Use of a composition obtained from insects for improving faecal consistency

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of a composition obtained from insects, comprising at least 35% by weight of proteins, between 1% and 20% by weight of lipids and between 0.1% and 5% by weight of dietary fibre, the percentages by weight being indicated relative to the dry weight of the composition, for improving faecal consistency. The invention also relates to said use for preparing animal feed.

Description

USE OF A COMPOSITION OBTAINED FROM INSECTS INTENDED TO IMPROVE THE CONSISTENCY OF FECES TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the use of a composition obtained from insects, intended to improve the consistency of feces.

[0002] Aquaculture is one of the most dynamic sectors of the food industry today, experiencing rapid growth over the years. Aquaculture offers many advantages, including meeting the growing demand for seafood. The world's population is growing, and the demand for seafood is following this trend.

[0003] When aquaculture techniques are well understood, they can be practiced sustainably, minimizing environmental impacts and taking into account the needs of local communities.

[0004] It also contributes to food security. Aquaculture can be practiced in areas where agriculture is difficult and land is scarce, which can contribute to the food security of local communities.

[0005] However, aquaculture faces several challenges and risks, particularly regarding animal health, food safety, increasing prices of fish feed and environmental issues.

[0006] Indeed, aquaculture faces many challenges regarding fish feed, particularly with the increasing intensification of production and the importance of using sustainable ingredients with low environmental impact, particularly with regard to water quality and aquatic ecosystems. It is important to implement effective measures to minimize these impacts.

[0007] Various aquaculture systems are used, including recirculating aquaculture systems (also called RAS). In a recirculating aquaculture system, the culture water is purified and continuously reused. Such a recirculating aquaculture system is an almost completely closed circuit.

[0008] This system offers many advantages. These include a fully controlled environment for fish, low water consumption, efficient use of energy and land, an optimal feeding strategy, and animal health control. However, recirculating aquaculture systems are subject to many limitations.

[0009] The water containing fish farming waste at the outlet of the pond undergoes a series of purification and regulation treatments before being partially or totally reused. The purification treatments mainly concern particulate waste, mainly feces and dissolved waste (carbon dioxide and ammoniacal nitrogen) produced by the fish, the accumulation of which in the water is particularly toxic.

[0010] Particulate waste is generally removed mechanically by trapping and then passing through filters, usually biofilters. Feed and fecal consistency are therefore two crucial factors to consider in recirculating aquaculture systems, as they have a significant impact on water quality. Waste must be kept to a minimum and easily removed mechanically to avoid damaging the filters.

