Method and device for the intensive rearing of dipteran stratiomyidae insects, in particular adult hermetia illucens

Abstract

The invention discloses a method and a device for breeding adult Diptera Phoridae, which allows continuous egg laying from adult Diptera Phoridae insects, in particular adult Drosophila melanogaster, in the production phase. Compared to traditional systems for breeding Drosophila melanogaster, the method and device of the invention have the advantage of adopting new and original solutions that allow organizing and increasing the production of the insect production cycle, allowing intensive egg laying.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an intensive or industrialized method for raising Diptera (Brassica juncea) insects, and more particularly to a method and related apparatus for raising adult black soldier flies. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, it is known that black soldier fly larvae can be utilized ( Hermetia Illucens Larvae produce protein powder for human and animal nutrition.

[0003] In the first few days of the adult black soldier fly's reproductive cycle, after emerging from the cocoon, the individual begins to reach sexual maturity. Mating then occurs, and after mating, the female lays eggs.

[0004] The spawning of the same population over time follows a statistical distribution similar to a Gaussian distribution.

[0005] Starting from the egg, the insect life cycle can be divided into the following stages: Egg: The life cycle of the black soldier fly begins with an egg. After the female lays the eggs, it generally takes three days for them to hatch. During this stage, the egg undergoes several internal developmental stages.

[0006] Larvae: After the eggs hatch, the black soldier fly larvae appear. During this stage, the larvae feed on decaying organic matter, such as food scraps or feces, and go through different growth stages, which are called "instars".

[0007] Pupa: After completing its growth, the black soldier fly larva transforms into a pupa. At this stage, the larva encloses itself in a cocoon-like structure called a pupa, which continues to develop until it metamorphoses into a fully formed adult.

[0008] Adults: After metamorphosis, the black soldier fly emerges as an adult. Adults are black or bluish-black and mate during their short lifespan of 5-20 days. The female then lays eggs to begin a new life cycle.

[0009] The most critical parameters for adult black soldier fly reproduction are as follows: Temperature: Temperature is a key factor in the reproduction of adult black soldier flies. Their ideal temperature for growth and reproduction is typically between 24°C and 33°C. Temperatures that are too low or too high will negatively impact their survival rate, reproduction rate, and egg quality.

[0010] Humidity: Humidity is another important parameter that needs to be monitored during the adult reproduction process. The ideal relative humidity is around 50%-80%. Too high humidity will lead to the growth of mold and bacteria, reducing the flight ability of black soldier flies; while too low humidity will cause dehydration of adults and eggs, affecting hatching.

[0011] Light: Adult black soldier flies have evolved to be sensitive to specific wavelengths of visible and UV light. Light of the appropriate wavelength is crucial for male adults to locate females in their surroundings.

[0012] Suitable oviposition sites: Female adults need sufficient space to lay eggs, a space that protects the eggs from desiccation, parasites, and other predatory insects. Additionally, it is equally important to include female attractants to promote oviposition, thereby increasing the survival rate of newly hatched larvae.

[0013] Management of feces and residue: Maintaining a clean environment is crucial to preventing the accumulation of feces and organic residues (such as dead black soldier flies). This can be achieved by regularly removing unconsumed material and keeping breeding areas clean. A clean environment reduces the risk of disease and improves the quality of adult flies.

[0014] Feeding: Adult black soldier flies need to be fed to maintain their health and optimize their reproduction. They can be fed water, sugary substances, or sugar solutions, such as diluted honey or syrup.

[0015] Currently, the breeding of horseflies mainly relies on manual techniques derived from scientific research laboratories. Therefore, there is a complete lack of necessary solutions and measures to organize and increase the yield of the insect production cycle.

[0016] CA 2 955 867 A1 discloses a continuous system for culturing Diptera insects, comprising a mating chamber adapted to accommodate male and female adults.

[0017] IT 2018 0000 3619 A1 discloses a method for monitoring populations of Diptera stiltidae insects in a breeding room. Summary of the Invention

[0018] The main objective of this invention is to provide a method and related apparatus for the intensive breeding of Diptera scorpion flies, especially adult scorpion flies, which can realize the rational breeding of insects and thus achieve continuous oviposition on an industrial scale.

