Insect larva rearing facility, and associated process

Abstract

Insect larva rearing installation, and associated method The present invention relates to an insect larva rearing installation (10), the installation (10) comprising: - at least one pre-growth module (12) intended to receive neonates and a first feeding substrate; - at least one growth module (14) intended to receive juvenile larvae from the pre-growth of the neonates and a second feeding substrate; and - an inoculation installation (16) for at least one growth module (14), the inoculation installation (16) comprising means (20) for conveying the pre-growth module(s) (12) and means (22) for transferring the contents of the pre-growth module(s) (12). The transfer means (22) are configured to transfer the contents of the pre-growth module(s) (12) into the growth module(s) (14). Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Insect larva rearing installation, and associated method

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of industrial production of insects, in particular insects for the purpose of food production.

[0002] The present invention relates more particularly to the field of insect farming, especially of the black soldier fly. The invention relates in particular to the rearing process from the newly hatched young larva until the end of its growth before being slaughtered and processed into final products.

[0003] The present invention relates in particular to an installation and a method for raising insect larvae.

[0004] Insects have a number of characteristics that make them well-suited for use in animal feed. Indeed, insects have a high protein content, while also being rich in other beneficial nutrients such as fats, minerals, and vitamins. Protein concentration levels in insect meal intended for animal feed range from 55% to 75%. Insects are characterized by a higher feed conversion ratio and can therefore become a very valuable feed source for livestock.

[0005] Moreover, these products also have a well-balanced nutritional profile to meet human dietary needs.

[0006] These considerations have led to the development of automated mass production of food from insect farming, in industrial sites organized into complementary spaces specializing in hatching, rearing, collecting mature animals and processing them to extract compounds of interest.

[0007] These industrial sites must be optimized to allow for the large-scale industrial production of larvae. The costs of building construction, mechanizing operations, and installing storage areas represent a very significant portion of the industrial site construction budget. In order to reduce these costs, it is essential to increase rearing density, reduce storage time, and maximize yields per operation.

[0008] However, an increase in production volumes implies an increase in the speed and capacity of insect handling operations: separation, counting, sorting, dosing, etc. The cost and technical complexity of these operations increase sharply with production volumes. It is therefore necessary to reduce, or even eliminate, some of these operations in order to simplify the process, accelerate workflows, and reduce investment and maintenance costs.

[0009] One of the critical steps concerns the growth of the larvae from hatching to the stage of mature larvae.

[0010] The larvae thus pass from the neonate larval stage to the juvenile larval stage, and then to the mature larval stage.

[0011] The term "neonate" or "neonate larva" refers to a larva that has recently hatched up to the age of 3 to 4 days. "Freshly hatched" typically means hatched less than 2 hours ago.

[0012] The term “juvenile” or “juvenile larva” means a larva aged 4 to 7 days.

[0013] The term “mature larva” means a larva aged 7 to 20 days.

[0014] Various solutions for the growth of insect larvae are known in the prior art.

[0015] A first method, known as single feeding, consists of providing the larva, from birth, with the entire ration necessary for it to reach its maximum weight. This production process has the advantage of being technically simple and does not require any handling of the insects during the life cycle. However, such a method requires the larvae to remain in large rearing modules for the entire duration of their growth. Implementing this method therefore requires significant storage space, resulting in substantial investment costs (buildings, rearing modules, etc.).

[0016] A second known method involves rearing larvae on a feeding substrate for several days, then replenishing them with a certain amount of food during their growth. This refeeding process is more labor-intensive than the single-feeding process and requires manipulating the modules during the cycle to reintroduce the food into the rearing module. Although it allows for optimization of food consumption by adjusting the ration according to the stage of maturity or the insect's weight, this process also requires significant storage space.