[0011] The work of the inventors has made it possible to demonstrate that a particular composition, obtained from insects, could be advantageously used as a supplement, particularly in animal feed, in order to improve the consistency of feces. STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the use of a composition obtained from insects, comprising at least 35% by weight of proteins, between 1% and 20% by weight of lipids and between 0.1% and 5% by weight of dietary fibers, the percentages by weight being indicated on the dry weight of the composition, to improve the consistency of feces. By "composition", we mean more particularly an aqueous composition, that is to say a composition which has a humidity level of 65% to 85%, preferably 70% to 80%, even more preferably 75% to 80%. It should be noted that within the framework of this application, and unless otherwise stipulated, the ranges of values ​​indicated are understood to include limits. Preferably, the humidity level is determined according to the method from EC Regulation 152 / 2009, as detailed in Example 2. Throughout the application, where no date is specified for a regulation, standard or directive, it means the regulation, standard or directive in force on the filing date. "Consistency of feces" means the degree of cohesion of the materials constituting the feces. This consistency can be measured on a scale from 1 to 4 as shown in Example 3. By "improving consistency" we mean an increase in the cohesion of the materials constituting the faeces, in particular an increase in the rate of solid faeces and firm (such as score 1) and a decrease in the rate of liquid feces (diarrhea, runny digestate, scores 3-4). A high consistency of feces is interesting for an application in aquaculture, which requires having a high water quality to avoid damaging the biofilters. Advantageously, the composition is an aqueous composition comprising between 15% and 35% dry matter. Preferably, the aqueous composition comprises from 20% to 30%, more preferably from 20% to 25% by weight of dry matter relative to the weight of the composition. For the purposes of the present invention, "insects" means insects at any stage of development, such as an adult, larval or nymph stage. Advantageously, the insects used in the process are at a larval stage. Preferably, the insects used in the process are edible. More particularly, the insects may be selected from the group consisting of Coleoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, Isoptera, Orthoptera, Hymenoptera, Blattoptera, Hemyptera, Heteroptera, Neuroptera, Ephemeroptera and Mecoptera, preferably from Coleoptera, Diptera, Orthoptera, Neuroptera and Lepidoptera. Preferably, the insects are chosen from the group consisting of Tenebrio molitor, Hermetia illucens, Galleria mellonella, Alphitobius diaperinus, Zophobas morio, Blattera fusca, Tribolium castaneum, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, Musca domestica, Chrysomya megacephala, Locusta migratoria, Schistocerca gregaria, Acheta domesticus and Samia ricini. Preferably, insects are chosen from beetles. The beetles preferably used in the process belong to the families Tenebrionidae, Melolonthidae, Dermestidae, Coccinellidae, Cerambycidae, Carabidae, Buprestidae, Cetoniidae, Dryophthoridae, or their mixtures, even more preferably the insects belong to the family Tenebrionidae. More preferably, these are the following beetles: Tenebrio molitor, Alphitobius diaperinus, Zophobas morio, Tenebrio obscurus, Tribolium castaneum and Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, or their mixtures, even more preferably Tenebrio molitor and Alphitobius diaperinus. Insects are preferably farmed and not taken from the wild. For example, insects are raised on an insect farm. Raising insects on a specific farm not only helps control and eliminate the risks associated with insect-borne diseases, but also limits the risks associated with the toxicity of insect-derived food products due, for example, to the presence of insecticides. In addition, breeding makes it possible to control the quality of the insect supply and limit supply costs. As indicated above, the composition comprises at least 35% by weight of proteins, the percentage by weight being indicated on the dry weight of the composition. In the context of the present application, by "proteins" is meant the quantity of crude proteins. The quantification of crude proteins is well known to those skilled in the art. For example, the Dumas method or the Kjeldhal method may be mentioned. Preferably, the Kjeldhal method is used, as detailed in Example 2. By "proteins", unless otherwise indicated, is meant not only proteins but also peptides and amino acids. Preferably, the composition comprises between 35% and 70% by weight of proteins, preferably between 36% and 66% by weight of proteins, the percentages by weight being indicated on the dry weight of the composition. Advantageously, the composition comprises at least 15% by weight of essential amino acids, the percentage by weight being indicated on the total weight of proteins in the composition. Preferably, the composition comprises between 15% and 65% by weight, more preferably between 20% and 60% by weight, even more preferably between 25% and 60% by weight of essential amino acids, the percentages by weight being indicated on the total weight of proteins. By "total protein weight" or "protein weight" without further indication of the nature of the proteins, we mean the weight of crude proteins present in the composition. This therefore includes both water-soluble and insoluble proteins. Preferably, the level of essential amino acids is determined according to the method ISO 13903:2005 (for total and free amino acids except tryptophan) and EC 152 / 2009 (for tryptophan), as detailed in Example 2. Essential amino acids include the following amino acids: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. It should be noted that other amino acids may also be essential for some species, such as arginine for fish. Amino acids play a crucial role in the structure, metabolism, and physiology of cells in all living things. Essential amino acids are not synthesized by the body or are not synthesized