[0019] The above and other objects of the present invention can be achieved by the method and apparatus as described in claim 1 or 5. Preferred embodiments of the invention are given in the other claims.

[0020] Compared with traditional black soldier fly farming systems, the method and apparatus of this invention have the advantage of utilizing a novel and original solution to organize and increase the yield of the insect production cycle, and to achieve intensive production of eggs and newly hatched larvae. Attached Figure Description

[0021] These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of some preferred embodiments of the method and apparatus of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0022] in: Figure 1 The complete apparatus of the present invention is illustrated schematically; Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the breeding cages used in the apparatus shown in Figure 1 is shown; Figure 3 Shown in the form of a longitudinal section view Figure 2 Details of section A in the middle breeding cage; Figure 4 A variation of the device of the present invention is shown, which is equipped with an attachment to Figure 2 The lighting device on the breeding cage shown; Figure 5 and Figure 5A Two variations of the housing and movement system of the breeding cage are shown; Figure 6 Typical oviposition time curves of adult black soldier fly populations belonging to the same batch are shown; Figure 7 The daily spawning trends for each rearing cage are shown; and Figure 8 The daily egg-laying trends of all the rearing cages in the apparatus shown in the aforementioned figures are illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the device of the present invention is generally indicated by 1, which includes a climate chamber 2, in which a breeding cage 3 is contained for raising Diptera scorpion flies, such as black soldier flies 4, from the initial pupa stage to the final adult stage.

[0024] The climatic chamber 2 and the rearing cage 3 are maintained under climatic conditions suitable for pupal development into adults, adult survival and mating, and egg laying. To this end, the rearing cage 3 is equipped with a lighting system 5, the spectrum of which is optimized for specific insects. These artificial lighting systems 5 can be installed on the ceiling of the climatic chamber 2 (Figure 1) or directly assembled into the structure of the rearing cage 3, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The variant shown in the figure.

[0025] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the rearing cage 3 preferably has a self-supporting parallelepiped structure and is made of a washable material. These rearing cages include an upper window 6 that allows complete transmission of all wavelengths of light from the illumination system 5. On the side wall of the rearing cage 3, perforated areas or surfaces 7 suitable for heat and humidity exchange with the interior of the climate chamber 2 may be provided, wherein the aperture of the perforated areas or surfaces is selected to prevent insects from escaping to the outside of the rearing cage. Furthermore, an optical sensor suitable for measuring egg production is also provided.

[0026] According to the present invention, each breeding cage 3 is thus kept sealed from the outside world and completely isolated from other breeding cages. Insects cannot move from one breeding cage to another, cannot move between different breeding cages, and cannot interact with insects in other breeding cages or with the surrounding environment.

[0027] The breeding cage 3 is also provided with a device 8 for laying and collecting eggs. Preferably, this device is the one disclosed in patent IT102018000003261 of KourEnergy.

[0028] At the bottom of the rearing cage 3, a tray 9 containing black soldier fly pupae 10 that are about to emerge from the cocoons is inserted through a suitable opening; the opening is located at the bottom of the rearing cage 3 for inserting and removing the tray, and for collecting dead black soldier flies and molted skins at the end of the cycle, as well as for the inflow and outflow of water for washing the rearing cage 3.

[0029] The breeding cage 3 is ultimately equipped with sensors 11 for measuring the breeding parameters of black soldier flies, such as temperature, humidity and light intensity in each breeding cage.

[0030] In the device of the present invention, the breeding cage 3 is connected by an automatic track system 12 or a rotating conveyor belt or other device. Figure 5 ) Moving in and out of climate chamber 2, as well as moving within climate chamber 2.

[0031] In the initial stage of the method of the present invention, the breeding cage 3 contains only pupae 10, which are fed into the breeding cage manually or using a robotic arm 13.

[0032] Each rearing cage 3 contains pupae of the same age, while the pupae in one or more rearing cages are of different ages than those in other rearing cages, so that the different times when the rearing cages 3 are removed from the climate chamber 2 can cover the entire life cycle of the insect.

