The ABC of Black Soldier Fly farming part 4
In this post series we go through important terminology related to Black Soldier Fly farming (BSF farming), in an alphabetical order. This fourth post focuses on BSF farming terms from P to W.
Pheromone: A chemical substance released by Black Soldier Flies to attract mates.
Post-processing: Includes all processes to convert larvae into products like dried larvae, BSF meal and BSF oil.
Poultry manure: Manure from chicken farming. BSF larvae can be fed with different types of manure, but depending on manure nutritional value and composition it may need to be mixed with are ingredients to draft a suitable recipe for the larvae to eat. NOTE: Some local laws may prohibit the use of manure as a substrate, such as in the EU at the moment.
Pre-pupa: The last larval stage that crawls out of the waste to search a dry pupation site. In comparison to the larvae, pre-pupae have a higher chitin content and are, therefore, less easy for fish and chicken to digest.
Press cake: Solid protein fraction after pressing BSFL using a screw press.
Press liquid: Liquid fat fraction after pressing BSFL using a screw press.
Proventriculus: A part of the digestive system in Black Soldier Fly larvae that acts as a food storage organ.
Pupa(e): The plural form of pupa, which is the stage after the larval stage and before the adult stage of the black soldier fly.
Pupation container: The pupation container is filled with a moist pupation substrate (e.g. compost, moist coco peat, pot soil, etc.) into which pre-pupae bury to pupate. Not relevant to all types of insect farming set ups.
Rearing (facility): The rearing facility often contains either the whole life cycle or a specific part of the Black Soldier Fly farming operation.
Rearing container: The word “container” is in this context used in 2 different meanings. Container in general is used to mean a fairly small box or tray, but a “rearing container” refers to an actual sea container – often a second hand used sea container – that has been refurbished with insulation and relevant equipment to act as a production unit for insect farming operation. Often also climatized to make the rearing operation partially automated.
Sanitising: Process to condition larvae before processing them into products, if they are found dirty or if the use case requires sanitation. Larvae may be killed rapidly by dipping them in boiling water or put in a hot oven.
Shaking sieve: A sieve which vibrates or shakes. It is used to separate larvae from the frass.
Slaughterhouse waste: It may include bones, organs, blood and generally inedible animal parts leftovers.
SM: Abbreviation for soybean meal.
Spent grains: The main waste product from brewing (beer production). The leftover malt and adjuncts after the mash has extracted most of the sugars, proteins, and nutrients.
Spirulina: A type of blue-green algae commonly used as feed for Black Soldier Fly larvae.
Stratiomydiae: The family of flies to which the black soldier fly belongs.
Substrate: The mix of organic waste that is fed to the BSF larvae. A good balanced recipe helps the larvae to grow faster and more, to remove waste more efficiently, and helps predict the outcome, an important part of business case calculations.
Sustainable: A method of farming that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Ventilation frame: Provides a space between the layers of larveros. It ensures the exchange of air and, thus, the removal of moisture from the larveros. Specifically built insect trays have a kind of structure that enable sufficient ventilation.
Waste reduction: The waste reduction is measured, either based on wet weight or dry weight, and compares the biowaste going into the treatment with the remaining biomass (residue).
Worms: Another term sometimes used to refer to black soldier fly larvae, especially in parts of Africa.
To learn how to become a professional in insect business and Black Soldier Fly farming, sign into the Manna Insect FARM Hub for a library of free video tutorials, webinars and Q&As!
For more information about Manna’s solutions for Black Soldier Fly farming, jump to the Manna Insect frontpage!
Read also the previous ABC posts;
The ABC of Black Soldier Fly farming part 1
The ABC of Black Soldier Fly farming part 2
The ABC of Black Soldier Fly farming part 3