in sufficient quantities. Therefore, they must be obtained through diet. Advantageously, the composition comprises at least 1% by weight of free amino acids, the percentage by weight being indicated on the dry weight of the composition. Preferably, the composition comprises between 1% and 25% by weight, more preferably between 2% and 20% by weight, even more preferably between 2.5% and 18% by weight of free amino acids, the percentages by weight being indicated on the dry weight of the composition. Preferably, the free amino acid level is determined according to the ISO 13903:2005 method, as detailed in Example 2. By "free amino acids" is meant the following amino acids: alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, cysteine ​​+ cystine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine and valine, preferably alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, proline, tyrosine and valine. The most abundant amino acids are advantageously glutamic acid, leucine and proline. These amino acids are of particular interest for fish health (e.g., intestinal health and hormone secretion for glutamic acid, muscle protein synthesis for leucine, and regulation in cellular biochemistry for proline). Advantageously, the composition comprises between 5% and 25% by weight, preferably between 7% and 23% by weight of branched chain amino acids, the percentages by weight being indicated on the total weight of proteins. A branched-chain amino acid is an amino acid whose side chain is a branched aliphatic group. Among the proteinogenic amino acids, three are branched: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Branched-chain amino acids are essential for protein synthesis and regulate protein breakdown. Advantageously, the composition comprises at least 45% by weight of water-soluble proteins relative to the total weight of proteins. Preferably, the composition comprises from 40% to 90% by weight of water-soluble proteins, the percentage by weight being expressed relative to the total weight of proteins. Therefore, the composition comprises between 10% and 60% by weight of insoluble proteins, the percentage by weight being expressed relative to the total weight of proteins. By "water-soluble proteins" is meant, among the proteins (or crude proteins), those which are soluble in a solution consisting of 30% acetonitrile, 70% ultrapure water and 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid ("ACN / water / TFA solution"), these percentages being percentages by volume on the total volume of solution, as detailed in example 2. By "insoluble proteins" we mean proteins insoluble in the ACN / water / TFA solution, as detailed in Example 2. Advantageously, the composition comprises at least 40% by weight of water-soluble proteins having a size less than 555g / mol of the total weight of water-soluble proteins. More particularly, between 45% and 75% by weight, more preferably between 50% and 70% by weight of the water-soluble proteins of the composition have a size less than 555 g / mol, based on the total weight of water-soluble proteins. Advantageously, at least 80% by weight, preferably between 85% and 98% by weight, more preferably between 88% and 98% by weight of the water-soluble proteins of the composition have a size of less than 12,400 g / mol, based on the total weight of water-soluble proteins. Preferably, protein size is determined by HPLC-SEC, as detailed in Example 2. The digestibility of proteins in humans and animals is strongly conditioned by the size of the proteins. Thus, the small size of the proteins in the composition makes this composition very digestible. Advantageously, the proteins of the composition have a digestibility greater than or equal to 95% by weight of the total weight of proteins. Digestibility is pepsin and ileal digestibility. Preferably, pepsin digestibility is measured according to AOAC 971.09, AOAC 992.15, AOAC 990.03 and AOCS Ba 4e-93 methods, as detailed in Example 2. Preferably, ileal digestibility is measured according to the BOISEN method and the DUMAS method, as detailed in Example 2. Preferably, the digestibility is greater than or equal to 96% by weight, more preferably, greater than or equal to 97% by weight of the total weight of proteins. As indicated above, the composition comprises between 1% and 20% by weight of lipids, the percentage by weight being indicated on the dry weight of the composition. Preferably, the composition comprises between 1.5% and 18% and more preferably between 1.5% and 16% by weight of lipids, the percentages by weight being indicated on the dry weight of the composition. The methods for determining lipid content are well known to those skilled in the art. By way of example and preferably, the determination of this content will be carried out according to the method of EC Regulation 152 / 2009, as detailed in Example 2. As indicated above, the composition comprises between 0.1% and 5% by weight of dietary fiber, the percentage by weight being indicated on the dry weight of the composition. Preferably, the composition comprises between 0.5% and 4% by weight, more preferably between 1% and 3.5% by weight of dietary fibers, the percentages by weight being indicated on the dry weight of the composition. Preferably, the dietary fiber level (soluble and insoluble) is determined according to AOAC method 985.29, as detailed in Example 2. Advantageously, the fibers include chitin. Advantageously, the composition comprises between 10% and 35% by weight of ash, the percentage by weight being indicated on the dry weight of the composition. Preferably, the composition comprises between 10% and 30% by weight, more preferably between 12% and 30% by weight of ash, the percentages by weight being indicated on the dry weight of the composition. The method for determining the ash content is well known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the ash content is determined according to the method falling under EC Regulation 152 / 2009, as detailed in Example 2. Minerals were determined by ICP / AES (inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry), as detailed in Example 2. Advantageously, the composition comprises at least 3,500 mg / kg, preferably between 3,700 mg / kg