[0017] Finally, a third method consists of raising young larvae in a module containing a quantity of substrate and then, once the substrate has been consumed, specifically collecting the larvae by sorting, counting and / or calibrating them before reintroducing them into one or more modules containing a new substrate. This multi-stage growth method with intermediate sorting allows the number and maturity of the larvae to be readjusted with the quantity of food at each new growth stage. The larvae can be sorted using various techniques: optical sorting, air density measurement, gravity table, vibrating table, sieving, or roller sizing.

[0018] However, such a process is not entirely satisfactory. Indeed, production rates on an industrial scale (several million individuals per minute) For larvae between 2 and 5 mm in size, optical sorting is not feasible. Other mechanical separation techniques are insufficient for separating small juvenile larvae, especially when the frass is still damp, resulting in losses.

[0019] In the case of the black soldier fly, these technical limitations are very restrictive and require drying the residue after the larvae have already consumed their entire ration. This drying phase results in longer storage times and reduced yields. Furthermore, during the drying phase, the larvae lose an average of 7% of their mass per day of drying. If this fasting period lasts longer than 24 hours, a decrease in the larval population is also observed.

[0020] One object of the present invention is to remedy these disadvantages by proposing a solution adapted to the rearing of larvae without interruption of growth, while reducing the space required and the technical operations of handling the insects.

[0021] To this end, the invention proposes an insect larvae rearing installation, the installation comprising:

[0022] - at least one pre-growth module intended to receive neonates and a first feeding substrate;

[0023] - at least one growth module intended to receive juvenile larvae from the pre-growth of neonates and a second feeding substrate; and

[0024] - an inoculation installation for at least one growth module, the installation inoculation comprising means for conveying the pregrowth module(s) and means for transferring the contents of the pregrowth module(s), said contents comprising juvenile larvae, frass from the pregrowth of neonates and optionally the first remaining feeding substrate,

[0025] the transfer means being configured to transfer the contents of the pregrowth module(s) into the growth module(s).

[0026] The installation according to the invention may have one or more of the following characteristics, taken independently or in any technically acceptable combination:

[0027] - the means for transporting the pre-growth module(s) include at least one upstream conveyor configured to transport the pregrowth module(s) including juvenile larvae from the growth of neonates to the inoculation facility;

[0028] - the installation further includes means for transferring the module(s) growth outside the inoculation facility, said transfer means comprising a conveyor configured to transport the growth module(s) comprising the juvenile larvae out of the inoculation facility.

[0029] - the transfer means include a device for emptying the or pre-growth modules configured to empty each pre-growth module of its contents and a distribution device configured to retrieve said contents and transfer them into the growth module(s);

[0030] - the module emptying device includes a clean tipping device to reverse at least one pre-growth module so that its contents exit said pre-growth module by gravity;

[0031] - the distribution device includes at least one inclined chute opening into downstream at the level of the growth module(s);

[0032] - the installation further includes means for evacuating the module(s) pre-growth emptied.

[0033] The invention also relates to a method for rearing insect larvae comprising:

[0034] - a pre-growth phase of neonates up to the juvenile larval stage in at least one pre-growth module, preferably including a preliminary step of inoculating neonates in the pre-growth module(s), each pre-growth module including a first feeding substrate;

[0035] - a growth phase of juvenile larvae up to the mature larval stage, including the growth of juvenile larvae in at least one growth module, each growth module including a second feeding substrate;

[0036] the process comprising an intermediate phase of inoculating juvenile larvae into the growth module(s) in an inoculation facility, the intermediate phase comprising transferring the contents of the pregrowth module(s) into the growth module(s), said contents comprising juvenile larvae, frass from the pregrowth of the neonates and optionally the first remaining feeding substrate,

[0037] the inoculation installation preferably being of the aforementioned type.

[0038] The method according to the invention may have one or more of the following characteristics, taken independently or in any technically acceptable combination thereof:

[0039] - the intermediate phase comprises the following steps:

[0040] * routing of the pre-growth module(s) to the installation inoculation;

[0041] * transfer of the contents of each pre-growth module into a device distribution ;

[0042] *collection of the content of the pre-growth modules in the growth module(s); and

[0043] * transport of the growth module(s) out of the inoculation facility;

[0044] - the intermediate phase further includes a step of checking the content of the or pre-growth modules prior to the transfer stage;

[0045] - the intermediate phase further includes a step of redosing the contents of the pre-growth modules, including the mixing of the contents of several pre-growth modules prior to or during the transfer stage.

