Method and system for processing animal products

Abstract

A method for processing animal products, in particular products from poultry farming, comprising the steps of: a) chemical treatment by contacting collected waste with an ammonia-based buffer having a pH of at least 8; b) heat treatment of the material resulting from step a) by heating it to a temperature of at least 70°C under a humid medium; c) separation of organic and inorganic matter from the material resulting from step b) in the presence of water, followed by collection of (i) a liquid fraction comprising inorganic matter and (ii) a solid fraction comprising organic matter, respectively; and d) addition of the liquid fraction comprising inorganic matter resulting from step c(ii) to a tank (22) filled with water, the water being kept at a set point temperature range of 20°C to 42°C, preferably 28°C to 35°C, in a controlled manner, in which tank protein-rich plants or bacteria, in particular microalgae or cyanobacteria, preferably Spirulina, are cultivated. A system for implementing the method is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of processing animal products, particularly those produced by animal husbandry practices, especially poultry, using technologies that allow for environmentally conscious and sustainable development practices. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, industrial-scale food processing activities have grown rapidly. In particular, the increased demand for poultry meat and egg products has led to increased poultry production, generating residual waste that has caused several problems. In fact, one of the major issues facing the poultry industry is the large-scale accumulation of this waste, raising concerns about disposal and pollution (Bolan et al., World's Poultry Science Journal, 2010).

[0003] Existing methods for treating the resulting organic waste (such as animal carcasses, feces, feathers, and poultry bedding) are conventional methods, such as burial, incineration, skinning, and composting. These methods lead to environmental, biosafety, social, and economic problems (Baba et al., 2017 J Dairy Vet Anim Res).

[0004] In addition, poultry farming produces large amounts of ammonium and carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, which pose serious problems for animal health (tracheal irritation, eye lesions, reduced feed conversion efficiency and mortality), on-site workers (respiratory problems), and the environment (Pereira et al., Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2019).

[0005] Therefore, in order to achieve sustainable management in terms of both environment and economy, there is an urgent need to develop new technologies for treating this waste.

[0006] Numerous methods for recycling waste generated from animal husbandry practices are described in the prior art.

[0007] Baba et al. (Int. J. Curr. Microbiol. App. Sci (2018)) proposed using fermentation processes for waste recycling and treatment. Lactic acid fermentation helps purify animal carcasses and allows the final product to be used subsequently as fermented feed for other animals.

[0008] Brandelli et al. (Food Research International (2015)) proposed using enzymes to convert poultry byproducts into usable products. However, these solutions cannot effectively and sustainably handle all the waste generated by such large-scale farming.

[0009] US patent application 2017 / 0354906 describes a bioreactor system for treating solid waste. US patent application 2016 / 0264484 describes an integrated system for treating animal waste, comprising a unit for methanation of animal waste, which produces biogas and coarse biogas residue. The coarse biogas residue is separated into solid and liquid portions. The liquid portion is then treated in a reactor containing microalgae or macrophytes, while the solid portion is treated via earthworm cultivation. PCT application No. WO 2017 / 101654 describes a system for treating slurries and wastewater, comprising a desalination unit and a microalgae cultivation tank. Patent application EP 3 181 524 describes a system for treating feedstock (primarily animal waste) via anaerobic fermentation in a pressurized bioreactor.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need to develop a method for treating animal waste that is more environmentally friendly, more compatible, focused on sustainable development, and, where applicable, reasonably priced.

[0011] In particular, there is a desire to design new methods that allow the use of organic and mineral waste to obtain recyclable products, especially in the form of products for human or animal nutrition.

[0012] The demand for this type of approach is considerable in regions structurally unsuitable for intensive farming, particularly in arid regions (such as parts of the Middle East and Africa), as it allows for low external energy supply or a neutral or even negative carbon balance.

[0013] In harsh environments, especially arid ones, there is a need for new methods that allow the conversion of animal waste into food. Summary of the Invention

[0014] This invention relates to a method for processing animal products, particularly those derived from poultry farming, the method comprising the following steps:

[0015] a) Chemical treatment by contacting the collected waste with an ammonia-based buffer solution with a pH of at least 8.

[0016] b) The material is heat-treated by heating it under humid conditions at a temperature of at least 70°C.

[0017] c) Separate the organic matter and minerals from the material obtained in step b) in the presence of water, and then collect (i) the liquid portion containing minerals and (ii) the solid portion containing organic matter, respectively.

[0018] d) The mineral-containing liquid portion obtained in step c(ii) is added to a tank filled with water, which is maintained in a controlled manner at a setpoint temperature of 20°C to 42°C, preferably 28°C to 35°C, in which protein-rich plants or bacteria, particularly microalgae or cyanobacteria, preferably Spirulina, are cultured.

[0019] In some embodiments of this method, the slot used in step d) is:

[0020] - Contained within an enclosure of liquid and gaseous fluids that are substantially impermeable to the surrounding environment, the enclosure comprising a top at least partially transparent to sunlight, the top being equipped with a plurality of photovoltaic cells, preferably Photovoltaic cells, and / or

[0021] - Equipped with a device for agitating water and recycling protein-rich plants or bacteria.

[0022] -Provided with light energy, and / or

[0023] - Equipped with a device for regulating the temperature of the water contained in the tank.

[0024] According to some embodiments of this method, in order to heat the water contained in the tank, the temperature regulating device is in fluid communication with the outlet pipe of hot water from the device for desalination by evaporation / concentration.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the method, the heat exchanger includes a geothermal exchanger for cooling water.

[0026] According to certain embodiments of this method, the tank is provided with a controllable water supply device, which is in fluid communication with the brine outlet pipe of a device for desalinating water by evaporation / concentration.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the method, step c) is followed by step c1, which involves digesting the material obtained in step c) by contacting it with (i) insect larvae, preferably black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) species, and / or (ii) edible lignin-eating fungi.

[0028] The present invention also relates to a system for processing animal products, the system comprising:

[0029] - Reactors for the chemical and thermal treatment of the animal products,

[0030] - An extrusion unit equipped with a controlled heating system that is in fluid communication with the reactor, and an outlet of the extrusion unit equipped with a liquid / solid separator.

[0031] - Includes a closed outer shell of a tank, the tank having a top made of a material that is substantially transparent to light, the tank being fillable with water and used for cultivating plants or bacteria, particularly protein-rich plants or bacteria, such as protein-rich microalgae or protein-rich cyanobacteria.

[0032] - A system for desalinating water by evaporation / concentration, the system comprising (i) a brine supply pipe, a pipe for discharging undesalinated water, and an outlet pipe for desalinated water,

[0033] The regulations stipulate that:

[0034] - Optionally, the reactor is in fluid communication with the extrusion device;

[0035] - The tank is equipped with a controllable water supply device, which is in fluid communication with the brine outlet pipe from the desalination system.

[0036] In some embodiments, the system also includes a bioclimate greenhouse (passive solar energy) device, which comprises:

[0037] - Includes a closed outer shell with a bottom and a top, the bottom being located below the ground level;

[0038] - The top is substantially transparent to light, and there are multiple photovoltaic cells on the top walls, preferably Battery;

[0039] - The outer casing is provided with a device for dehumidifying the internal atmosphere of the outer casing;

[0040] -The outer casing is temperature-controlled;

[0041] A substrate suitable for growing plants is disposed on the surface of the bottom, the substrate being at least partially composed of the solid portion of a product derived from animal waste processed sequentially in a reactor and then in an extrusion device.

[0042] In some embodiments of the system, the temperature regulation device for the outer shell of the bioclimate greenhouse device includes a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the water desalination system.