and 5,000 mg / kg, more preferably between 3,800 mg / kg and 4,500 mg / kg of magnesium, based on the dry weight of the composition. Magnesium is a mineral salt essential for the proper functioning of the body. It is involved in many cellular processes. Advantageously, the composition comprises at least 200 mg / kg, preferably between 220 mg / kg and 1000 mg / kg, more preferably between 250 mg / kg and 950 mg / kg of calcium, based on the dry weight of the composition. Calcium plays a key role in skeletal mineralization and structure. It is also necessary for many biological functions. The composition is advantageously stabilized by the addition of additives, with at least one preservative and / or at least one pH lowerer. As a result, the composition can be stored for a period of between 6 and 12 months at a temperature of 30°C. Advantageously, the composition comprises at least one preservative chosen from potassium sorbate, sodium formate, sorbic acid, formic acid, potassium diformate, calcium formate, sodium bisulfate, acetic acid, sodium diacetate, calcium acetate and prenyl acetate. The preservative is preferably introduced into the composition at a concentration of 0.05% to 3%, preferably 0.1% and 2% by weight of the weight of the composition. A "pH lowerer" means a product capable of lowering the pH of an aqueous solution. Preferably the pH lowerer may be chosen from an organic or inorganic acid, preferably an inorganic acid, such as for example phosphoric acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, acetic acid, sorbic acid and propionic acid. Advantageously, the pH lowerer is introduced in an amount necessary and sufficient to lower the pH between 2 and 4, preferably between 2.5 and 3.5, more preferably between 2.8 and 3.2. According to a first embodiment, the composition comprises between 35% and 60% by weight of proteins and between 1% and 10% by weight of lipids, the percentages by weight being indicated on the dry weight of the composition. Preferably, the composition according to the first embodiment comprises between 35% and 56% by weight, more preferably between 36% and 54% by weight of proteins, the percentages by weight being indicated on the dry weight of the composition. Preferably, the composition according to the first embodiment comprises between 1.5% and 9% by weight, more preferably between 1.5% and 8% by weight of lipids, the percentages by weight being indicated on the dry weight of the composition. Advantageously, the composition according to the first embodiment comprises between 20% and 55% by weight of essential amino acids, the percentage by weight being indicated on the total weight of proteins in the composition. Preferably, the composition according to the first embodiment comprises between 22% and 50% by weight, the percentage by weight being indicated on the total weight of proteins in the composition. Advantageously, the composition according to the first embodiment comprises between 8% and 20% by weight of free amino acids, the percentage by weight being indicated on the dry weight of the composition. Preferably, the composition according to the first embodiment comprises between 9% and 18% by weight of free amino acids, the percentage by weight being indicated on the dry weight of the composition. Advantageously, the composition according to the first embodiment comprises a mass ratio of free amino acids to total amino acids of at least 35%. By total amino acids, we mean all amino acids, free or not (in the form of peptides, proteins). Advantageously, the most abundant total amino acids are aspartic acid, glutamic acid, lysine, proline, and valine. Advantageously, the composition according to the first embodiment comprises at least 70% by weight of water-soluble proteins relative to the total weight of proteins. Preferably, the composition according to the first embodiment comprises from 70% to 90% by weight of water-soluble proteins, the percentage by weight being indicated relative to the total weight of proteins. Therefore, the composition according to the first embodiment comprises between 10% and 30% by weight of insoluble proteins, the percentage by weight being indicated relative to the total weight of proteins. Advantageously, the composition according to the first embodiment comprises from 60% to 75% by weight of water-soluble proteins having a size less than 555 g / mol of the total weight of water-soluble proteins. Preferably, the composition according to the first embodiment comprises between 60% and 70% by weight of water-soluble proteins having a size less than 555 g / mol on the total weight of water-soluble proteins. Such a composition according to this first embodiment is for example the concentrated aqueous fraction described in the examples. Such a concentrated aqueous fraction can be obtained by a preparation process comprising the following steps: i) Slaughtering the insects, ii) Separation of the soft part of the insect cuticles, iii) Optionally, maturation of the soft part of the insects, iv) Separation of the soft part into a solid fraction, an aqueous fraction and an oily fraction, v) Concentration of the aqueous fraction, making it possible to obtain a concentrated aqueous fraction, vi) Sterilization and stabilization of the concentrated aqueous fraction. The insects used and the stabilization of the composition are as described above. The step of preparing a concentrated aqueous fraction is further described in Example 1 below. According to a second embodiment, the composition comprises between 50% and 70% by weight of proteins and between 7% and 20% by weight of lipids, the percentages by weight being indicated on the dry weight of the composition. Preferably, the composition according to the second embodiment comprises between 55% and 70% by weight, more preferably between 58% and 67% by weight of proteins, the percentages by weight being indicated on the dry weight of the composition. Preferably, the composition according to the second embodiment comprises between 8% and 18%, more preferably between 8.5% and 17% by weight of lipids, the percentage by weight being indicated on the dry weight of the composition. Advantageously, the composition according to the second embodiment