NL2015124B1 - Insect breeding facility and method for the industrial scale production of mature larvae from egg-laying mother beetles. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an insect breeding facility and to a method for the industrial scale production of mature larvae from egg-laying mother beetles, which mature larvae serve as protein rich food. The insect breeding facility comprises a spawning area with a number of spawning containers, wherein at least one spawn structure is provided in each spawning container. In the spawning area the mother beetles spawn their eggs in spawn structures, and insect food is provided to the spawning containers. The insect breeding facility further comprises a hatch area with a number of hatching containers, which are adapted to receive the eggs, larvae food and to allow harvesting of mature larvae. Periodically, a batch of spawn structures is removed from the spawning containers and replaced with new spawn structures, and the eggs of the batches of removed spawn structures are transported into a hatching containers.

Description

Insect breeding facility and method for the industrial scale production of mature larvae from egg-laying mother beetles

The present invention relates to an insect breeding facility and to a method for the industrial scale production of mature larvae from egg-laying mother beetles, which mature larvae serve as protein rich food.

Beetles are a group of insects which are biologically classified in the order Coleoptera and which are holometabolous insects, i.e. including four life stages - as an embryo or egg, a larva, a pupa, and an imago or adult.

The first stage is from the fertilization of the egg inside the mother beetle until the embryo hatches. The insect starts as a single cell and then develops into the larval form before it hatches. The second stage lasts from hatching or birth until the larva pupates. In most species this mobile stage is worm-like in form, and these larvae are thus frequently referred to as “worms”. The third stage is from pupation until eclosion. In preparation for pupation, the larvae of many species construct a protective cocoon of silk or other material, such as its own accumulated faeces. In this stage, the insect's physiology and functional structure, both internal and external, change drastically. Adult holometabolous insects usually have wings and functioning reproductive organs.

Mature larvae of different types of beetles are commercially available and can be used as protein rich food for animals or humans, such as for the rearing of captive animals in terraria, such as geckos or predatory insects, and for the rearing of larger birds, such as toucans. For example larvae from the pachnoda marginata, also referred to as the pachnoda butana, a beetle from the subfamily Cetoniinae. The adult beetles are 20-30 mm, and the larvae are very small when they hatch, but can grow as long as 60 mm. Other examples may include: - the alphitobius diaperinus, a species of beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, - the zophobas morio, a species of darkling beetle, whose larvae are known by the common name superworm or zophobas, - the mealworm beetle, tenebrio molitor, a species of darkling beetle, the larvae being known as mealworms, - the housefly, Musea domestica, is a fly of the suborder Cyclorrhapha, which larvae are known as maggots, - grasshoppers, insects of the order Orthoptera, suborder Caelifera, - crickets family Gryllidae (also known as "true crickets"), are insects related to grasshoppers.

In a known breeding facilities adult insects including mother beetles are held in containers, in which containers the mothers beetles receive food and spawn their eggs. The eggs will hatch, and the baby larvae will mature into mature larvae in the same container, from which the mature larvae are removed to serve as protein rich food. A disadvantage of such a known breeding facility is that the yield of mature larvae is relatively low and unpredictable. For example, mother beetles may eat or damage eggs and baby larvae. Also, it is not possible to simultaneously create optimum conditions for spawning and for hatching, which may e.g. require a different temperature and humidity.

The aim of the present invention is to provide an insect breeding facility and method for the industrial scale production of mature larvae from egg-laying mother beetles. Such industrial scale production requires a continuous and high yield, which is achieved with an insect breeding facility and method according to the present invention.

In particular, the present invention relates to an insect breeding facility for the industrial scale production of mature larvae from egg-laying mother beetles, which mature larvae serve as protein rich food, the insect breeding facility being provided with: - a spawning area in which a number of spawning containers are to be provided or are provided; - a plurality of spawning containers which are adapted to receive or have received adult insects including mother beetles and insect food; - a plurality of spawn structures, wherein at least one spawn structure is adapted to be provided or is provided in each spawning container in the spawning area, in which spawn structures the mother beetles will spawn their eggs during an egg-laying lifetime, such that the spawn structure or part of the spawn structure holds the eggs, wherein said spawn structure or said part thereof is removable from the spawning container; - an insect food delivery system to deliver insect food to the spawning containers; - wherein, in the spawning area: o the mother beetles spawn their eggs in the spawn structures, o insect food is provided to the spawning containers; - a hatch area adapted to receive at least a number of hatching containers, which are adapted to receive the eggs, larvae food and to allow harvesting of mature larvae; - a plurality of hatching containers, in which the eggs are allowed to hatch into baby larvae and subsequently mature into mature larvae during a hatching and tending time, - a larvae food delivery system to deliver larvae food to the hatching containers; wherein every period P2, which period is determined such that the eggs do not yet hatch in the spawning area: - a batch of spawn structures in which the mother beetles have spawned their eggs is removed from the spawning containers and replaced with new spawn structures; - the eggs of the batches of removed spawn structures are transported into a number of empty hatching containers and into the hatch area; such that the eggs of the batch of spawning structures remain separated from the eggs of other batches.