[0043] In some embodiments, the system also includes an agricultural and forestry arrangement, which includes:

[0044] - An area planted with trees that provide shade, the trees arranged in rows at appropriate intervals to provide one or more tunnel greenhouses between two rows of trees.

[0045] - One or more tunnel greenhouses arranged between two rows of trees, and

[0046] - A system for irrigating trees, and, where appropriate, a system for irrigating plants that can be grown in one or more tunnel greenhouses, the irrigation system being in fluid communication with the desalinated water outlet of a system that desalinates water by evaporation / condensation. Attached Figure Description

[0047] [ Figure 1 This shows a general schematic diagram of a system for processing animal products. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The present invention relates to a method and system for processing animal products, particularly products generated from poultry farming practices, the method and system being designed to (i) reduce water and energy consumption and (ii) allow optimal utilization of the organic matter and minerals contained in these animal products, so as to make animal farming practices compatible with sustainable development and environmental considerations.

[0049] In the context of this invention, "animal products" includes all or part of an animal carcass and substances secreted or excreted by the animal, or consists of all or part of an animal carcass and substances secreted or excreted by the animal.

[0050] Preferably, the animal product is an animal by-product.

[0051] "Animal by-products" refers to animal products that may or may not be suitable for human consumption, but are not intended for human consumption for regulatory or commercial reasons. As an example, animal by-products in the sense of this invention include or consist of the following: muscle, viscera, skin, hooves, horns, feathers, bones, shells, fat residue, blood, milk, ovules, embryos, semen, biomass, semen, methanated residues, or mixtures thereof.

[0052] In the context of this invention, the animals from which animal products or animal by-products are derived can be animals raised for profit, such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, domestic rabbits and hares, birds or fish, or other animals such as horses, pets, arthropods, especially insects and crustaceans, reptiles or mollusks. These animals particularly include birds raised for profit, especially poultry, such as geese, turkeys, ducks, hens and chicks, guinea fowl, capons, quails, pheasants and pigeons.

[0053] According to the method of the present invention

[0054] This invention relates to a method for processing animal products, particularly those derived from poultry farming, the method comprising the following steps:

[0055] a) Chemical treatment by contacting the collected waste with an ammonia-based buffer solution with a pH of at least 8.

[0056] b) The material is heat-treated by heating it under humid conditions at a temperature of at least 70°C.

[0057] c) Separate the organic matter and minerals from the material obtained in step b) in the presence of water, and then collect (i) the liquid portion containing minerals and (ii) the solid portion containing organic matter, respectively.

[0058] d) The liquid portion containing minerals obtained in step c(ii) is added to a tank filled with water, which is maintained in a controlled manner at a setpoint temperature of 20°C to 42°C, preferably 28°C to 35°C, in which protein-rich plants or bacteria, particularly microalgae or cyanobacteria, preferably spirulina, are cultured.

[0059] As shown in the embodiments, the method according to the invention allows for the destruction of pathogens that may be contained in animal starting products. In particular, it has been demonstrated that this method allows for the complete destruction of pathogens present in heavily contaminated animal starting products. Therefore, results indicate that the method according to the invention results in the complete destruction of pathogenic prions present in animal starting products, including when the contamination level of the animal starting product is greater than 10. 8 LD 50 / g time.

[0060] Preferably, according to the method for processing animal products, the plants or bacteria consist of known types of photosynthetic plants or photosynthetic bacteria.

[0061] In the context of this invention, cyanobacteria mainly include, or even only include, cyanobacteria that are non-toxic to humans and animals.

[0062] In some embodiments, the animal product is ground prior to the steps of applying the above method to obtain a particulate product with an average particle size or particle size determination of up to 20 mm, preferably up to 10 mm, and quite preferably up to 5 mm.

[0063] Step a): Chemical treatment

[0064] In step a) of this method, the animal product is chemically treated with an ammonia-based buffer solution with a pH of at least 8.

[0065] Advantageously, the animal products are in small pieces, thus optimizing their processing at each step of the method. Typically, the animal products to be processed are in the form of pieces with a maximum size of a few millimeters to a few centimeters.

[0066] Preferably, an aqueous ammonia solution is used.

[0067] The amount of ammonia solution relative to the weight of the animal product can be optimally determined by those skilled in the art, particularly based on the order of magnitude of the water content of the animal product to be treated.

[0068] As an example, 5 mL of 0.67% w / w ammonia solution can be used for 15 g of animal product to be treated.

[0069] Chemical treatment with ammonia solution reduces water loss in animal products during subsequent heat treatment.

[0070] Chemical treatment can significantly reduce any contamination of animal products by pathogens, especially pathogenic viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

[0071] In some embodiments, the ammonia solution also contains citrate. In these embodiments, the chemical treatment step allows for enhanced reduction of any contamination by pathogens, including unconventional pathogens such as prion-type pathogenic proteins.

[0072] According to another advantage, the chemical treatment in step a) avoids the shrinkage of animal products that occurs during heat treatment. Therefore, due to the chemical treatment performed in step a), the animal products will not shrink when subsequently subjected to the heat treatment in step b) described below.

[0073] In some implementations, an ammonia-based buffer solution with a pH of at least 9 is used.

[0074] Using an ammonia-based buffer at a selected pH avoids introducing sodium into animal products that have undergone such chemical treatment, whereas this would occur if sodium carbonate and / or sodium bicarbonate buffers were used for chemical treatment.

[0075] For example, the chemical treatment in step a) can be carried out simply by contacting the animal product with an ammonia solution and then simply impregnating the animal product with the solution by passive diffusion.

[0076] The chemical treatment in step a) can also be carried out by contacting the animal products with an ammonia solution and then mixing the liquid / solid mixture to promote rapid diffusion of the liquid to the center of the block of animal products to be treated.

[0077] Preferably, step a) of this method is performed at room temperature, i.e. at a temperature below 45°C, for example at a temperature between 15°C and 25°C.

[0078] Step b): Heat treatment

[0079] In step b), the material produced from the chemical treatment of the animal product obtained at the end of step a) is heat-treated by heating under humid conditions (also known as “wet heating”).

[0080] Generally speaking, it is well known that, at the same temperature, wet heat treatment enhances the sterilization effect on various microorganisms compared to heat treatment using dry heat.

[0081] Generally, for the heating step under humid conditions, the moisture comes from the water contained in the animal product, i.e., from the water originally contained in the animal product before the chemical treatment in step a), and from the water originating from the ammonia composition that diffuses into the center of the animal product during the chemical treatment in step a).

[0082] Preferably, the heat treatment in step b) is carried out in an atmosphere in which the moisture percentage of the material to be treated is at least 80%.

[0083] "Moisture percentage" refers to the amount of water contained in the material to be treated. The moisture percentage of the material to be treated can be readily determined by those skilled in the art, for example by using conventional methods including: (i) weighing the material to be treated, (ii) evaporating the water contained in the material to be treated by heating, for example in a furnace at atmospheric pressure and 100°C, and then (iii) weighing the material after the water has evaporated.

[0084] The heat treatment in step b) is preferably carried out at a temperature above 70°C.

[0085] The temperature can be below 100°C, for example, in the range of 70°C to 100°C, for example, at a temperature of 75°C to 85°C.

[0086] Logically, the duration of step b) can vary from a few minutes to tens of minutes, particularly depending on the temperature and pressure conditions of the heating step (where applicable) and the amount of material to be processed. For example, the duration of step b) can range from 5 minutes to 60 minutes.

[0087] Conversely, shorter processing times will be compensated by temperatures of 100°C to 118°C, preferably 110°C to 115°C.