[0046] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0047] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a schematic top view of a breeding facility insect larvae according to the invention;

[0048] [Fig.2] [Fig.3] Figures 2 and 3 are schematic top views of the installation of the [Fig.1] at different stages of breeding operations;

[0049] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic front view representation of a part of the installation shown in [Fig.1];

[0050] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a schematic front view representation of a part of the installation shown in [Fig.2].

[0051] Figures 1 to 3 schematically represent an installation 10 for rearing insect larvae according to the invention.

[0052] Installation 10 is intended to be installed in an insect production and breeding site.

[0053] Installation 10 is intended for the rearing of insect larvae, from the neonate stage to the mature larval stage, passing through the juvenile stage.

[0054] For the purposes of the present invention, "pre-growth" refers to the rearing phase of neonates up to the juvenile stage and "growth" refers to the rearing phase of juveniles up to the mature larval stage.

[0055] Installation 10 is for example intended for the rearing of insect larvae for the purpose of their transformation into flour and / or for the purpose of pupation of the larvae for the production of eggs.

[0056] The installation 10 includes at least one pre-growth module 12 for receiving neonates, at least one growth module 14 for receiving juvenile larvae from the pre-growth of the neonates and an inoculation installation 16 for at least one growth module 14.

[0057] Advantageously, the installation 10 comprises a set of pre-growth modules 12, comprising a plurality of pre-growth modules 12, and a set of growth modules 14, comprising a plurality of growth modules 14.

[0058] Each pre-growth module 12 is adapted for insect rearing, more particularly the growth of neonates.

[0059] For example, as can be seen in [Fig.4], each module 12 forms a receptacle, here of substantially parallelepiped shape, defining a receiving volume intended to receive the neonates.

[0060] For example, as seen in [Fig.4], each module 12 forms an open receptacle having side walls 121 projecting from a bottom 122. The module 12 defines an unclosed internal volume.

[0061] Preferably, each pre-growth module 12 is marked using an identification system (not shown) selected from a barcode, a matrix code (commonly referred to as a QR code, for "Quick Response code"), a near-field communication (NFC) chip, or a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip. The identification system allows for logistical traceability throughout the rearing process of the pre-growth modules 12 and their contents.

[0062] Each pre-growth module 12 is intended to receive neonates and a first feeding substrate in its receiving volume.

[0063] Preferably, the neonates are injected into the pre-growth modules 12 from hatching until they reach the juvenile stage. The neonates are preferably deposited on the surface of the first substrate, for example previously deposited in the module 12 by means of a filling device (not shown).

[0064] Advantageously, the neonates injected into a pre-growth module 12 are of essentially the same age, that is, they hatched at approximately the same time, typically on the same day, advantageously at the same hour. This allows for good synchronization in the development of the larvae during the pre-growth and growth phases.

[0065] Typically, each pre-growth module 12 is suitable for receiving between 3 and 10 kg, preferably between 5 and 7 kg of first substrate.

[0066] The first substrate typically includes the nutrients necessary for the growth of neonates.

[0067] The first substrate is intended to be consumed by the neonates during their pre-growth. Part of the first substrate is then transformed into frass. The frass consists of a mixture of larval excrement and residues of the uneaten substrate, dried and optionally fermented.

[0068] The characteristics of the first feeding substrate are adapted to the growth of larvae during the pre-growth phase.

[0069] The pre-growth modules 12 are preferably intended to be stored on site, in a storage area.

