms, a wide range of other invertebrates, fungi, and bacteria colonize and break down waste, converting the nutrients for their own metabolic and reproductive needs.

Under controlled conditions, the species responsible for the decomposition process can be regulated and the ambient conditions can be optimized to favour the growth and bioconverison by the given species performing the service.