[0088] In the heat treatment of step b), the ammonia contained in the material to be treated evaporates as ammonia gas, and then the ammonia gas is recovered as ammonia gas, preferably by contact with water, for example, with a water curtain in the intervening gas flow. Preferably, cooling is performed with water, which allows the ammonia to remain trapped in the water flow.

[0089] The resulting ammonia composition is advantageously recovered for the repetition of step a) of the chemical treatment of animal products, which must then be processed according to the method of the invention. The ammonia collected by dissolving in a stream of cold water is then returned to the reactor for chemical treatment.

[0090] The duration of step b) can be readily adjusted by those skilled in the art based on general knowledge, and in particular, on the selected values ​​of temperature, humidity, and pressure (where applicable).

[0091] The fact that the heat treatment process is carried out in a humid atmosphere significantly reduces various pathogens, including viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens. Furthermore, the applicant has demonstrated that this heat treatment process via "wet heating" significantly reduces the presence of unconventional pathogens, such as prion-type pathogenic proteins. The reduction in pathogen presence, particularly of unconventional infectious pathogens such as pathogenic prion proteins, is further enhanced in the presence of citrate; the ammonia / citrate mixture is particularly effective in disrupting prion-type pathogenic proteins.

[0092] Therefore, the temperature and humidity conditions in heat treatment step b) allow for the production of materials that have undergone chemical treatment in step a) and then heat treatment in step b) are substantially free of or even completely free of infectious pathogens. Thus, the material obtained at the end of step b) comprises mineral and organic elements that can subsequently be used as useful inputs, for example, in agricultural practices.

[0093] Step c): Separation of organic matter and minerals

[0094] In step c), the organic matter and minerals contained in the material obtained at the end of step b) are separated.

[0095] More precisely, for the material obtained at the end of step b), the organic matter and minerals are collected separately using any technique known to those skilled in the art, such as at the level of the discharge grate of the extruder.

[0096] In some embodiments of the method, all steps a), b), and c) can be performed in a single industrial processing unit. For example, in these embodiments, an extrusion unit, preferably a screw extruder, including a twin-screw extruder, can be used.

[0097] In an embodiment of the extrusion apparatus used to sequentially perform each of steps a), b), and c):

[0098] - For step a), at the level of the extruder's feed device, an appropriate amount of the animal product and ammonia composition is introduced together or separately, and then the resulting liquid / solid mixture is mixed within the extruder, for example, simultaneously with the mixture traveling along the mixing chamber of the extruder.

[0099] - For step b), the chemically treated material from step a) is fed into a heating chamber located in the extruder, and then heated while traveling within the heating chamber of the extruder.

[0100] - For step c), the chemically treated and then heat-treated material is fed to the discharge port of the extruder, where the liquid and solid are separated, for example, at the level of the discharge grate of the extruder. In some embodiments of step c), the material is cooled and then contacted with a suitable amount of water before final pressing at the level of the discharge grate of the extruder.

[0101] In these embodiments, the duration of each of steps a) and b) is easily controlled, for example (i) according to the length of each chamber of the chemical and thermal treatments, and (ii) according to the selected speed at which the material advances during the treatment in each of the aforementioned chambers.

[0102] The organic matter is mainly contained in the solid portion of the material obtained at the end of step b), and therefore is ultimately contained in the solid portion separated at the extruder outlet.

[0103] The minerals are primarily contained in the liquid portion of the material obtained at the end of step b), and are therefore ultimately contained in the liquid portion separated at the extruder outlet.

[0104] Due to their substantially sterile or even completely sterile properties, and the fact that they are essentially free of infectious pathogens, or even completely free of infectious pathogens, each of the (i) liquid minerals and (ii) solid organic matter obtained at the end of step c) can subsequently be used as a useful input material in agriculture.

[0105] Typically, liquid minerals scattered in fields correspond to liquid flash fertilizers that can be leach out by rainwater, leading to groundwater pollution and eutrophication of waterways, resulting in algae blooms. This algae bloom is utilized in the method according to the invention, and it is controlled by the presence of tanks for cultivating protein-rich plants or bacteria, particularly microalgae or cyanobacteria, especially spirulina.

[0106] Regarding solid matter, in traditional agriculture, this solid matter corresponds to manure to be spread, rather than animal feed, in which case the insects are in the larval stage (after being pre-digested by the mycelium of edible lignin-eating fungi). In traditional agriculture, the mycelium of edible lignin-eating fungi is again used very differently, that is, their fruits are used instead of their mycelium.

[0107] Steps c1) and c2): Pretreatment of the liquid and solid components

[0108] The liquid and solid fractions obtained at the end of step c) are used for their respective physicochemical and nutritional benefits, which will be explained in more detail later in this specification. However, the liquid and solid fractions are each subject to pretreatment before their subsequent use, each of which is described in detail below.

[0109] Step c1): Pretreatment of the liquid component

[0110] In step c1), the liquid portion obtained at the end of step c) is brought into contact with the woody substrate colonized by edible lignin-eating fungi, or more precisely, with the woody substrate colonized by the mycelium of edible lignin-eating fungi.

[0111] The wood substrate is advantageously composed of wood chips, wood granules, or granules.

[0112] To perform step c1), a substrate material, such as wood chips or granules, is inoculated with edible lignin-eating fungi in the form of their primary mycelium. These edible lignin-eating fungi may be particularly selected from *Pleurotus ostreatus*, *Pleurotus pulmonarius*, *Hypsizygus ulmarius*, or *Agaricus blazei* and *Agaricus brasiliensis*. Preferably, it is *Pleurotus ostreatus*.

[0113] During contact with wood colonized by mycelium of edible lignin-eating fungi, heavy metals and other potentially toxic compounds that may be present in the liquid portion are immobilized by the colonized substrate, and these unwanted compounds (if present) are then removed from the liquid portion.

[0114] The liquid portion from which these unwanted compounds have been removed can then be used in step d) of the method.

[0115] Step c2 of the method

[0116] The solid portion obtained at the end of step c) of the method also advantageously undergoes a pretreatment step, which increases its ability to then be used as a nutrient input for insect larvae, increases its ability to be used to produce high-value-added products (such as proteins and oils), and the residues produced by digestion can then be used as compost.

[0117] Therefore, in some advantageous embodiments of the method, step c) is followed by step c2) of digesting the solid portion obtained in step b), which is done by contacting the material (i) with at least one edible lignin-eating fungus, and then (ii) with insect larvae, preferably black soldier fly larvae, also known as “soldier fly”, where applicable.

[0118] Producing compost by digesting organic waste through the larvae of black soldier fly species is known in itself and constitutes part of the general knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0119] To digest the solid portion obtained in step c) with edible lignin-eating fungi and in conjunction with digestion by insect larvae, the material is inoculated with edible lignin-eating fungi in the form of their primary mycelium. These fungi may be particularly selected from oyster mushrooms, *Pleurotus ostreatus*, *Pleurotus ulmoides* (elm oyster mushroom), or *Agaricus blazei* and *Agaricus brasiliensis*. Preferably, it is oyster mushroom.

[0120] According to one embodiment, and in order to facilitate the initiation of the first fermentation, the edible lignin-producing fungi are pre-cultured on a suitable culture medium before inoculating the material with the edible lignin-producing fungi. The conditions for carrying out such pre-culture are known to those skilled in the art. Pre-culture can be carried out, for example, on wheat, brewer's grains, rice, or a mixture of rice, straw, and / or wood.