The present invention also relates to a method for the industrial scale production of mature larvae from egg-laying mother beetles, which mature larvae serve as protein rich food, comprising the steps of: providing an insect breeding facility according to claim 1 with a number of spawning containers; in the spawning area: o the mother beetles spawning their eggs in the spawn structures during an egg-laying lifetime; o providing insect food to the spawning containers; o every period P2 removing spawn structures in which the mother beetles have spawned their eggs from the spawning containers; o replacing the removed spawn structures with new spawn structures; - transporting eggs of the batches of removed spawn structures into empty hatching containers and into the hatch area; in the hatch area: o the eggs hatching into baby larvae; o the baby larvae maturing into mature larvae; o providing larvae food to the hatching containers; o harvesting mature larvae from the hatching containers.

An advantage of such an insect breeding facility and method is the predictable and high yield of mature larvae, e.g. because spawning and hatching conditions can be controlled individually and optimized. A high yield may also be the result of the individual hatching containers, allowing a batch of eggs to hatch into baby larvae and subsequently mature into mature larvae in beneficial, possibly optimum conditions without being undue disturbed, e.g. except for the delivery of food. When eggs that have been removed from the spawning containers at different days are placed as a mix in a single hatching container, mature larvae will appear in that hatching container during a number of days. Sieving may be required to separate mature larvae from eggs and baby larvae, which is disadvantageous for the yield.

Another advantage of the inventive approach is that the hatched mature larvae from a certain hatching container, if desired, can be matched to the spawning containers from which the eggs had been removed. Hence, it is possible to relate the yield of mature larvae to the mother beetles, e.g. what and how much they eat, the conditions in the spawning area (temperature, humidity). Likewise, it is possible to relate the yield of mature larvae to the eggs and baby larvae, such as what and how much the larvae eat, and the conditions in the hatch area (temperature, humidity).

According to the present invention, the insect breeding facility comprises a distinct spawning area and a hatch area. Batches of eggs are transported from the spawning area to the distinct hatch area.

In the spawning area, a number of spawning containers are to be provided or are provided, which are adapted to receive or have received adult insects including mother beetles and insect food. Commonly, the adult insects are a mixture of sexes. The number of beetles in a spawning container depends on the type of beetles and the dimensions of the spawning container. Typically, in a practical approach, 500-1500 adult insects are provided in each spawning container. For example for the pachnoda butana 800-1200 beetles may be provided in a spawning container of 40x60x22 centimeters (length x width x height).

Typical insect food is vegetables and fruit such as apples, (plant-based) protein rich food, and grain products and byproducts such as wheat bran, brewery spent grain, poultry feed.

An insect food delivery system is provided to deliver insect food to the spawning containers.

Depending on the number of spawning containers, food is delivered manually or by an automated device. A typical amount of food is 1-3 apples per spawning container per day, and every other day some dog food. In general, younger beetles require more insect food than older beetles. In addition to the delivery of food, in embodiments it may also be required to remove remainders of food, such as apple skins, grape pits or the like.

Spawning containers are preferably made from PE, PP, PVC, PET.

The spawning containers preferably comprise a bottom and a peripheral wall. The spawning containers are preferably rectangular or square shaped, comprising four corners between which a peripheral wall is provided.

In embodiments, the spawning container has a configuration that allows stacking, such that in the spawning area one or more stacks of spawning containers are provided. It is also conceivable that the spawning containers are embodied as trays that can be slid into and out of a tray cabinet. For example, multiple tray cabinets each comprising multiple spawning containers are provided in the spawning area.

Depending on the type of beetles, in particular depending on the beetle’s ability to fly, the top opening of the spawning containers may at least partially be covered, or not covered at all. In embodiments, the top opening is covered over 60%. For good flyers the spawning containers are preferably entirely covered, while for moderate flyers, such as the pachnoda butana, coverage of 3/4 of the top opening of the container may suffice to prevent the beetles from escaping the spawning containers.

The cover may be a plastic lid, preferably made from the same material as the container. Advantageously, the cover is provided with ventilation openings. In embodiments, cut-outs are provided in the lid, in which a mesh or gauze is provided having a mesh-width preventing the beetles from escaping. It is also conceivable that the cover is formed by a meshed structure, allowing ventilation while preventing the beetles from flying away.