[0070] The atmosphere in the storage area is controlled to promote the pregrowth of neonates. Advantageously, the humidity level is at least 50%, Typically between 50% and 90%. Maintaining high ambient humidity limits substrate drying and ensures the bioavailability of nutrients for the larvae throughout their pre-growth. The amount of food available is sufficient to meet the needs of the neonates until they reach the juvenile stage.

[0071] Each growth module 14 is intended to receive juvenile larvae resulting from the pre-growth of neonates.

[0072] Since the amount of food required for juveniles to reach the mature larval stage is greater than the amount of food required during the pre-growth phase (typically 10 to 12 times greater), the growth modules 14 preferably have larger dimensions than the pre-growth modules 12.

[0073] For example, as can be seen in [Fig.4], each growth module 14 is substantially parallelepiped in shape and defines a platform with a receiving volume intended to receive juvenile larvae.

[0074] For example, the receiving volume of a growth module 14 is between 2 and 4 times greater than the receiving volume of a pre-growth module 12.

[0075] Preferably, each growth module 14 is marked using an identification system (not shown) selected from a barcode, a matrix code (commonly referred to as a QR code, for "Quick Response Code"), a near-field communication (NFC) chip, or a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip. The identification system allows for logistical traceability throughout the rearing process of the growth modules 14 and their contents.

[0076] Each growth module 14 is intended to receive at least part of the contents of the pre-growth module(s) 12 and a second feeding substrate.

[0077] The contents of the growth module(s) 14 include juvenile larvae and frass from the pre-growth of the neonates. Optionally, said contents also include a portion of the first feeding substrate that was not consumed during pre-growth.

[0078] As will be detailed later, a growth module 14 is suitable for receiving at least part of the content of one or more pre-growth modules 12.

[0079] According to a particular embodiment, a given growth module 14 is intended to receive the contents of a given pre-growth module 12: this is referred to as a "1-to-1 type system".

[0080] According to a particular embodiment, shown in Figures 4 and 5, a given growth module 14 is intended to receive the contents of several given pre-growth modules 12. For example, the contents of several pre-growth modules 12 growth is mixed and injected into a single growth module 14: this is referred to as an "N-to-1 type system", N being the number of pre-growth modules 12 involved.

[0081] For example, Figures 1 to 5 represent a 6-to-1 type system, the contents of six pre-growth modules 12 being poured into a given growth module 14.

[0082] According to a particular embodiment, the content of a given pregrowth module 12 is injected into several growth modules 14: each growth module 14 then receives a portion of the content of the given pregrowth module 12. This is referred to as a "type 1 system for N'", where N' is the number of growth modules 14 involved.

[0083] According to a particular embodiment, the contents of several pregrowth modules 12 are mixed and injected into several growth modules 14: this is referred to as an "N-type system for N'", N being the number of pregrowth modules 12 concerned and N' the number of growth modules 14 concerned.

[0084] Typically, each growth module 14 is suitable for receiving between 20 and 100 kg, preferably between 50 and 70 kg of second substrate.

[0085] The second substrate may have the same composition as the first substrate or a different composition.

[0086] The second substrate includes the nutrients necessary for the growth of juvenile larvae.

[0087] The installation 10 preferably includes a device for injecting the second substrate (not shown) into the growth modules 14.

[0088] The second substrate is intended to be consumed by juveniles during their growth.

[0089] The characteristics of the second feeding substrate are adapted to the growth of juveniles during the growth phase.

[0090] The inoculation installation 16 is suitable for inoculating the growth module(s) 14.

[0091] By "inoculate", it is meant here that the inoculation installation 16 is suitable for depositing juvenile larvae and frass, resulting from the growth of neonatal larvae, into the growth module(s) 14.

[0092] The inoculation installation 16 includes means 20 for conveying the pre-growth module(s) 12 and means 22 for transferring the contents of the pre-growth module(s) 12 into at least one growth module 14.

[0093] Preferably, the inoculation installation 16 further includes means 24 for transferring the growth module(s) 14 out of the inoculation installation 16.

[0094] Preferably, the inoculation installation 16 further includes means for controlling the pre-growth modules 12 (not shown).