[0121] In some preferred embodiments of step c2), the material obtained in step c) is inoculated with 10% to 20% (dry weight), preferably about 20% (dry weight), of a preculture of edible lignin-eating fungi, and then maintained at the optimal temperature for the growth of the edible lignin-eating fungi used. For example, the culture temperature is 15°C to 30°C, preferably about 25°C.

[0122] In step c2), when the material to be processed consists of farm animal bedding including animal waste, edible lignin-eating fungi are used for digestion.

[0123] In step c2), the material to be treated is first inoculated with edible lignin-eating fungi. The colonization and digestion of the material by the edible lignin-eating fungi typically takes about 1 to 5 weeks. In some embodiments, Miscanthus sinensis is also added to the material to be treated in this step.

[0124] Therefore, the first step is the complete colonization of the mycelium of the lignin-eating fungi (under certain favorable conditions, between 1 and 5 weeks, preferably 10 days, followed by heat inactivation (usually at 70°C)). The second step is to bring the substrate into contact with a suitable number of Hermetia larvae so that after one week, all the substrate is composted by the larvae, who will then reach harvestable maturity (growing 500 times).

[0125] Edible lignin-eating fungi digest biopolymers into smaller units, such as monomers, which are then absorbed by the mycelium. In this case, they are major players in the decomposition of cellulose and lignin present in animal bedding, or in the decomposition of keratin present in the feathers of birds (including poultry, such as hens and chicks). The products of digestion by edible lignin-eating fungi are available for human and / or animal consumption.

[0126] The digestive process of insect larvae is carried out regularly, including when the material being processed contains or consists of animal meat.

[0127] Then, heat treatment can kill insect larvae and edible lignin-eating fungi.

[0128] Mycelial growth is stopped by moderate heat treatment.

[0129] Insect larvae that reproduce during the digestion process can then form biomass that can be converted and can contribute to the manufacture of animal feed compositions.

[0130] The compost obtained by digesting the material obtained in step b) through the combination of mycelium of edible lignin-eating fungi and subsequent insect larvae can be advantageously used as fertilizer for plant growth.

[0131] Such a base can be used in many industry sectors, provided that regulations change in certain countries (usually Europe).

[0132] Step d): Utilization of the mineral liquid portion

[0133] At the end of step c), or more preferably at the end of step c1), the liquid portion obtained separately mainly contains minerals bound to water-soluble organic matter, which is also derived from chemically treated and then heat-treated materials, such as amino acids and sugars. Furthermore, this liquid portion is alkaline, particularly due to the presence of ammonia.

[0134] In step d), the liquid portion is added to a tank in which protein-rich plants or bacteria, preferably protein-rich microalgae or cyanobacteria, are cultured.

[0135] The slots used in step d) of this method will be explained in more detail below.

[0136] - Contained within an enclosure of liquid and gaseous fluids that are substantially impermeable to the surrounding environment, the enclosure comprising a top at least partially transparent to sunlight, the top being equipped with a plurality of photovoltaic cells, preferably Photovoltaic cells, and / or

[0137] - Equipped with a device for agitating water and recycling protein-rich plants or bacteria.

[0138] -Provided with light energy, and / or

[0139] - Equipped with a device for regulating the temperature of the water contained in the tank.

[0140] The various nutrients (primarily minerals, but also including organic matter) contained in the liquid portion obtained at the end of step c) constitute a nutrient supply conducive to the growth of the protein-rich plant or bacteria, and, where applicable, constitute the sole nutrient supply allowing the growth of the protein-rich plant or bacteria. Furthermore, due to its alkaline nature, the addition of this liquid portion alkalizes the aqueous medium in which the protein-rich plant or bacteria grow, promoting its growth, particularly when the protein-rich plant or bacteria are microalgae, especially those belonging to the genus *Arthrospira*, such as *Spirulina*. Simultaneously, it avoids contamination by unwanted plants, such as toxic cyanobacteria.

[0141] Preferably, the protein-rich cyanobacteria cultured in the tank belong to the genus *Arthrospira*. Cyanobacteria selected from species *Arthrospira platensis* and *Arthrospira maxima* are preferred. According to a preferred choice, the protein-rich plant or bacterium is *Spirulina*.

[0142] In step d), the tank supplying the liquid portion obtained in step c) is temperature-controlled, maintaining the temperature of the water contained in the tank at a suitable set point temperature in a controlled manner.

[0143] "Suitable setpoint temperature" refers to the temperature at which the optimal conditions for the growth of microalgae or cyanobacteria cultured in the tank are met, and this temperature forms part of the general knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0144] It's important to note that the growth of microalgae and cyanobacteria occurs when they are exposed to sunlight. During these periods of sunlight exposure, the growth of these protein-rich plants is promoted when the water temperature is between 25°C and 35°C, for example, between 28°C and 35°C.

[0145] In all cases, the temperature of the water in the tank must not exceed 43°C.

[0146] However, a lower tank temperature is acceptable during periods when these protein-rich plants or bacteria are not exposed to light, provided that the lower temperature does not affect the survival of the protein-rich plants or bacteria, such as the cyanobacteria or microalgae discussed. Most preferably, the water temperature in the tank must be at least 20°C.

[0147] As described elsewhere in this specification, the temperature of the water in the tank can be maintained at a selected setpoint temperature by controlling the supply of heat or frigory (negative heat), which is generated within the system (here referred to as the system for processing animal products), of which the tank is one of the components, and which is designed to operate optimal recycling of energy and chemical element flows for (i) optimal utilization of the energy and chemical elements generated by applying the methods in the system, thereby (ii) significantly reducing (ii-a) the need for energy and chemical inputs, and (ii-b) the generation of non-recyclable waste.

[0148] Therefore, in some embodiments of step d) of the method, the tank into which the liquid portion obtained at the end of step c) is added includes several technical features that contribute to the preservation of energy as well as organic and mineral elements, which can be used by other devices of the system to which the tank used in step d) belongs.

[0149] Preferably, the groove is circular or oval.

[0150] In some implementations, the tank is housed in a closed enclosure that is substantially impermeable to the exchange of liquid and gaseous fluids.

[0151] The housing of the receiving slot includes a top. The top, preferably, is composed of a covering material that is substantially transparent to light over its entire surface, and the top is equipped with a plurality of photovoltaic cells, preferably... Battery.

[0152] The presence of the top helps to isolate the contents of the containment tank, both water and atmosphere, from the surrounding environment, thereby allowing for controlled energy exchange between the sealed containment tank and the surrounding environment, as well as the exchange of gaseous and liquid fluids or solids, and also preventing external contamination, such as by algae, bacteria, or viruses.

[0153] Preferably, the top of the housing of the receiving slot is composed of a material that is at least partially transparent to sunlight, on at least a portion of its surface and, where applicable, on its entire surface. This can be a covering element made of glass or a solar-transparent polymeric material, such as natural or synthetic glass, particularly glass made of polymers or Plexiglas. Preferably, the covering element is made of a material with a transparency to sunlight of at least 50%, more preferably at least 80%, or even more preferably at least 90%, relative to a glass screen at least 6 mm thick.

[0154] Preferably, the top is equipped with a plurality of photovoltaic cells. The photovoltaic cells generate electrical energy when exposed to sunlight, which can be used temporarily and / or stored for subsequent use, such as for actuating other elements or devices constituting a system for processing animal products, which will be described in detail later in this specification.

[0155] For the system according to the invention, battery storage of electrical energy that has been generated but not consumed is undesirable, especially considering the environmental and financial costs of existing devices for storing electrical energy.

[0156] For the system according to the invention, the power of the power-generating elements, especially the photovoltaic cells, will be determined to be in balance with the power requirements of all other elements of the system.