Advantageously, at least 25% or 35% of the cover us provided with ventilation openings, while the remainder of the cover may be closed.

The spawning containers are preferably provided with ventilation openings, to allow for the dissipation of heat and C02. These openings have a dimension such that the escape of beetles is prevented. The ventilation openings are preferably at least provided in the peripheral wall, and possibly also in a cover (when present), and optionally in the bottom. These ventilation openings may be embodied as perforations in the peripheral wall, or as wire meshes or gauzes provided in cut-outs in the peripheral wall.

In possible embodiments, the spawning containers comprise a bottom which provided with a perforated area to allow the removal of excrements. Advantageously, one or more excrement collection containers are provided in the spawning area, positioned below a spawning container or below a stack of spawning containers. In embodiments, the excrement collection container has a configuration that allows direct stacking of a spawning container onto the excrement collection container. The excrement collection containers are preferably regularly removed, cleaned and replaced.

In embodiments, the climate in the spawning area has a high humidity, e.g. 55-70%, and is relatively warm, e.g. between 20-35°C, preferably around 30°C. Advantageously, the climate is kept constant. Such conditions are optimum spawning conditions, in particular for the pachnoda butana.

In embodiments, the spawning containers are provided with a heat source such as a heat lamp. The heat lamp is e.g. an infrared lamp, but alternative heat sources such as known from terrariums are also conceivable, such as heat mats. As beetles prefer to gather around such a heat source, and spend most of their time around this heat source, it is advantageous to provide the heat source above a perforated area in a bottom of the spawning container that is designed for the removal of excrements.

Hence, according to the inventive method, in the spawning area the mother beetles spawn their eggs in the spawn structures, with a frequency that depends on the type of beetle, during an egg-laying lifetime of the mother beetles. For example, the egg-laying lifetime of the pachnoda butana is 20-25 weeks. It is noted that the young and new adult insects in the spawning area may need a few days or weeks before the first eggs are spawned.

For the industrial scale production, and in order to maintain a constant and high yield, it is advantageous to periodically remove a number of spawning containers with mother beetles which have spawned their eggs essentially during their egg-laying lifetime from the spawning area, and provide the same number of spawning containers with new adult insects including mother beetles in the spawning area. It is noted that the end of the egg-laying lifetime of beetles generally coincides with the end of the beetles lifetime and hence, the old adult beetles of the removed spawning containers will die, e.g. from undercooling the beetles are frozen in and brought in a so-called ‘cold sleep’.

In an embodiment, with a total number of spawning containers p and an egg-laying lifetime /, a number of spawning containers n is removed and replaced every period Ph essentially according to the ratio: n / P-ι = p / /. Advantageously, and in order to maintain a constant and high yield, n is in the order of 1-10 spawning containers, and/ or wherein Pi is in the order of every day - every few days/ week.

The spawning containers in the spawning area are thus periodically replaced. Generally, the spawning containers are cleaned after their removal from the spawning area and after the removal of the mother beetles at the end of their egg-laying lifetime, prior to being provided with new adult insects including mother beetles. Hence, young adult beetles are provided in clean spawning containers to be provided in the spawning area. During the presence in the spawning area, it is preferred not to clean the spawning containers, apart from the removal of remainders of food and the replacement of excrement collection containers. In embodiments, cleaning between times is possible.

The insect breeding facility of the invention further comprises a plurality of spawn structures, wherein at least one spawn structure, preferably 1-3 spawn structures, is adapted to be provided or is provided in each spawning container in the spawning area, in which spawn structures the mother beetles will spawn their eggs during an egg-laying lifetime, such that the spawn structure or part of the spawn structure holds the eggs. The spawn structure or said part thereof is removable from the spawning container.

The type of spawn structure is related to the type of egg-laying mother beetles, as each type of mother beetle has its own preferences for egg-laying. In embodiments, the spawn structures are embodied as containers, e.g. cylindrical containers, e.g. made from metal, glass, ceramics, or plastic such as PE, PP, PVC, PET. The spawn structures are advantageously provided with a substrate, preferably an organic substrate such as peat. Advantageously, the organic substrate is kept moisturous to prevent the eggs from dehydration. Alternatively, spawn structures are provided comprising a multitude of crevices, having dimensions tuned to the egg-laying tube of the mother beetles.

For the industrial scale production, and in order to maintain a constant and high yield, it is according to the present invention that every period P2 a batch of spawn structures in which the mother beetles have spawned their eggs, preferably all spawn structures, is removed, and to replace them with new spawn structures, void of eggs but possibly provided with new substrate. Advantageously, the used spawn structures are cleaned after the removal of the eggs to form new spawn structures.