comprises between 40% and 65% by weight of essential amino acids, the percentage by weight being indicated on the total weight of proteins in the composition. Preferably, the composition according to the second embodiment comprises between 45% and 60% by weight of essential amino acids, the percentage by weight being expressed on the total weight of proteins in the composition. Advantageously, the composition according to the second embodiment comprises between 1% and 15% by weight of free amino acids, the percentage by weight being indicated on the dry weight of the composition. Preferably, the composition according to the second embodiment comprises between 2% and 12% by weight of free amino acids, the percentage by weight being indicated on the dry weight of the composition. The 5 most abundant total amino acids are advantageously glutamic acid, aspartic acid, leucine, lysine and tyrosine. Advantageously, the composition according to the second embodiment comprises at least 40% by weight of water-soluble proteins relative to the total weight of proteins in the composition. Preferably, the composition according to the second embodiment comprises from 40% to 60% by weight of water-soluble proteins, the percentage by weight being expressed relative to the total weight of proteins. Therefore, the composition according to the second embodiment comprises between 40% and 60% by weight of insoluble proteins, the percentage by weight is expressed relative to the total weight of proteins. Advantageously, the composition according to the second embodiment comprises from 50% to 70% by weight of water-soluble proteins having a size less than 555 g / mol of the total weight of water-soluble proteins. Preferably, the composition according to the second mode comprises from 54% to 60% by weight of water-soluble proteins having a size less than 555 g / mol on the total weight of water-soluble proteins. Such a composition according to this second embodiment is for example the hydrolyzed solid fraction described in the examples. Such a hydrolyzed solid fraction can be obtained by a preparation process comprising the following steps: i) Slaughtering the insects, ii) Separation of the soft part of the insect cuticles, iii) Optionally, maturation of the soft part of the insects, iv) Separation of the soft part into a solid fraction, an aqueous fraction and an oily fraction, v) Optionally, dilution of the solid fraction, vi) Enzymatic hydrolysis of the solid fraction, vii) Sterilization and stabilization of the hydrolyzed solid fraction. The insects used and the stabilization of the composition are as described above. The step of preparing a hydrolyzed solid fraction is more fully described in Example 1 below. The use according to the invention is advantageously implemented for the preparation of animal feed. Preferably, the animals are chosen from domestic animals, pasture animals, farmyard animals or even aquatic animals. Advantageously, pets are chosen from dogs, cats, birds, rodents and fish. Advantageously, the grazing animals are chosen from cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, equines, camelids and deer. Advantageously, farmyard animals are chosen from chicken, turkey, duck, goose, pigeon, quail, pheasant and ostrich. Advantageously, the aquatic animals are chosen from seabirds, cetaceans, marine reptiles and fish, preferably farmed fish. Farmed fish are preferably sea bass, sea bream, gilthead sea bream, sturgeon, meagre, panga, salmon, tilapia, turbot and trout. Preferably, farmed fish are chosen from Salmonidae and include salmon and trout. Preferably, the fish belong to the genus Salmo, Salvelinus, Onchorynchus, and / or Hucho, more preferably Salmo. Particularly preferred species according to the invention are: Salmo salar (Atlantic salmon), Salmo trutta (Brown trout or Brown trout), Oncorhynchus kisutch (Pacific salmon), Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (King salmon), Onchorynchus mykiss (Rainbow trout) and Salvelinus alpinus (Arctic char). Farmed fish are fish raised in freshwater or saltwater tanks or cages. The environment, water quality, and feed are all controlled. For example, closed-circuit farming systems (Recirculating Aquaculture Systems) can be implemented in fish farming. Pet food comes in many forms, including pellets, flakes, pâté, kibble, and treats. Advantageously, the food is in the form of granules or flakes. This form is particularly suitable for feeding aquatic animals such as fish. Such a feed comprises, in addition to the composition, other ingredients suitable for feeding fish. These ingredients may include fish oils, animal meal such as krill meal, fish meal or squid meal; cereal flours such as wheat flour; oilseed meals such as soy, pea flour; vegetable oils such as rapeseed oil; gelling agents such as guar gum; protein concentrates; wheat or corn gluten; vitamin and mineral premixes or any other ingredients suitable for fish feed. The food in the form of pâté or kibble is particularly suitable for feeding domestic animals such as dogs or cats. In the use according to the invention, the foods comprise between 1% and 20% by weight of the composition, the percentage by weight being indicated on the weight of the foodstuff. Advantageously, the food comprises between 1% and 10% by weight of the composition, preferably between 1% and 8% by weight, more preferably between 1% and 5% by weight of composition, the percentages by weight being indicated on the weight of the food. Fish food is most often prepared in the form of pellets. The manufacture of granules is well known to those skilled in the art. The granules can in particular be obtained by extrusion. According to a first embodiment of a method for preparing the food, the composition is mixed with the other ingredients constituting the food as illustrated above, before extrusion or shaping. According to a second embodiment of a method for preparing the food, firstly the other ingredients of the food are extruded and then the composition is introduced in the form of a coating applied under vacuum. The techniques for coating granules and the conditions to be implemented are well known to those skilled in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE

[0012] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear in the following examples, given for illustrative purposes, with reference to:

[0013] [Fig. 1], Figure 1 which is a bar chart comparing the consistency of feces in salmon when fed with the experimental diets comprising a concentrated aqueous fraction or a hydrolyzed solid fraction obtained from insects, or with the control diet; with the ordinate, the percentage distribution of feces according to their consistency (i.e., score 1 or 2). EXAMPLES Example 1: Preparation of two compositions Hydrolyzed solid fraction:

[0014] First, 1 kg of Tenebrio molitor larvae are steamed and then decapitated using a twin-screw separator, thus allowing the separation of the cuticles and the pulp.

[0015] The pulp thus obtained is placed in a maturation tank for 1 hour at 90°C with stirring. The heated pulp is then separated via a tricanter (3-phase decanter) thus obtaining an oily fraction, an aqueous fraction and a solid protein fraction corresponding to a protein cake.

[0016] The protein cake is then diluted by adding water to reduce the dry matter from 42% to 22%.

[0017] Then the hydrolysis step is carried out at 60°C for 2 hours using the following enzymes: - Alcalase: introduced at a concentration between 40-60 IU / Kg expressed in relation to the dry weight of the protein cake; Flavourzyme: introduced at a concentration between 2500-5000 IU / kg expressed relative to the dry weight of the protein cake.

[0018] The enzymes are then deactivated at 90°C for 30 minutes and the resulting hydrolysate is cooled to 40°C before being stabilised by adding additives to achieve a pH below 2.9. The additives used may include a preservative and / or a pH lowering agent.

[0019] The preservative may be selected from sodium formate, sorbic acid, formic acid, potassium diformate, calcium formate, sodium bisulfate, potassium sorbate, acetic acid, sodium diacetate, calcium acetate and prenyl acetate.

[0020] The pH lowerer may be selected from an organic or inorganic acid, preferably an inorganic acid, such as, for example, phosphoric acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, acetic acid, sorbic acid and propionic acid.

[0021] Finally, a filtration step is carried out to remove residual cuticle particles.

[0022] The finished product obtained is a hydrolyzed solid fraction with a dry matter content of between 20-25%. Concentrated aqueous fraction:

[0023] First, 1 kg of Tenebrio molitor larvae are steamed and then decapitated using a twin-screw separator, thus allowing the separation of the cuticles and the pulp.

[0024] The pulp thus obtained is placed in a maturation tank for 1 hour at 90°C with stirring. The heated pulp is then separated via a tricanter (3-phase decanter) thus obtaining an oily fraction, an aqueous fraction and a solid protein fraction corresponding to a protein press cake.

[0025] The aqueous fraction is then concentrated by evaporation to obtain a concentrated aqueous fraction, in order to reach a dry matter content of between 20% and 25%.

[0026] The concentrated aqueous fraction is then sterilized for 30 seconds at 125°C before being stabilized by the addition of additives to reach a pH of 2.9.

[0027] Additives used may include a preservative and / or a pH lowerer.

[0028] The preservative may be selected from sodium formate, sorbic acid, formic acid, potassium diformate, calcium formate, sodium bisulfate, potassium sorbate, acetic acid, sodium diacetate, calcium acetate and prenyl acetate.

[0029] The pH lowerer may be selected from an organic or inorganic acid, preferably an inorganic acid, such as, for example, phosphoric acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, acetic acid, sorbic acid and propionic acid.

[0030] The finished product obtained is a concentrated aqueous fraction with a dry matter content of between 20% and 25%. Example 2: Characterization of two compositions The hydrolyzed solid fraction and the concentrated aqueous fraction prepared in Example 1 were characterized as follows: 1. Analyses 1.1 Determination of humidity level

[0031] The humidity level was determined according to the method from EC Regulation 152 / 2009. 1.2 Determination of the quantity of protein

[0032] The protein content was determined according to the Kjeldahl method, of EC Regulation 152 / 2009, with a conversion factor N to protein of 6.25. 1.3 Determination of the quantity of lipids (fats)

[0033] The amount of lipids was determined according to the method under EC Regulation 152 / 2009. 1.4 Determination of the quantity of ash

[0034] The crude ash content was determined according to the method covered by EC Regulation 152 / 2009. 1.5 Determination of the quantity of dietary fiber

[0035] The dietary fiber content (soluble and insoluble) was determined according to the AOAC 985.29 method. 1.6 Determination of amino acid quantities

[0036] The amount of total and free amino acids was determined according to the method ISO 13903:2005 (for total and free amino acids except tryptophan) and EC 152 / 2009 (for tryptophan).