[0033] Place the rearing cage 3 containing the pupae 10 into the climate chamber 2. Then, following the programmed procedure, remove the pupae once or multiple times daily at regular time intervals, and then return them to the same climate chamber 2 until the black soldier fly's life cycle is complete, at the end of its breeding period (e.g., after 10 days). Figure 6(As shown) was executed.

[0034] According to the present invention, a breeding cage 3 is placed in a climate chamber 2, and each breeding cage contains an isolated population of black soldier fly larvae from the initial pupa stage to the final adult stage. Their ages are staggered and coordinated so that every day, the same number of breeding cages 3 in the climate chamber 2 contain a population of black soldier fly larvae of the same age.

[0035] This resulted in the creation of a series of breeding cages, each containing only insects of the same age—that is, insects born on the same day—and isolated from the insect populations in other cages. Furthermore, the age of the insect population in each cage differed from that in the other cages.

[0036] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the total number of breeding cages 3 containing horseflies of different ages, specifically those differing by one day, within the climate chamber 2 is a multiple of the number of days the horseflies lay eggs. This achieves a continuous egg-laying process, wherein the total number of eggs collected from a single breeding cage 3 contained in the climate chamber 2 remains constant over time and is a multiple of the number of eggs laid by a single breeding cage throughout the entire production cycle.

[0037] To this end, each breeding cage is isolated from the other breeding cages to prevent horseflies from moving and interacting, thereby avoiding the transfer of insects from one breeding cage to another or mating. Workstation 15 also includes sensors, such as optical sensors, adapted to detect the production status of horseflies in each breeding cage 3 to ensure continuous egg production and maintain a stable daily output.

[0038] When the rearing cages 3 are removed from the climate chamber 2, all the rearing cages pass through workstation 15 at predetermined time intervals to analyze the production status of the population. Specifically, the above calibration is based on the insect's life cycle and its oviposition period, and is performed by sensors, such as optical sensors, placed in workstation 15.

[0039] At the end of the analysis, the following may occur: Figure 6 The following situations are shown: (a) The population in the rearing cages is in the stage of emerging from cocoons and reaching sexual maturity. In this case, rearing cage 3 will be returned to warehouse 2 without any further action. (b) The population in the rearing cages is in the mating and spawning period. In this case, the egg collection device 8 is removed and placed in a specific incubation tray 18.

[0040] (c) The breeding cages that were treated in stage (b) and still contained black soldier flies in the egg-laying period were then equipped with new egg collection devices and put back into climate chamber 2; (d) At the end of the optimal spawning period, the breeding cages 3 removed from the climate chamber 2 are left in the work station 15 for treatment, such as high-temperature treatment, to kill all black soldier flies in the population, collect molted and dead black soldier flies, and wash the breeding cages 3 with water or cleaning solution. (e) In the rearing cage 3 that has been cleaned in the previous stage (d), a tray 10 containing pupae 9 that are ready to emerge from the cocoon is placed in the cage, and then a new cycle is started.

[0041] The descriptive life state of insects in the rearing cages is determined by suitable devices, such as cameras, microphones and similar devices, placed in workstation 15 or installed on each rearing cage 3 or fixed in climate chamber 2.

[0042] Therefore, the time the breeding cage 3 stays in the climate chamber 2 and the rhythm or frequency of its removal from the climate chamber 2 are all programmed and calibrated according to the insect life cycle duration, which is measured by a sensor in the workstation 15. The insects reproduce in this way, thereby forming a continuous and stable oviposition process.

[0043] like Figure 6 As shown, no egg production occurs during stage (a) of the black soldier fly's life cycle.

[0044] In the subsequent stages (b, c), around the third to tenth day after the adult black soldier flies remain in the rearing cage 3, they begin to lay eggs, which are collected continuously by removing the eggs from the various rearing cages 3 that are taken out of the climate chamber 2.

[0045] In the final stages (d, e), although the black soldier fly is still alive and able to lay eggs, it is killed due to low productivity.

[0046] For example, Figure 7 The production process trend of a single rearing cage is shown from G1 to G10, i.e., the daily egg production in 10 rearing cages.