The period P2 is determined such that the eggs do not yet hatch in the spawning area. The period P2 may further depend, amongst others, from the egg-receiving capacity of the spawn structures and the spawning capacity of the mother beetles. In embodiments, the mother beetles may daily spawn a number of eggs filling the spawn structures in their entirety, as a result of which replacement of the spawn structures takes place daily, hence, P2 = daily. In alternative embodiments, the spawn structures are adapted to receive the eggs of a few consecutive days, and as a result P2 may be 3-4 days.

According to the invention, every period P2, the eggs of the batches of removed spawn structures are transported into empty hatching containers and into the hatch area; such that the eggs of the batch of spawning structures remain separated from the eggs of other batches. In the hatching containers the eggs are allowed to hatch into baby larvae and subsequently mature into mature larvae during a hatching and tending time. The hatching time for the pachnoda butana is 1,5 week, and the tending time 8-10 weeks.

The hatch area of the invention is adapted to receive at least a number of hatching containers, which are adapted to receive the eggs, larvae food and to allow harvesting of mature larvae. To keep the eggs of different batches of spawn structures separated, a large number of hatching containers is required.

Hatching containers are typically quite similar to spawning containers, and are e.g. made from plastic material such as PE, PP, PVC, PET. The hatching containers preferably comprise a bottom and a peripheral wall. Common dimensions are l*w*h = 40*60*12 cm.

The hatching containers are preferably rectangular or square shaped, comprising four corners between which a peripheral wall is provided. In embodiments, the hatching container has a configuration that allows stacking, such that in the hatching area one or more stacks of hatching containers are provided. It is also conceivable that the hatching containers are embodied as trays that can be slid into and out of a tray cabinet. For example, multiple tray cabinets each comprising multiple hatching containers are provided in the hatch area. Possibly, the hatching containers are provided with ventilation openings.

The total amount of required hatching containers y is dependent on the number of hatching containers z required of receive the eggs of a batch of removed spawn structures. This is dependent on the number of eggs and the required space for hatching and tending. For example, a hatching container is adapted to receive the eggs of 5 spawn structures. In embodiments with 50 spawning containers, each comprising 2 spawn structures, a batch of 100 removed spawn structures thus requires a number z is 20 hatching containers per batch. A common yield is 100-1000 mature larvae per hatching container.

The total amount of required hatching containers y is further dependent on the hatching and tending time h and on the period P2 according to the ratio y / h = z / P2. This ratio also determines the frequency with which mature larvae can be harvested. For example, when twice a week (P2 = 1/4 week) a batch z of 20 new hatching containers is filled with eggs, z / P2 is 40 hatching containers/week. With a hatching and tending time h of for example 10 weeks, this results in an required amount of hatching containers of 400. Mature larvae can be harvested with a frequency between P2 - 3*P2. In this example, the mature larvae of 40 hatching containers can be harvested weekly (here 2*P2), or alternatively 20 hatching containers can be harvested twice a week (same as P2). The period between subsequent harvests should not be that long that the mature larvae start to construct cocoons, and should not be shorter than P2 as then the larvae may not be mature enough.

The conditions in the hatch area are advantageously optimized for hatching. For example, the hatch area has a high atmospheric humidity to prevent the eggs from dehydration. Advantageously, the conditions such as temperature and humidity of the spawning area and of the hatch area are controlled individually. According to the invention, the hatch area is kept void of mother beetles, to prevent them from eating the eggs, and preferably also kept void of insect food.

To keep the hatch area free of adult beetles and/ or insect food, in embodiments a sieve facility is provided which is adapted to receive the batches of spawn structures in which the mother beetles have spawned their eggs, once removed from the spawning containers, in which sieve facility the eggs are sieved from the mother beetles and/or insect food. The mother beetles and/or insect food may be returned to the spawning containers.

As indicated above, in embodiments, the spawn structures are provided with a substrate, preferably an organic substrate such as peat, in which the mother beetles have spawned their eggs. It is conceivable that this substrate is transported with the eggs into the empty hatching containers and into the hatch area. Advantageously, the substrate is moisturous to prevent the eggs from dehydration. In embodiments, it is conceivable that the substrate also comprises excrements of the adult beetles, which is then transported with the eggs into the hatching containers.