[0037] The amount of free amino acids was determined according to the ISO 13903:2005 method. 1.7 Determination of pepsin and ileal digestibility

[0038] Peptic digestibility was measured according to AOAC 971.09 (pepsic digestibility at 0.02% (Gravimetry)), AOAC 992.15, AOAC 990.03 and AOCS Ba 4e-93 (protein combustion) methods.

[0039] Ileal digestibility was determined according to the BOISEN method (for enzyme dosage) and according to the DUMAS method (for protein content). 1.8 Determination of the quantity of soluble and insoluble proteins

[0040] The quantity of soluble proteins was determined by solubilizing said proteins in a solution consisting of 30% acetonitrile, 70% ultrapure water and 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (“ACN / water / TFA solution”), these percentages being percentages by volume of the total volume of solution, which constitutes the mobile phase before determination by HPLC-SEC (size exclusion chromatography method known to those skilled in the art).

[0041] The amount of insoluble protein was determined by the dry residue obtained after dissolving a sample of the concentrated aqueous fraction or the hydrolyzed solid fraction in the ACN / water / TFA solution, and related to the initial dry weight of the fraction considered. 1.9 Determination of protein size

[0042] Protein size was determined by HPLC-SEC (size exclusion chromatography method known to those skilled in the art). 1.10 Determination of the quantity of minerals

[0043] The content of each of the minerals listed below was determined using the ICP / AES (inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry) method. 1.11 Determination of the quantity of vitamins

[0044] The thiamine hydrochloride (vitamin B1-HCl) content was determined according to the BS EN 14122-2014 method.

[0045] Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) content was determined according to AOAC method 952.20.

[0046] The riboflavin (vitamin B2) content was determined according to the EN 14152:2014 method.

[0047] The niacin (vitamin B3) content was determined according to the EN 15652:2009 method.

[0048] The pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) content was determined according to the AOAC 2012.16 method.

[0049] The pyridoxine (vitamin B6) content was determined according to the EN 14164:2014 method. 2. Results

[0050] The hydrolyzed solid fraction and the aqueous fraction have the characteristics indicated in the following Table 1: [Table 1] considered except for fibers where a single measurement was made. **Maximum results calculated on around ten samples of the fraction considered except for the fibers where a single measurement was made. ***Average results calculated on around ten samples of the fraction considered except for the fibers where a single measurement was made. Table 1: Characteristics of the hydrolyzed solid fraction and the concentrated aqueous fraction. • Proteins and amino acids

[0051] The total amino acid compositions of the concentrated aqueous fraction and the hydrolyzed solid fraction are presented in the following Table 2: [Table 2] *Minimum results calculated on several samples of the fraction considered. **Maximum results calculated on several samples of the fraction considered. ***Average results calculated on several samples of the fraction considered. Table 2: Total amino acid compositions of the concentrated aqueous fraction and the hydrolyzed solid fraction.

[0052] The free amino acid compositions of the concentrated aqueous fraction and the hydrolyzed solid fraction are presented in the following Table 3: [Table 3] *Minimum results calculated on several samples of the fraction considered. **Maximum results calculated on several samples of the fraction considered. ***Average results calculated on several samples of the fraction considered. Table 3: Free amino acid compositions of the concentrated aqueous fraction and the hydrolyzed solid fraction.

[0053] The size distributions of the water-soluble proteins of the concentrated aqueous fraction and the hydrolyzed solid fraction are presented in Table 4 below: [Table 4] *1 Da: 1g / mol. The results are the average results calculated on several samples of the fraction considered. Table 4: Size distributions of water-soluble proteins in the concentrated aqueous fraction and the hydrolyzed solid fraction.

[0054] Peptic digestibility and ileal digestibility are presented in Table 5 below: [Table 5] The results are the average results calculated on several samples of the fraction considered. Table 5: Peptic digestibility and ileal digestibility of the concentrated aqueous fraction and the hydrolyzed solid fraction.

[0055] The vitamin compositions of the concentrated aqueous fraction and the hydrolyzed solid fraction are presented in Table 6 below: [Table 6] The results are the average results calculated on several samples of the fraction considered. Table 6: Vitamin compositions of the concentrated aqueous fraction and the hydrolyzed solid fraction.