[0095] The means 20 for conveying the pre-growth module(s) 12 are configured to move the pre-growth module(s) 12 to the inoculation facility 16.

[0096] Preferably, the means 20 for conveying the pregrowth module(s) 12 are also configured to evacuate the pregrowth module(s) 12 out of the inoculation facility 16.

[0097] The means 20 for conveying the pre-growth module(s) 12 comprise, for example, at least one upstream conveyor 28 configured to transport one or more pre-growth modules 12. In the example shown in Figures 1 to 5, the conveying means 20 comprise two upstream conveyors 28.

[0098] Each upstream conveyor 28 includes, for example, at least one conveyor belt.

[0099] Advantageously, each upstream conveyor 28 is suitable for simultaneously conveying several pre-growth modules 12 to the transfer means 22. Typically, each upstream conveyor 28 is suitable for simultaneously conveying between 6 and 36 pre-growth modules 12.

[0100] The conveying means 20 include control means (not shown) suitable for detecting the presence and / or position of a pregrowth module 12 on each upstream conveyor 28.

[0101] Each upstream conveyor 28 includes, for example, movable stops (not shown) allowing the pre-growth modules 12 to be stopped at positions suitable for the inoculation of the growth modules 14.

[0102] Preferably, the conveying means 20 include, among other things, means for removing the emptied pre-growth modules 12. For example, the conveying means 20 include at least one downstream conveyor 30 configured to remove the pre-growth module(s) 12 from the inoculation unit 16. In the example shown in Figures 1 to 3, the conveying means 20 include two downstream conveyors 30.

[0103] As will be detailed later, each downstream conveyor 30 is configured to move the pre-growth module(s) 12, after they have been emptied, out of the inoculation facility 16, for example to a module 12 washing and / or filling facility.

[0104] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, each downstream conveyor 30 comprises a chain conveyor including two endless chains 31 arranged in parallel. The two chains 31 are arranged so as to define between them a passage suitable for allowing the contents of a pre-growth module 12 to pass through, as will be described later.

[0105] Typically, the chains 31 are spaced by the width of the side walls 121 of a module 12 in order to serve as support for the module 12, as will be detailed later.

[0106] The transfer means 22 are configured to transfer the contents of the pre-growth module(s) 12 into the growth module(s) 14, for example by pouring.

[0107] Preferably, the transfer means 22 are configured to transfer at least 75%, preferably at least 95%, more preferably at least 99% of the contents of the pre-growth module(s) 12 into the growth module(s) 14. The percentages here are mass percentages.

[0108] Advantageously, the transfer means 22 are configured to transfer the entire contents of the pre-growth module(s) 12 into the growth module(s) 14.

[0109] The transfer means 22 include at least one device 32 for emptying the pre-growth module(s) 12 configured to empty the pre-growth module 12 of its contents and at least one distribution device 34 configured to recover said contents and transfer them into the growth module(s) 14.

[0110] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, each device 32 for emptying the pre-growth modules 12 includes a reversing device 36 suitable for grasping at least one pre-growth module 12 and reversing it so that its contents exit the pre-growth module 12 by gravity.

[0111] The reversing device 36 includes, for example, an arm adapted to grip and release one or more pre-growth modules 12. The arm is mobile by rotation, between a gripping position, shown in [Fig.4], in which the arm is adapted to grip one or more pre-growth modules 12, typically arranged on the upstream conveyor 28, and a discharge position, shown in [Fig.5], in which the gripped pre-growth module(s) 12 are reversed, in particular turned over.

[0112] Preferably, each arm is suitable for simultaneously grasping one or more pre-growth modules 12, typically between one and six pre-growth modules 12.

[0113] Typically, the transition from the input position to the output position corresponds to a 180° rotation, and the input pre-growth module(s) 12 are then upside down in the output position. This means that the bottom 122 of the module(s) 12 ends up on top. Alternatively, the transition from the input position to the output position corresponds to a rotation of less than 180°, for example 90°, said rotation being suitable for allowing the contents of the pre-growth module 12 to exit said module.