Once the eggs have hatched, the baby larvae will mature into mature larvae during a tending time. For this process the larvae require food, to which end a larvae food delivery system is provided to deliver larvae food to the hatching containers. Typical larvae food is poultry feed, twaddle, bleat, grits and the like, which is delivered periodically, e.g. twice a week. In addition thereto, the organic substrate provided in the spawn structures, advantageously transported with the eggs to the hatching containers, may also be eaten as food by the larvae.

At the end of the hatching and tending time, a yield of e.g. 100-1000 mature larvae can be harvested from each hatching container. Harvesting may include separating the mature larvae from substrate, e.g. by sieving. Alternatively, harvesting may be performed by manually selecting the mature larvae.

For the industrial scale production, and in order to maintain a constant and high yield, a continuous supply of new adult insects including mother beetles is required. It is conceivable that these are commercially available and purchased.

In possible embodiments, part of the mature larvae tended in the hatching containers is transferred to a rearing area in which a number of rearing containers are to be provided or are provided, which are adapted to receive or have received mature larvae, in which the mature larvae will mature into new adult insects including mother beetles, which are e.g. to be placed in the spawning containers.

For a given replacement ratio of spawning containers of n/Ρ-ι, this is also the required ratio of new adult insects including mother beetles to be matured and harvested.

The number of mature larvae in a rearing container depends on the type of beetles and the dimensions of the rearing container. Typically, 100-500 mature larvae are provided in each rearing container. For example for the pachnoda butana 200-300 mature larvae may be provided in a rearing container of 40x60x12 centimeters. In embodiments, a similar type of container can be used as hatching container and as rearing container.

The rearing containers are preferably provided with a cocoon construction material, allowing the larvae to construct a cocoon which will eclose into an adult beetle. This cocoon construction material is e.g. an organic substrate, but also larvae excrements.

As indicated above, in embodiments, the spawn structures are provided with a substrate, preferably an organic substrate such as peat, in which the mother beetles have spawned their eggs. It is conceivable that this substrate is transported with the eggs into the empty hatching containers and into the hatch area. The substrate is present during hatching and also during tending of the larvae. Hence, this substrate will also contain excrements of the larvae once the larvae have matured.

In embodiments, the mature larvae with at least part of the substrate are transported into the rearing containers and to the rearing area, such that the cocoon construction material is provided. Possibly, also the substrate including larvae excrements is supplemented by fresh organic substrate, e.g. in a ratio 1:1.

It may take several weeks for mature larvae to form a cocoon, e.g. for the pachnoda butana 4 weeks. In embodiments, the cocoons are then separated from the substrate, e.g. by sieving.

Advantageously, the climate in the rearing area has a high humidity to prevent the cocoons from dehydration. For example, fresh moisturous substrate is added to the cocoons.

It may take several weeks for beetles to emerge from a cocoon, e.g. for the pachnoda butana 2 -4 weeks. Harvesting of the new adult beetles may be performed manually.

The invention is further explained in relation to the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematical representation of an insect breeding facility according to the present invention;

Fig. 2a is a perspective view of a spawning container with a cover;

Fig. 2b is a schematical top view of a cover of a spawning container;

Fig. 2c is a schematical top view of a spawning container;

Fig. 2d is a schematical side view of a spawning container and an excrement collection container;

Fig. 3a is a schematical top view of a hatching container;

Fig. 3b is a schematical top view of a sieve facility.

In fig. 1 an embodiment of an insect breeding facility 1 according to the invention is schematically represented. The insect breeding facility 1 is adapted for the industrial scale production of mature larvae from egg-laying mother beetles, e.g. pachnoda butana, which mature larvae serve as protein rich food, e.g. for animals and/ or for humans. The shown insect breeding facility 1 may produce about 5000 mature larvae per week, as will be explained below. For example, for the pachnoda butana, 300 mature larvae have a volume of 1 liter and weigh about 750 gram. Hence, 100 mature larvae will weigh about 250 - 350 gram, and 5000 will weigh about 12-15 kilo.

The insect breeding facility 1 comprises a spawning area 10, in which in the shown embodiment 6x4=24 spawning containers 11 are provided, which are adapted to receive or have received adult insects including mother beetles and insect food. Hence, here p = 12. As an example, in each spawning container of 40 * 60 * 22 cm (length * width * height), about 1000 beetles of the pachnoda butana can be received. In the shown spawning area, further a storage for empty spare spawning containers 12 is provided. In the spawning area 10, the mother beetles spawn their eggs in spawn structures 14, explained below, and insect food 45 is provided to the spawning containers, as will also be explained below.