[0157] However, it is possible that a small portion of the electrical energy generated by the system according to the invention will not be used. In this case, the excess electrical energy can be temporarily distributed based on a "smart grid" type of device well known in the prior art.

[0158] Preferably, photovoltaic cells are used, the presence of which does not substantially alter the transmission of sunlight through the transparent or partially transparent top, and therefore does not substantially reduce the exposure of protein-rich plants or bacteria cultured in the water in the tank to sunlight. The reduction in sunlight transmission caused by the presence of photovoltaic cells prevents the protein-rich plants or bacteria from being exposed to excessive light, which is a cause of photoinactivation and could affect their survival in the tank.

[0159] Preferably, the selected photovoltaic cells are what are known to those skilled in the art as... Battery. As is well known, in In photovoltaic cells, photon absorption and charge transport are separate processes, as is the case in dye solar cells. The battery consists of a cathode and an anode made of conductive glass with a titanium dioxide (TiO2) layer on it. The conductive glass is a semiconductor with sensitizers or dyes absorbed on its surface. An aqueous solution with electrolyte function is enclosed between the two plates that define the photovoltaic cell. The advantage of photovoltaic cells is that they allow at least 50% of light to pass through, which is why these photovoltaic cells are sometimes called "transparent cells".

[0160] The number of photovoltaic cells disposed on the top surface of the housing containing the tank can be readily determined by those skilled in the art based on the area of ​​the top, and, where applicable, by the amount of electrical energy required for the proper operation of the system for processing animal products. In some embodiments of the system, the photovoltaic cells are disposed on the entire surface of the top.

[0161] As mentioned above, the fact that photovoltaic cells absorb some sunlight as they interact with the protein-rich plants or bacteria cultivated in the trough is not a disadvantage. On the contrary, in many cases, more moderate exposure of plants or bacteria to sunlight is beneficial to their growth, for example, to the growth of certain cyanobacteria or microalgae (such as spirulina).

[0162] In some embodiments, the tank is equipped with a device for agitating the water and recovering protein-rich plants or bacteria (such as spirulina).

[0163] In particular, in embodiments where the tank is circular or, where applicable, oval, the device for agitating the water can be a rotating device comprising a vertical shaft defining an axis of rotation, preferably located at the center of the tank. The device includes at least one arm perpendicular to the axis of rotation and fixed to the vertical shaft, the movement of which is driven by the rotation of the shaft. The height at which the arm is fixed to the shaft preferably corresponds to the water / air interface of the water contained in the tank. Therefore, as the arm rotates, it induces turbulence through its submerged surface, generating mixing of the water in the tank and, where applicable, contributing to the oxygenation of the water. Furthermore, the portion of the rotating arm's surface at the water / air interface can periodically recover a portion of the mass of protein-rich plants or bacteria (e.g., spirulina) growing in the tank by scraping the water in the upper part of the tank.

[0164] In some embodiments, the collecting arm has a curved shape, such that the harvested plants move from the periphery of the arm to the central axis where the central axis is located due to the water flow generated by the rotation of the arm. Furthermore, the central axis preferably includes a worm (Archimedean worm) that guides the plants moving from the periphery of the device towards the axis of the device. Thus, after horizontal movement, the harvested plants move vertically along the central axis and are then retrieved at the outlet of the worm.

[0165] In some embodiments of the system according to the invention, particularly in embodiments where very large diameter troughs (e.g., exceeding 100 meters in diameter) are used, the mixing and recycling apparatus comprises multiple arms fixed to a central axis, the horizontal axis of a given arm forming a defined angle with the horizontal axis of the preceding or following arm, the multiple arms together covering the entire central axis, or 360 degrees. As an example, in an embodiment of a mixing apparatus with 10 horizontal arms fixed to a central axis, a given arm is preferably oriented at an angle of 36 degrees relative to the preceding arm and relative to the following arm.

[0166] In some implementations, the water depth in the tank is low, approximately 20 cm to 50 cm, resulting in protein-rich plants being exposed to sunlight sufficient to grow.

[0167] In other embodiments of the tank, the water depth is greater than 50 cm. For example, it can be up to 3 meters deep. In these embodiments, the optimal growth conditions for the protein-rich plants or bacteria are not met because they are not adequately exposed to sunlight in the deeper parts of the tank.

[0168] In some embodiments of the mixing device, rotation of the mixing device is provided by a motor coupled to a central shaft.

[0169] In other embodiments of the mixing device, particularly in embodiments where the size of the mixing device is designed to equip a large-diameter trough (e.g., a trough with a diameter of 100 meters or more), it is preferable to consider a rotating device in the form of multiple motors, which are mounted at the ends of the multiple arms that make up the mixing device, and thus located on the periphery of the trough.

[0170] In some embodiments, the tank may have a water depth incompatible with the growth of protein-rich plants or bacteria at the full depth of the tank, for example, because excessive depth does not allow the protein-rich plants or bacteria to be adequately exposed to sunlight. In these embodiments of the tank, the insufficient sunlight exposure of the plants or bacteria is compensated for by the presence of multiple electroluminescent sources (e.g., LEDs) on the walls of the submerged portion of the tank and / or on the walls of one or more rotating arms, which are capable of providing sufficient light energy for the protein-rich plants or bacteria to grow.

[0171] In these embodiments, the apparatus for mixing and recycling may be equipped with a plurality of arms with a rotation axis perpendicular to its fixed axis, including a first arm for mixing and recycling, which is perpendicular to the rotation axis and fixed to the axis at a height at the level of the water / air interface, and at least one other arm, which is perpendicular to the rotation axis and fixed to the axis at a height such that the arm is completely submerged in the water of the tank, and each arm is equipped with a plurality of electroluminescent sources capable of emitting light of at least one wavelength that promotes the growth of protein-rich plants or bacteria, such as light in the near ultraviolet range.

[0172] According to other embodiments, the tank in which the liquid component is added in step d) of the method is temperature-controlled. According to these other embodiments, the tank is equipped with a temperature regulating device for heating or cooling the water in the tank. This device is regulated by a monitoring / control system to maintain the temperature of the water contained in the tank at a selected setpoint.

[0173] Typically, in the system according to the invention, the water contained in the tank constitutes a mass that provides thermal inertia; this thermal inertia mass can help balance the heat generated by other modules of the system (when present, such as a bioclimate greenhouse unit or multiple bioclimate greenhouse units).

[0174] To heat the water in the tank, the temperature control device preferably includes a heat exchanger system in fluid communication with a hot water outlet pipe for desalination of the water by evaporation / concentration. Heat may also be provided to the tank by one or more bioclimate greenhouse units that form part of the system according to the invention. Devices for desalination of water by evaporation / concentration are well known in the art. For example, a device of this type is described in a supplemental certificate to Patent No. 95,887, filed on November 8, 1968, in the name of the Atomic Energy Commission and granted on October 4, 1971.

[0175] To cool the water in the tank during the summer, the temperature control device includes a geothermal heat exchanger system.

[0176] In some embodiments, the bottom of the tank is equipped with a metal plate that will exchange considerable heat with the water in the tank to cool the water.

[0177] This metal plate is typically used to dissipate cold energy (negative heat) and thus provide heat (usually heated to 45°C).

[0178] This allows for the use of cooled heat transfer fluids for distribution.

[0179] If the temperature in the tank tends to rise too much, it is advantageous to invert the system and use a bottom plate to remove the heat from the tank and transfer the heat to the subsoil.

[0180] Geothermal heat exchanger systems, preferably of known types, include one or more tubes through which a heat transfer fluid (e.g., water) circulates. The one or more tubes are located at a selected depth below the earth's surface, and the fluid is appropriately cooled before returning to the heat exchanger to control the cooling of the water in the tank.

