Report wp5act1-report-literature-search-on-insects-for-feed.pdf The black soldier fly has gained increased attention recently due to its potential in many applications. For example, mass production of black soldier fly can result in several products such as protein (meal) and oil. This literature search focusses on the production of black soldier fly for animal feed applications, referring to the scope of the ValuSect project. The black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) is considered to have huge potential in animal feed applications due to some interesting properties of this insect species. For example, black soldier fly larvae can be produced with a lower environmental impact than conventional protein sources. They are able to consume organic waste and efficiently convert this low-value biomass into high-value components, making them a rich source of proteins. Therefore, black soldier fly larvae can possibly become a more sustainable protein source for animal feed than current sources. This insect species might be able to close the loop, making them a good fit within the circular economy strategy. However, before insects in general can become applicable as sustainable protein source, the production process needs to be optimal from an economical and productivity point of view. As the industrial production of insects for agricultural applications is a relatively new concept in Western countries, this is not yet the case.The aim of this literature search is to define knowledge gaps on the sustainable production of insects used in animal feed. The focus is on the BSF insect, as this species is considered the most promising for animal feed applications. The knowledge here obtained will be used to plan and conduct relevant experiments aiming to fill the identified gaps and to contribute to the optimisation of the insect production process.This literature search is carried out as part of the Interreg NWE ValuSect project (work package 5: insects for feed, activity 1: transferring knowledge build on insects for food to insects for feed), in which all project partners of work package 5, Activity 1 are actively involved. The aim of this literature search is to define knowledge gaps on the production of insects for feed applications. Cite as: Van Peer, M., Coudron, C., Alvarez, C., Adema, J., Kingston-Smith, A., Van Miert, S. (2023). Literature review to define knowledge gaps on the sustainable production of insects for feed. ValuSect. https://www.valusect.eu/system/files/pg/pdf/wp5act1-report-literature-search-on-insects-for-feed.pdf Tags Acheta domesticus insect nutrition black soldier fly Hermetia illucens insect (re)production valorisation Log in or register to post comments Country Belgium