The insect breeding facility comprises an insect food delivery system 40 to deliver insect food 45 to the spawning containers 11. The insect food delivery system 40 of the shown embodiment comprises an insect food storage 45, and a trolley 41 which is movable across rails 44 between the insect food storage 45 and the spawning containers 11. It is also conceivable that the insect food delivery system 40 comprises multiple insect food storages for storing different types of food. It is also conceivable that insect food is delivered manually to the spawning containers.

An embodiment of a spawning container 11 is shown and described in relation to figs. 2a-2d, in which respectively a perspective view, a cover 13, a top view and a side view of the spawning container 11 are shown. Spawning container 11 comprises a bottom 11a and a peripheral wall 11b, and has a rectangular shape. In the shown embodiment, the peripheral wall 11b, as visible in the side view of fig. 2d, is provided with ventilation openings 17 to allow for the dissipation of heat and C02. These openings have a dimension such that the escape of beetles is prevented. The ventilation openings are here embodied as wire meshes provided in cut-outs in the peripheral wall 11b.

The shown spawning container is suitable for beetles of the pachnoda butana, who are moderate flyers. A cover 13 is provided which provides coverage of 3/4 of the top opening of the container 11, which is sufficient to prevent the beetles from escaping the spawning containers 11. The shown cover 13 is provided with a mesh structure in order to provide ventilation.

The shown spawning container 11 comprises a heat source 15, e.g. a heat lamp such as an infrared lamp, which is a preferred habitat of the beetles of the pachnoda butana. In the perspective view of fig. 2a, the heat source itself is not visible as it is surrounded by a mesh structure 19, which is provided to prevent the beetles from burning themselves. In view of this ‘preferred habitat’, this will also be the area in which most of the excrements will arise. Therefore, in the shown embodiment, in the bottom 11a below the heat source 15 a perforated area 16 is provided, allowing the removal of excrements. In this embodiment, as schematicall visible in fig. 2d, below the spawning container 11 an excrement collection container 18 is positioned in which the excrements are collected, and which may be replaced and cleaned regularly.

According to the present invention, a plurality of spawn structures 14 is provided. Here, two spawn structures 14 are provided in each spawning container 11 in the spawning area. Hence, a total amount of 48 spawn structures is provided in area 10. In these spawn structures 14 the mother beetles will spawn their eggs during an egg-laying lifetime /, such that the spawn structure or part of the spawn structure holds the eggs, wherein said spawn structure or said part thereof is removable from the spawning container 11. For the pachnoda butana beetles, the egg-laying lifetime / = about 24 weeks.

In view of this lifetime, and for the industrial scale production, to ensure and maintain a constant and high yield, preferably every period P-ι a number n of spawning containers with mother beetles which have spawned their eggs essentially during the egg-laying lifetime / is removed from the spawning area 10 and replaced with new spawning containers. In view of the total amount of spawning containers p and the lifetime / replacement of n spawning containers in a period P-ι preferably takes place according to the ratio: η I Ρι = p 11, wherein n is in the order of 1-10 spawning containers, and/ or wherein P-ι is in the order of daily/ every few days/weekly. In the shown example, n = 1 spawning container is preferably replaced every P-ι = 1 week, or n = 2 spawning containers are replaced every Pi=2 weeks.

As visible in figs. 2a and 2d, the spawn structures 14 are here provided in openings in the bottom 11a of the spawning container, such that the spawn structures 14 extend into below the bottom of the spawning container, here into the excrement collection container 18.

In this embodiment, the spawn structures 14 are provided with a substrate, e.g. an organic substrate such as peat, which is preferred as an egg-laying substrate by the pachnoda butana beetles.

The insect breeding facility 1 further comprises a hatch area 20 adapted to receive at least a number/of hatching containers 21, which are adapted to receive the eggs, larvae food and to allow harvesting of mature larvae. In the shown embodiment, the hatch area 20 is adapted to receive 120 hatching containers, hence, y= 120.

An exemplary embodiment of a hatching container 21 is depicted in a top view in fig. 3a. In the hatching container, the eggs are allowed to hatch into baby larvae and subsequently mature into mature larvae during a hatching and tending time h. For the pachnoda butana eggs, it takes 1-2 weeks to hatch, and 8-9 weeks to mature into mature larvae. Hence, the hatching and tending time h for the pachnoda butana is 10 weeks.

As is preferred, the hatch area 20 is free of adult beetles and specific insect food such as fruit, as dedicated larvae food is provided to the larvae in the hatch area.

Advantageously, a sieve facility 23 is provided, schematically depicted in fig. 3b, which is adapted to receive spawn structures 14 in which the mother beetles have spawned their eggs, which are removed from the spawning containers, in which sieve facility the eggs are sieved from the mother beetles and insect food. Hence, preferably the sieve facility comprises a mesh that allows the passage of eggs and possibly substrate, but prevents the passage of beetles and large food (parts), such as fruit skins.