[0181] According to another embodiment, the tank may be supplied with water to, for example, compensate for volume loss due to evaporation.

[0182] According to these other embodiments, the tank may be equipped with a controllable water supply device that is in fluid communication with a freshwater outlet pipe of a device for desalinating water by evaporation / concentration.

[0183] Desalination devices using evaporation / concentration offer the advantage of immobilizing calcium salts and other insoluble salts on a polymer membrane contained therein. Therefore, the desalinated water in the supply tank is essentially free of, or completely free of, calcium salts or other insoluble salts that are undesirable because they precipitate in alkaline media and negatively impact the growth of protein-rich plants or bacteria (especially microalgae or cyanobacteria such as spirulina).

[0184] According to other embodiments, the outer shell of the tank can be provided with carbon dioxide in the form of carbonate and nitrogen in the form of ammonia, which are introduced into the atmosphere of the outer shell. The carbon dioxide and nitrogen provided into the atmosphere of the outer shell can consist of gases produced in steps c1) and c2) by a combination of digestion of the material obtained in step c) by insect larvae and edible lignin-eating fungal mycelium.

[0185] According to another advantageous embodiment, heat from one or more bioclimate greenhouse units constituting the system (when they are present) is supplied to a desalination device via evaporation / concentration.

[0186] The system according to the invention

[0187] The present invention also relates to a system for processing animal products, comprising multiple processing units, the system being designed to be substantially self-sufficient, i.e., requiring little or no external energy and material supply upon startup. The system according to the invention, if operated optimally, can even lead to a negative carbon balance.

[0188] According to this design, the operation of the system for processing animal products according to the invention is environmentally friendly and compatible with the pursuit of sustainable development. Furthermore, due to the reduced external energy and material supply required for its operation, the system for processing animal products according to the invention can be installed in resource-scarce environments, particularly those with limited water resources. Moreover, the operation of the processing system generates a reduced amount of unusable waste due to the possibility of optimal reuse of the various materials produced. Therefore, the operation of the processing system according to the invention provides a variety of organic matter and minerals that are beneficial to human and animal nutrition.

[0189] This invention relates to a system for processing animal products, the system comprising:

[0190] - Reactors for the chemical and thermal treatment of the animal products;

[0191] - An extrusion unit equipped with a controlled heating system that is in fluid communication with the reactor, and an outlet of the extrusion unit equipped with a liquid / solid separator;

[0192] - A closed enclosure comprising a trough having a top made of a material that is substantially transparent to light, the trough being fillable with water and used for cultivating plants or bacteria, particularly protein-rich plants or bacteria, such as protein-rich microalgae or protein-rich cyanobacteria.

[0193] - A system for desalinating water by evaporation / concentration, the system comprising (i) a brine supply pipe, a pipe for discharging undesalinated water, and an outlet pipe for desalinated water,

[0194] Regulation:

[0195] - Optionally, the reactor is in fluid communication with the extrusion device;

[0196] - The tank is equipped with a controllable water supply device, which is in fluid communication with the brine outlet pipe from the desalination system.

[0197] A reactor for the chemical and thermal treatment of animal products includes a treatment shell and at least one means for supplying an ammonia-based buffer solution to the reactor, and means for heating the animal products in the reactor. In some embodiments, the reactor is an extruder that includes means for supplying the animal products and means for supplying the ammonia-based buffer solution.

[0198] The heating device can be of any known type. In some embodiments, the reactor is equipped with a heating device via heat exchange, such as a plate heat exchanger device of known type, in which a hot fluid circulates. In some embodiments, the hot fluid circulating in the heat exchanger is hot water derived from a device used for desalinating water by evaporation / concentration.

[0199] The liquid / solid separator is equipped with an outlet pipe for solids and an outlet pipe for liquids.

[0200] In some embodiments, the outlet pipe for the liquid is in fluid communication with a tank contained within a closed housing. Therefore, the liquid portion at the reactor outlet (e.g., from the extruder) is used as feed to the tank contained within the closed housing.

[0201] In some embodiments, the tank contained in the enclosed housing is equipped with temperature regulating devices for heating and cooling the tank, which are described in detail elsewhere in this specification.

[0202] In some implementations, the desalination system includes an outlet pipe for brine and an outlet pipe for desalinated water.

[0203] In some embodiments, the outlet pipe for desalination is in fluid communication with a tank contained in the enclosed housing, with the purpose of supplying brine to the tank.

[0204] In some embodiments of the system, the system also includes a bioclimate greenhouse unit. The bioclimate greenhouse unit can generally be of a type known in the prior art, except for one or more technical features specified below that make the bioclimate greenhouse unit suitable for integration as an element of the system according to the invention.

[0205] In some embodiments, the system further includes a bioclimate greenhouse device, comprising:

[0206] -Including a closed shell with a bottom and top, the bottom being below the ground level;

[0207] - The top is substantially transparent to light, and there are multiple photovoltaic cells on the top walls, preferably Battery;

[0208] - The outer casing is provided with a device for dehumidifying the internal atmosphere of the outer casing;

[0209] -The outer casing is temperature-controlled;

[0210] A substrate suitable for growing plants is disposed on the surface of the bottom, the substrate being at least partially composed of the solid portion of the product from animal waste treatment (in sequence in a reactor and then in an extrusion device).

[0211] A general schematic diagram of the processing system according to the present invention is shown below. Figure 1 As shown. Figure 1 The diagram shows three boxes, located on the left, center, and right sides of the diagram, respectively.

[0212] The left frame 1 relates to the animal farming unit 10 and shows various animal products produced by farming, which are either received directly from the farm or received from the farm after being processed in the processing unit 11, such as manure 12, animal offal 13, poultry feathers 14, and wastewater 15.

[0213] The central frame 2 schematically illustrates the three main processing units:

[0214] - A chemical and thermal treatment unit 21 for animal-derived products, wherein in some embodiments of the system, the unit may include a unit for treating the previously chemically and thermally treated products by a combination of digestion of black soldier fly larvae and at least one edible lignin-eating fungus.

[0215] - A closed outer shell containing a tank 22 that allows the growth of protein-rich plants or bacteria.

[0216] -Bioclimate Greenhouse Unit 23.

[0217] Box 3 on the right schematically illustrates the various material flows generated by operating a system for processing animal products. These various materials are used for human nutrition, for animal nutrition, particularly as feed on animal farms as part of the system, and for other aspects of animal husbandry practices, such as as bedding for animals.

[0218] Box 1 on the left illustrates various aspects related to the animal husbandry unit. The upper left section shows the husbandry unit 10. The operation of the husbandry unit generates waste produced by the animals, primarily consisting of their manure 12 and a mixture of materials used to form their bedding. The husbandry unit also produces carbon dioxide, which can be recycled and fed back (i) to the outer shell of a tank 22 containing a vessel for cultivating protein-rich plants or bacteria, and / or (ii) to a bioclimate greenhouse unit 23, where the carbon dioxide can be absorbed by the plants cultivated in the greenhouse, thereby contributing to their growth.

[0219] The lower part of the left frame 1 shows a processing and production unit 11 for animal products primarily intended for human consumption. The operation of the processing unit 11 produces a variety of animal products not intended for human nutrition, including (i) offal 13; (ii) wastewater 15, which is generated by the various steps in the processing unit that handle animal carcasses; and (iii) where applicable, when the farm animals are birds raised for profit, particularly poultry such as geese, turkeys, ducks, hens and chicks, guinea fowl, capons, quails, pheasants and pigeons, and the feathers 14 of these animals.