[0056] The mineral compositions of the concentrated aqueous fraction and the hydrolyzed solid fraction are presented in Table 7 below: [Table 7] *The quantities are expressed in mg / kg on the dry weight of the fraction considered. The results are the average results calculated on several samples of the fraction considered. Table 7: Mineral composition of the concentrated aqueous fraction and the hydrolyzed solid fraction. Example 3: Influence of hydrolyzed solid fraction and concentrated aqueous fraction as supplements in animal feed on fecal consistency

[0057] In the present example, the effect of dietary inclusion of a concentrated aqueous fraction or a hydrolyzed solid fraction on fecal consistency in salmon was investigated. 1. Materials and methods

[0058] The concentrated aqueous fraction and the hydrolyzed solid fraction obtained in Example 1 are used in this example.

[0059] Commercially available 2 mm feed pellets from Skretting AS (RCX) were used as the basis for the production of three diets, detailed below. These pellets include 49% by weight of protein, 22% by weight of fat and 9% by weight of ash. Based on this formulation, a test diet was formulated, in which 1% of the concentrated water fraction or 1% of the hydrolyzed solid fraction was added by coating.

[0060] Finally, all three diets were prepared by coating the pellets with water to balance the average water content to approximately 13% by weight of the total pellet weight.

[0061] The trials were conducted on salmon. A total of 480 Atlantic salmon with an average weight of 17g were randomly distributed into 9 tanks with a volume of 80L (an average weight of 16.63-16.70g per tank). Each diet was fed to three over-eating tanks.

[0062] The experiment was conducted for 3 weeks. Fecal assessment:

[0063] All fish were weighed individually at the beginning of the experiment and at harvest (end of the experiment). At the end of the experiment, 10 fish per tank were randomly selected for fecal appearance.

[0064] The consistency of the feces was analyzed visually and evaluated according to a scale ranging from 1 to 4, where score 1: solid and firm, score 2: semi-solid, soft digestate, score 3: diarrhea, runny digestate, score 4: yellow or non-white casts of non-food matter / no digestate.

[0065] Digestate corresponds to the residual material resulting from methanization (anaerobic digestion). 2. Results

[0066] The softest consistency is observed for the CTRL group (Table 8, Figure 1, left stick). [Table 8] Table 8: Average fecal score.

[0067] As can be seen from Figure 1 and Table 8, the inclusion in the salmon diet of an insect-based fraction, namely a hydrolyzed solid fraction or a concentrated aqueous fraction, significantly improved the consistency of fecal matter compared to the diet of control. Indeed, compared to the control diet, diets 1 and 2 supplemented, respectively with a concentrated aqueous fraction or a hydrolyzed solid fraction of T. molitor improved the proportion of solid feces (score 1), between 80% and 70% respectively, against 40% for the control diet.

[0068] The lower incidence of semi-solid stools makes the hydrolyzed solid fraction and the concentrated aqueous fraction interesting for supplementation in animal feed, especially for application in aquaculture, which requires high water quality to avoid damaging the biofilters.

[0069] The experimental data generated in this example allow us to affirm that supplementing animal feed with a concentrated aqueous fraction or a hydrolyzed solid fraction significantly improves the consistency of the feces.

Claims

Claims 1. Use of a composition obtained from insects, comprising at least 35% by weight of proteins, between 1% and 20% by weight of lipids and between 0.1% and 5% by weight of dietary fibers, the percentages by weight being indicated on the dry weight of the composition, to improve the consistency of feces.

2. Use according to claim 1, in which the composition is an aqueous composition comprising between 15% and 35% of dry matter.

3. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insects are beetles.

4. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises at least 15% by weight of essential amino acids, the percentage by weight being indicated on the total weight of proteins in the composition.

5. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least 40% by weight of the water-soluble proteins have a size less than 555g / mol of the total weight of water-soluble proteins.

6. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the composition comprises between 10% and 35% by weight of ash, the percentage by weight being indicated on the dry weight of the composition.

7. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the composition comprises between 35% and 60% by weight of proteins and between 1% and 10% by weight of lipids, the percentages by weight being indicated on the dry weight of the composition.

8. Use according to claim 7, wherein the mass ratio of free amino acids to total amino acids is at least 35%.

9. Use according to claim 7 or 8, wherein from 60% to 75% by weight of the water-soluble proteins have a size less than 555 g / mol of the total weight of water-soluble proteins.

10. Use according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the composition comprises between 50% and 70% by weight of proteins and between 7% and 20% by weight of lipids, the percentages by weight being indicated on the dry weight of the composition.

11. Use according to claim 10, wherein from 50% to 70% by weight of the water-soluble proteins have a size less than 555 g / mol of the total weight of water-soluble proteins.

12. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, for the preparation of animal feed.

13. Use according to claim 12, wherein the foodstuffs comprise between 1% and 20% by weight of the composition, the percentage by weight being indicated on the weight of the foodstuff.

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