In particular, it is preferred to control the conditions (such as temperature and humidity) of the spawning area 10 and of the hatch area 20 independently.

The insect breeding facility 1 further comprises a larvae food delivery system 40 to deliver insect food 46 to the hatching containers 21. The larvae food delivery system 40 of the shown embodiment comprises a larvae food storage 46, and a trolley 41 which is movable across rails 43 between the larvae food storage 46 and the hatching containers 21. Hence, in the shown embodiment the insect food delivery system and the larvae food delivery system are integrated. Separate food delivery systems are also conceivable, as well as the presence of multiple larvae food storages for storing different types of food. It is also conceivable that larvae food is delivered manually to the hatching containers.

According to the present invention, every period P2: - a batch of z spawn structures 14 in which the mother beetles have spawned their eggs are removed from the spawning containers 11 and replaced with new spawn structures; - the eggs of the batches of removed spawn structures are transported into empty hatching containers 21 and into the hatch area 20; such that the eggs of the batch of spawning structures remain separated from the eggs of other batches.

The period P2is determined such that the eggs do not yet hatch in the spawning area 10. Furthermore, for the industrial scale production and to ensure and maintain a constant and high yield, preferably P2 is in the order of 1-7 days (0,2-1 week). The periodical harvesting of mature larvae can take place with a similar frequency, e.g. between P2 - 3*P2.

In the shown embodiment, 24 spawning containers comprising 48 spawn structures in total are provided win the spawning area 10. Hence, a batch of 48 spawn structures are periodically removed and replaced with new spawn structures, void of eggs.

The spawn structures of the shown embodiment are provided with a substrate, which substrate is transported together with the eggs into a number of z empty hatching containers 21 and into the hatch area 20. In the shown example, the eggs and substrate of 48 spawn structures are distributed over z =6 hatching containers. Hence, the contents of 8 spawning structures is transported into a single hatching container. It is noted that in alternative embodiments it is also conceivable that the contents of less or more spawning containers is transported into a hatching container. The substrate is preferably moisturous to prevent the eggs from dehydration. For the larvae of the pachnoda butana, a peat substrate also serves as larvae food.

The total amount of required hatching containers y, here y = 120, is dependent on the hatching and tending time h and on the period P2 according to the ratio y / h = z IP2.

If, for example, twice a week (P2 = 0,5) the eggs of the spawn structures are transported into z = 6 empty hatching containers, 12 hatching containers are filled every week. In view of the hatching and tending time h = 10 weeks, consequently the hatching area 20 should be adapted to receive at least a number/= 120 hatching containers. As indicated above, if the eggs are harvested twice a week (P2 = 0,5), the periodical harvesting of mature larvae can take place also twice a week, or weekly (2*P2), or every 10-11 days (3*P2). For a hatching container comprising the contents of 8 spawning structures of the pachnoda butana, a common yield is 500 adult larvae. Hence, for 12 hatching containers the yield is about 6000 adult larvae per week.

Harvesting of mature larvae cannot be delayed for a long time, as then the mature larvae start to produce cocoons.

For the industrial scale production, and in order to maintain a constant and high yield, a continuous supply of new adult insects including mother beetles is required. In the shown insect breeding facility a rearing area 30 is provided to create a continuous supply of new adult insects. In the rearing area a number of rearing containers 31 are provided, here 24 rearing containers 31. The rearing containers are adapted to receive or have received mature larvae. In the rearing containers the mature larvae will mature into new adult insects including mother beetles, which are e.g. to be placed in the spawning containers. In particular, the mature larvae form cocoons which will eclose into adult beetles.

In the shown embodiment, 1 spawning container 11 is replaced per week. As indicated above, for the pachnoda butana, a spawning container comprises about 1000 adult beetles. Hence, 1000 new adult beetles are weekly required. Accordingly, 1000 mature larvae are weekly selected from the yield of 6000 mature larvae that are allowed to mature into new adult beetles. In the shown example, 250 adult larvae are placed in each rearing container.