[0220] It should be noted that central frame 2 schematically shows (i) a chemical and thermal treatment unit 21, (ii) a closed enclosure including a tank 22 suitable for cultivating protein-rich plants or bacteria, and (iii) a bioclimate greenhouse unit 23. On the left side of central frame 2, the chemical and thermal treatment unit 21 is shown to be supplied with (i) solid waste 12 generated from the operation of the aquaculture unit; (ii) solids consisting of viscera 13 derived from the operation of the processing unit; (iii) solids consisting of farm animal feathers 14, where applicable; and (iv) a liquid consisting primarily of wastewater 15 generated from the operation of the processing unit 11. As described elsewhere in this specification, these solid and liquid materials are subjected to thermal and chemical treatment in steps a) and b) of the method according to the invention. Where applicable, the chemically and thermally treated materials are then subjected to step b1) digestion by a combination of insect larvae and edible lignin-eating fungal mycelium. As described above, the material obtained at the end of step b) of the method (or, where applicable, at the end of digestion in step b1) is generated in the form of a material comprising a solid portion 24 and a liquid portion 25, which are separated in step d) of the method.

[0221] Solid part 24 is used to... Figure 1 The bioclimate greenhouse unit 23 shown in the upper right corner of the central frame 2 supplies nutrients that are useful for plant growth.

[0222] The liquid portion 25 is an alkaline liquid containing mineral and organic elements, used to supply nutrients to the enclosed shell unit containing the tank 22 (in which protein-rich plants or bacteria grow), which is beneficial for the growth of protein-rich plants or bacteria, such as Spirulina.

[0223] Furthermore, in the chemical and heat treatment unit 21, the larvae produced by the reproduction of insect larvae during step b1) of the method can be used as a source of protein for the purpose of producing food compositions for (i) human nutrition and / or (ii) animal nutrition, preferably for feeding farm animals in the breeding unit of the system according to the invention.

[0224] Figure 1 Box 3 on the right side of the diagram schematically shows the various products produced by each of (i) the chemical and heat treatment unit, (ii) the bioclimate greenhouse unit, and (iii) the enclosed shell unit containing tanks (in which protein-rich plants or bacteria are grown).

[0225] from Figure 1 As can be seen from the central frame 2, the bioclimate greenhouse unit 23 is used to grow edible plants, vegetables, and / or fruits 31, primarily for human food. Where applicable, certain parts of the plants not used for human nutrition may be used to (i) feed farm animals or (ii) provide materials constituting animal bedding 32.

[0226] from Figure 1 As can be seen from the schematic diagram, the operation of tank unit 22 produces a plant or bacterial clump, which consists of protein-rich plants or bacteria 33, which are collected, for example, during growth. These protein-rich plants or bacteria can be used as a component of human or animal nutrition 31, for example, for feeding animals raised in the breeding unit 10 of the system according to the invention. Furthermore, the water contained in tank 22, filtered and purified by the protein-rich plants or bacteria, can then be supplied (i) to the breeding unit 10 and / or (ii) to the processing unit 11, as it is useful for the proper operation of each of these units of the system according to the invention.

[0227] from Figure 1 The schematic diagram also shows that the chemical and thermal treatment unit 21 can generate a lipid-rich portion 34.

[0228] exist Figure 1 As can be seen from the schematic diagram, the chemical and heat treatment unit 21 can produce a solid portion, the processing of which can be provided by insect larvae 35, and the resulting processed material can then be used specifically to feed the animals in the farm 10 (see right box 3).

[0229] For example Figure 1As shown in the schematic diagram, desalinated water 38, especially pure water, can be taken out from tank 22 for use in processing unit 11.

[0230] In addition, insects 36 derived from insect larvae can be used as protein inputs, for example, in aquaculture unit 37.

[0231] In some embodiments of the system, the slot 22:

[0232] - is a groove covered, preferably with a light-transparent covering element covering its entire upper surface, the covering element being equipped with multiple photovoltaic cells, preferably... Battery, and / or

[0233] - Equipped with a device for agitating water and recovering spirulina, and / or

[0234] - It is supplied with light energy, (i) on the one hand by natural light transmitted through the covering element, (ii) on the other hand by light emitted from multiple electroluminescent sources disposed on the walls of the tank and / or on the walls of the device for mixing water and recovering spirulina, and / or

[0235] - Equipped with a heat exchanger device for heating and / or cooling water, the device being regulated by a monitoring / control system to maintain the temperature of the water contained in the tank at a set point temperature.

[0236] In some embodiments of the system, the temperature control device for the housing includes a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the water desalination system.

[0237] In some embodiments, the system further includes an agricultural and forestry arrangement, comprising:

[0238] - An area planted with trees that provide shade, arranged in rows at appropriate intervals to provide one or more tunnel-type greenhouses between two rows of said trees.

[0239] - One or more tunnel greenhouses arranged between two rows of trees, and

[0240] - A system for irrigating trees, and, where appropriate, a system for irrigating plants that can be cultivated in one or more tunnel greenhouses, the irrigation system being in fluid communication with the desalinated water outlet of a system that desalinates water by evaporation / condensation.

[0241] The present invention also relates to a method for purifying animal products to remove pathogens, comprising the following steps:

[0242] a) Chemical treatment of the collected waste by contacting it with an ammonia-based buffer solution with a pH of at least 8, and

[0243] b) The material is heat-treated by heating it under humid conditions at a temperature of at least 70°C.

[0244] Related to the description of steps a) and b) of the method for processing animal products, more specific features of performing steps a) and b) are described in detail elsewhere in this specification.

[0245] Pathogens include pathogenic microorganisms, such as pathogenic bacteria and pathogenic viruses. Pathogens also include unconventional infectious agents (UTAs), such as pathogenic viroids and prions.

[0246] In some embodiments, the method for purifying animal products to remove pathogens further includes step c) contacting the material obtained at the end of step b) (in appropriate cases, the solid portion of the material obtained at the end of step c) with insect larvae (preferably larvae of the black soldier fly species).

[0247] In relation to the description of step c2) of the method for processing animal products, more specific features of performing step c) are described in detail elsewhere in this specification.

[0248] Example: The effect of pathogen purification methods

[0249] As shown in the examples, the method of treating animal products according to the invention can produce organic matter that can subsequently be used specifically for agriculture, for example as fertilizer or nutrient, due to the combination of the alkaline pH provided by the ammonia-based buffer in the chemical treatment step and the temperature applied in the heat treatment step.

[0250] It is important to note that the remarkable resistance of pathogenic prion proteins (especially those causing bovine spongiform encephalopathy, also known as "mad cow disease," which can be transmitted to humans and then leads to Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease) led hospital facilities to modify their autoclaving practices, changing the previous 121°C temperature to 134°C for 18 minutes. It is precisely this resistance to pathogenic prion proteins that explains why early animal feed treatments destroyed all other pathogens but were ineffective in preventing the spread of pathogenic prion proteins, thus contributing to the so-called "mad cow disease" crisis.

[0251] The method of treating animal products according to the invention was tested in a conventional model used for prion purification studies (i.e., by using strain 263K in hamsters) to purify the animal products to remove pathogens, particularly due to the application of steps a) and b) of the method, and in some cases also due to the application of step c2 by contact with insect larvae of the black soldier fly species.