[0047] from Figure 7 The curve trends shown indicate that, for example, the statistical curves for the ten-day spawning period are identical for all rearing cages (G1, G2, ... G10). The populations in each cage belong to the same generation. The differences in spawning rates between different rearing cages G are due to a one-day difference in the age of the adult black soldier flies. Thus, on day n, each rearing cage G is at a different point on the spawning statistical curve.

[0048] Therefore, using a ten-day cycle, for a ten-cage system containing ten black soldier fly populations with growth cycles differing by one day, the following can be observed: On day n, the number of eggs laid in cage G5 reached its maximum, while the number of eggs laid in cages G2, G3, G4, G6, G7, and G8 was relatively low, and the remaining cages G1, G9, and G10 did not lay any eggs. On day n+1, eggs were laid in cages G3, G4, G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9, with cage G6 having the highest egg-laying rate. Conversely, no eggs were laid in cages G1, G2, and G10. On day n+2, cage G7 had the highest number of eggs laid, while cages G8, G9, G10, G4, G5 and G6 had lower numbers of eggs laid, and cages G1, G2 and G3 had no eggs laid. On day n+3, cage G8 had the highest egg production, while cages G9, G10, G5, G6, G7 and G1 had lower egg production, and cages G2, G3 and G4 had no egg production.

[0049] according to Figure 7 The trend represented by the corresponding curve continues in a similar manner from day n+4 to day n+8. When day n+9 is reached, the egg production in cage G4 reaches its maximum value, while the egg production in cages G5, G6, G7, G1, G2, and G3 is relatively low, and no eggs are produced in cages G8, G9, and G10.

[0050] By collecting such Figure 7 The daily trends for each individual rearing cage are shown, combined with... Figure 8 As shown in the overall curve, it can be observed that the total daily egg production is constant in all ten breeding cages of the device of the present invention, and is equal to the total egg production of a single breeding cage in a ten-day cycle.

[0051] This means that although the production cycle of a single cage with the same population is not constant over a time span of n days (in this example, n=10), the method and apparatus of the present invention substantially overlap in the oviposition of all ten cages in the same apparatus, wherein the lifespan of the adult horsefly populations raised in these rearing cages differs from each other by one day.

[0052] According to this example, the method of the present invention for insect egg production is calibrated to an optimal selected value, which is a multiple of the total number of eggs produced by the same population over n production days (in this example, n = 10).

[0053] The same method can be carried out continuously by using a number of breeding cages equal to an integer multiple of the number of days the insects are producing. In this example, it involves breeding black soldier flies in ten different breeding cages for ten days, collecting eggs automatically or manually from all the breeding cages containing the population in the oviposition cycle (seven breeding cages per day in the previous example).

[0054] According to the present invention, the life cycle and oviposition rhythm of black soldier flies raised in each breeding cage are controlled until the average daily oviposition reaches a constant value throughout the entire life cycle of these insects and in the total number of breeding cages removed from the climate chamber 2.

[0055] According to the present invention, the higher the total number of breeding cages and populations in the system, the smaller the fluctuation in daily egg production.

[0056] Modifications can be made to the present invention as described above and in the accompanying drawings to form various variations, but these variations still fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0057] For example, different systems can be used to control the movement of the rearing cage 3. In addition, the number of production days of black soldier flies can be changed by extending or shortening the time interval, or the number of times eggs are collected from the rearing cage each day can be changed.

[0058] According to other variations, the device of the present invention provides the use of artificial intelligence algorithms based on machine learning and deep learning, collecting data through workstation 15 and using it to analyze the production status of each insect population. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the pupae are located in the lower part of the rearing cage 3, wherein there is a temperature gradient of at least 1°C between the upper and lower parts of the rearing cage 3. Additionally, these rearing cages may be provided with openings for inserting trays 9 containing pupae 10, which can be used both to collect dead black soldier flies and molted skins at the end of the production cycle and to facilitate water inflow and outflow during cleaning of the rearing cage 3.