Claims (15)

An insect breeding facility (1) for the production on an industrial scale of adult larvae of egg-laying mother towers, which adult larvae serve as protein-rich food, wherein the insect breeding facility is provided with: - a laying area (10) in which a number of p laying containers (11) are provided or can be provided; a plurality of laying containers (11) suitable for receiving or having received adult insects including mother turrets and insect food; a plurality of laying structures (14) wherein at least one laying structure is suitable to be provided or is provided in each laying container in the laying area, in which laying structures the mother towers will lay their eggs during an egg-laying life /, such that the laying structure or part of the laying structure holds the eggs, the laying structure or part thereof being removable from the laying container; - an insect food delivery system (40) for delivering insect food (45) to the laying containers; - wherein in the laying area: the mother towers lay their eggs in the laying structures, insect food is delivered to the laying containers; - a hatching area (20) suitable for receiving at least a number of hatching containers (21), which are suitable for receiving the eggs, larvae food, and for allowing the harvesting of adult larvae; a plurality of hatching containers (21), in which the eggs can hatch into baby larvae and then grow up to mature larvae during a hatching and growing-up time Ch), - a larval food delivery system (40) for delivering larvae food (46) to the hatching containers (21); wherein each period P2, which period is determined such that the eggs do not yet hatch into the laying area: - a batch of the laying structures in which the mothers have laid their eggs is removed from the laying containers and replaced by new laying structures; - the eggs from the batch of the removed laying structures are transported to a number of (z) empty hatching containers and to the hatching area; such that the eggs of the batch laying structures remain separate from the eggs of other batches. The insect breeding facility according to claim 1, wherein an empty hatching container (21) is adapted to receive the eggs from a plurality of removed laying structures (14). The laying facility according to claim 1, wherein preferably 500-1500 adult insects, for example pachnoda butana beetles, are provided in each laying container. The insect breeding facility according to claim 1, wherein the laying containers (11) have a bottom (11a) and a circumferential wall (11b), the circumferential wall being provided with ventilation openings (17) to allow heat and CO 2 to be released. The insect breeding facility according to claim 1, wherein the laying containers comprise a bottom (11a) which is provided with a perforated area to enable removal of droppings, and wherein an dropping tray (18) is positioned in the laying area under a laying container. The insect breeding facility according to claim 1, wherein the laying containers are provided with a heat source (15) such as a heat lamp, preferably positioned above a perforated area (16) in a bottom (11a) of the laying container designed for removing droppings. The insect breeding facility according to claim 1, wherein the laying structures (14) are provided with a substrate, preferably an organic substrate such as peat, in which the mother turrets will lay their eggs, which substrate is preferably transported with the eggs to a number of empty hatching containers (21) and to the hatching area (20), which substrate is preferably moist to prevent eggs from drying out, and which substrate is also preferably larvae food. The insect breeding facility according to claim 1, wherein the hatching area (20) is free from insect food and / or mature spears, preferably by providing a screening facility, adapted to receive the laying structures in which the mother spores have laid their eggs, removed from the laying containers, in which sieving facility the eggs are sieved from the mother towers and insect food. The insect breeding facility according to claim 1, further comprising a rearing area (30) in which a plurality of rearing containers (31) are provided or can be provided, which are suitable to receive or have received adult larvae, wherein the adult larvae will grow up to be new adult insects comprising mother towers which are suitable, for example, to be placed in the laying containers. A method for producing adult larvae from egg-laying mother towers on an industrial scale, which adult larvae serve as protein-rich food, comprising the steps of: providing an insect breeding facility according to claim 1 with a plurality of (p) laying containers (11); in the laying area (10): - the mother towers lay their eggs in the laying structures (14) during their egg-laying life (/); - providing insect food to the laying containers; - every period P2 removing the laying structures in which mother turrets have laid their eggs from the laying containers; - replacing the removed laying structures with new laying structures; transporting eggs from the batches of removed laying structures to empty hatching containers (21) and to the hatching area; - in the hatching area (20): - hatch the eggs into baby larvae; - allow the baby larvae to grow into adult larvae; - providing larvae food to the hatching containers; - harvesting of adult larvae from the laying containers. A method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of removing and replacing from the laying area (10) a number of laying containers (11) with parent turrets that have essentially laid their eggs during the egg-laying age, according to ratio n / Pi = p / /, where n is on the order of 1-10 laying containers, and / or where P-ι is on the order of between per day and per week. The method of claim 10, further comprising the steps of: providing a sieving facility (23) adapted to receive batches of laying structures (14) in which the parent turrets have laid their eggs removed from the laying containers, sieving the eggs from the mother towers and / or insect food before transporting the eggs to the hatching containers. A method according to claim 10, wherein P2 is on the order of between per day and per week, and wherein the periodic harvesting of adult larvae preferably takes place with a frequency between P2 - 3xP2. The method of claim 10, wherein a portion of the adult larvae that has grown up in the hatching containers is moved to a rearing area (30) in which the adult larvae will grow into new adult insects comprising mother towers, which can be placed in, for example, laying containers. The method of claim 10, wherein the conditions of the laying area (10) and of the hatching area (20) are independently controlled.