[0252] The principle of this test is to compare representative animal product samples contaminated with pathogenic prion proteins. As a representative animal product sample contaminated with pathogenic prion proteins, hamster brain homogenate infected with prion in the late stages of the disease was used to contaminate a piece of meat, with a weight ratio of 10 wt% hamster brain homogenate and 90 wt% initially uncontaminated meat relative to the total weight of the resulting animal product. The 10%:90% weight ratio was used to avoid any significant changes in the physicochemical properties of the meat matrix while providing the maximum amount of infectious agent, in the specific case of this prion strain 263K, with an infection titer greater than 10. 9 LD 50 / g hamster brain, which is the amount of infectious agent contained in 1 gram of infected hamster brain that has a 50% probability of killing more than 1 billion animals (definition of 50% lethal dose).

[0253] The meat matrix contaminated with 263K strain was carefully homogenized to produce a series of samples of the same volume and weight.

[0254] Then, the samples were subjected to various purification treatments, with or without, to compare the purification capabilities of the various treatments applied, thereby determining their relative efficacy (relative to each other and relative to successive dilutions of untreated infected samples) (to determine the reduction in the infection titer of the initial sample).

[0255] The final test consists of the following: inoculating the brains of samples produced from the various treatments applied to determine the well-known 50% lethal dose and to define the most effective purification treatment.

[0256] The positive control consists of the following:

[0257] 1) According to WHO recommendations, autoclaving at 134°C for 18 minutes resulted in a 2.5 log reduction in infection titer, or approximately 300-fold, which is less than traditionally described due to the protective effect of the meat matrix.

[0258] 2) Longer treatments at lower temperatures (60 minutes at 115°C) are more readily available industrially and have less impact on the sensory quality of the treated products, resulting in a 2-log reduction in infection titers, or a 100-fold reduction.

[0259] The processing of animal product samples consists of the following:

[0260] 1) The combination of a lower temperature (60 minutes at 115°C) and a controlled supply of an ammonia-based buffer to increase pH (the composition used here was: 6% ammonia 30% v / v, ammonium citrate 25 mM, sodium citrate 250 mM; this buffer was mixed with meat at a ratio of 1 volume / 5 parts meat, i.e., 2 ml buffer per 10 g meat before heat treatment) resulted in a 5 log reduction in infection titer, i.e., 1000 times higher than heat treatment alone, and 300 times higher than the WHO recommendation.

[0261] 2) The combination of the preceding treatment and biotransformation by black soldier flies reduced the infection titer by more than 8 logs, which is more than 300,000 times higher than the WHO reference treatment. Despite the large amount of infectious doses used to contaminate the treated samples, no residual infectivity was detected.

[0262] These experiments require follow-up of animals for more than 12 months, which can demonstrate the advantages of the method for treating animal products according to the present invention compared with conventional purification methods.

[0263] List of cited references

[0264] Baba et al. 2017. Traditional methods of carcass disposal: review. Journal of Dairy, Veterinary & Animal Research. 2017; 5(1): 21-27.

[0265] Baba et al. 2018. Economics of Fermentation of Poultry FarmWaste. International Journal of Current Microbiology and AppliedSciences. ISSN: 2319-7706. Volume 7, Issue 06 (2018).

[0266] Bolan et al. 2010. Uses and management of poultry litter. World's Poultry Science Journal, Vol. 66, No. 4, December 2010, pp. 673-698, DOI: https: / / doi.org / 10.1017 / S0043933910000656.

[0267] Brandelli et al. 2015. Microbial enzymes for bioconversion of poultry waste into added-value products. Food Research International 73 (2015) 3-12.

[0268] Pereira et al. 2019. Ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions following the application of clinoptilolite on the litter of a breeding hen house. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2019 March; 26(8): 8352-8357. doi:10.1007 / s11356-019-04429-2.

Claims

1. A method for processing animal products, the method comprising the following steps: a) Chemical treatment by contacting the collected waste with an ammonia-based buffer solution with a pH of at least 8. b) The material is heat-treated by heating it under humid conditions at a temperature of at least 70°C. c) Separate the organic matter and minerals from the material obtained in step b) in the presence of water, and then collect (i) the liquid portion containing the minerals and (ii) the solid portion containing the organic matter, respectively. d) The liquid portion containing the minerals obtained in step c(i) is added to a water-filled tank (22) which is maintained in a controlled manner at a set point temperature of 20°C to 42°C, in which protein-rich plants or bacteria are cultured.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the groove (22) used in step d) is: - Contained within an enclosure of liquid and gaseous fluids impermeable to the surrounding environment, the enclosure comprising a top at least partially transparent to sunlight, the top being equipped with multiple photovoltaic cells, and / or - Equipped with a device for agitating the water and recovering the protein-rich plants or bacteria. - Provided with light energy, and / or - Equipped with a device for regulating the temperature of the water contained in the tank.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, in order to heat the water contained in the tank, the temperature regulating device is in fluid communication with the outlet pipe of hot water from the device for desalination by evaporation / concentration.

4. The method of claim 2 or 3, wherein the heat exchanger comprises a geothermal exchanger for cooling the water.

5. The method as described in claim 1, wherein the tank (22) is provided with a controllable water supply device, the water supply device being in fluid communication with the brine outlet pipe of the device for desalinating water by evaporation / concentration.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein step c) is followed by step c1) contacting the liquid portion of the material obtained in step c) with a woody substrate colonized by edible lignin-eating fungi, and step c2) contacting the solid portion obtained in step c) (i) with at least one edible lignin-eating fungus and then, where applicable (ii) with insect larvae.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the insect larva is an insect larva of the black soldier fly species.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the animal product is a product derived from poultry farming.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the protein-rich plant or bacteria is a microalgae or cyanobacterial.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the protein-rich plant or bacteria is spirulina.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the setpoint temperature is 28°C to 35°C.

12. A system for processing animal products, the system comprising: - Reactor (21) for the chemical and thermal treatment of the animal products. - An extrusion unit equipped with a controlled heating system, which is in fluid communication with the reactor, and an outlet of the extrusion unit equipped with a liquid / solid separator. - Includes a closed shell of a tank (22), the tank having a top made of a light-transparent material, the tank being capable of being filled with water and used for cultivating plants or bacteria. - A system for desalinating water through evaporation / concentration, including a brine supply pipe, a pipe for discharging undesalinated water, and an outlet pipe for the desalinated water. in Regulation: The tank (22) is equipped with a controllable water supply device, which is in fluid communication with the brine outlet pipe from the desalination system.

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a bioclimate greenhouse device (23), the bioclimate greenhouse device comprising: - Includes a closed outer shell with a bottom and a top, the bottom being located below the ground level. - The top is transparent to light, and there are multiple photovoltaic cells on the walls of the top. - The outer casing is provided with a device for dehumidifying the internal atmosphere of the outer casing. - The outer casing is temperature-controlled; - A substrate suitable for growing plants is disposed on the surface of the bottom, the substrate being at least partially composed of the solid portion of the product from animal waste treatment in the reactor and then in the extrusion device.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the temperature regulation device of the outer shell of the bioclimate greenhouse device (23) includes a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the system for desalinating water.

15. The system of any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising an agricultural and forestry arrangement, said agricultural and forestry arrangement comprising: - An area planted with trees that provide shade, the trees arranged in rows at appropriate intervals to provide one or more tunnel greenhouses between two rows of the trees. - One or more tunnel greenhouses arranged between two rows of trees, and - A system for irrigating the trees, and, where appropriate, a system for irrigating plants that can be cultivated in one or more tunnel greenhouses, the system for irrigating the trees being in fluid communication with the desalinated water outlet of the system for desalinizing water by evaporation / concentration, the system for irrigating plants that can be cultivated in one or more tunnel greenhouses being in fluid communication with the desalinated water outlet of the system for desalinizing water by evaporation / concentration.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein the reactor (21) is in fluid communication with the extrusion device.

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