Claims

1. A method for culturing adult scorpion flies (Diptera: scorpion fly larvae), characterized in that: The method provides continuous and constant oviposition of adult Diptera scorpionids in their production stage, and provides multiple rearing cages (3) to be moved in and out of a climate chamber (2) and through a workstation (15) for assessing the oviposition stage of the insects, wherein each rearing cage (3) is isolated from each other to prevent the insects from being transferred to other rearing cages (3) in the climate chamber (2), and each rearing cage (3) contains an insect population of the same age from the initial pupal stage to the adult stage, wherein all rearing cages (3) contained in the climate chamber (2) The insects in the different breeding cages have staggered and coordinated lifespans, so that each breeding cage (3) in the same climate chamber (2) contains only horseflies at different growth stages, and the total number of breeding cages (3) in the climate chamber (2) containing horseflies of different lifespans, especially those staggered by one day, is a multiple of the number of days the horseflies lay eggs, thereby obtaining continuous egg laying, wherein the total number of eggs collected from all breeding cages (3) contained in the climate chamber (2) remains constant over time and is a multiple of the number of eggs laid by a single breeding cage throughout the entire growth cycle.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Based on the insect's life cycle duration and egg-laying status measured by multiple sensors set in the workstation (15), the time the breeding cage (3) stays in the climate chamber (2) and the frequency of its removal from the climate chamber are programmed and calibrated to raise the insects so that their overall egg production remains constant over time.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the breeding cage (3) is removed from the climate chamber (2), the following may happen: (a) Emergence from the cocoon and sexual maturity of the adult, during which the rearing cage (3) is returned to the climate chamber (2); (b) Mating and oviposition stage, during which the eggs are collected; (c) The breeding cages that had been treated in stage (b) and still contained black soldier flies in the spawning period were put back into the climate chamber (2); (d) At the end of the optimal spawning period, the breeding cages (3) removed from the climate chamber (2) are left in the work station (15) to kill all horseflies, collect molted skins and clean the breeding cages (3). (e) Place the pupae (10) into the rearing cage (3) that was treated in the previous stage (d), and then restart the new cycle.

4. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The insects of the Diptera order and the family Soldier fly family include the adult black soldier fly (… Hermetia Illucens ).

5. An apparatus for raising adult Diptera scorpion flies using one or more of the methods described in the preceding claims, characterized in that: The device includes a climate chamber (2) housing multiple breeding cages (3) for raising Diptera scorpionflies from the initial pupa stage to the final adult stage; and a workstation (15) for detecting the oviposition status of the insects in each breeding cage (3); wherein, an automatic system (12) is provided for moving the breeding cages (3) into, out of, and within the climate chamber (2), the breeding cages (3) being isolated from each other to prevent the passage of the Diptera scorpionflies, thereby making the age of the insect population contained in each breeding cage (3) different from that of the populations raised in other breeding cages.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that: The device is equipped with a system (5) for illuminating the interior of the breeding cage (3), the system (5) having an optimized spectrum for a specific insect, and the workstation (15) is equipped with sensors to assess the oviposition status of the insect and to assess the population that has reached the end of its oviposition period.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that: The breeding cage (3) has a self-supporting structure, an upper window (6) that allows all wavelengths of light to pass through the lighting system (5), and is suitable for exchanging heat and humidity with the interior of the climate chamber (2) and measuring the oviposition status of insects through optical sensors while preventing insects from escaping from the perforated area or surface (7) of the breeding cage.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that: The breeding cage (3) is equipped with a device (8) for laying and collecting eggs and a sensor (11) for measuring insect breeding parameters. The sensor is located in a single breeding cage (3) or in a climate chamber (2).

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that: The device is equipped with artificial intelligence algorithms based on machine learning and deep learning to collect data and analyze the production status of individual insect populations via workstation (15).

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that: Inside the breeding cage (3), the pupa is located in the lower part of the breeding cage, wherein there is a temperature gradient of at least 1°C between the upper and lower parts of the breeding cage (3).

11. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that: The breeding cage (3) is equipped with an opening for placing a tray (9) containing pupae (10) for collecting dead horseflies and molted skins at the end of the production cycle. The opening also allows water to flow in and out when cleaning the breeding cage (3).

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