[0114] In the example of Figures 4 and 5, the reversing device 36 is configured to allow the reversal, in particular the turning over, of the pregrowth modules 12 from an initial gripping position, shown in [Fig.4], in which they are on the upstream conveyor 28, to an inverted position, shown in [Fig.5], in which they are above the downstream conveyor 30, optionally bearing on the downstream conveyor 30, more precisely on the chains 31.

[0115] Preferably, each arm is capable of moving from the gripping position to the emptying position in less than 5 seconds, advantageously in less than 3 seconds. This limits the risk of material loss.

[0116] In the emptying position, the contents of the module(s) 12 exit the module(s) by gravity.

[0117] In the example of [Fig.5], the contents of the module(s) 12 are designed to exit the module(s) by gravity and to pass through the passage defined between the two chains 31 of the downstream conveyor 30.

[0118] Advantageously, each arm is suitable for returning from the emptying position to the gripping position.

[0119] The arms are preferably designed to be operated independently of each other.

[0120] The distribution device 34 is suitable for recovering said spilled contents by means of the emptying device 32 and pouring it into the growth module(s) 14.

[0121] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the distribution device 34 includes at least one inoculation chute 40 configured to convey by gravity the contents of the pre-growth module(s) 12 to the growth module(s) 14.

[0122] For the sake of clarity, the part of the chutes 40 located under the downstream conveyors 30 has been represented by dotted lines in figures 1 and 3.

[0123] For example, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, several chutes 40 are suitable for simultaneously inoculating a single given growth module 14.

[0124] Alternatively, the distribution device 34 comprises a plurality of chutes 40, each chute 40 being intended to inoculate a given growth module 14.

[0125] Alternatively, a chute 40 is suitable for simultaneously inoculating several growth modules 14.

[0126] Typically, each 40 mm cable tray is made of metal, for example galvanized steel. Advantageously, each 40 mm cable tray has a non-stick coating to limit its level of soiling.

[0127] Each chute 40 defines a passage channel, suitable for allowing the contents of the pre-growth module(s) 12 to pass through.

[0128] Each gutter has a bottom 42 and side walls. For clarity, only the bottom 42 of said gutters is shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0129] Each chute 40 typically has a length between 0.3 m and 5 m, measured between an upstream end and a downstream end.

[0130] During the inoculation operation, illustrated in [Fig. 5], the chutes 40 are inclined relative to the horizontal, preferably at an angle α between 50 and 60°. This ensures good flow of the material. Preferably, the chutes 40 are fixed during the inoculation operation; however, the angle and depth of the chutes are advantageously adjustable.

[0131] Advantageously, the chutes 40 are fixed, for example screwed, onto a mobile structure (not shown) operated by jacks which have the function of moving the structure in order to move the chutes further apart or closer together with respect to the growth modules 14.

[0132] During the movement of the growth modules 14, the channels 40 are moved apart, typically by a minimum distance of 5 cm, to limit the risk of snagging. Before inoculation, the growth modules 14 are centered with respect to the channels 40. The structure holding the channels is then moved towards the growth modules 14, so that the downstream end of each channel 40 extends over at least one growth module 14, as shown in [Fig. 5]. Once inoculation is complete, the channels 40 return to their initial position to release the growth modules 14.

[0133] Advantageously, each chute 40 is equipped with at least one nozzle, typically between 3 and 5 nozzles, for rinsing capable of projecting water into the chute and at least one for drying capable of blowing compressed air into the chute to blow away residual water and dry the chute.

[0134] Preferably, the chutes 40 are cleaned at least once a day to limit the accumulation of deposits and fouling of the chutes 40.

[0135] The transfer means 24 are suitable for bringing the growth module(s) 14 out of the inoculation installation 16, after the inoculation operation.

[0136] Said transfer means 24 include, for example, a conveyor 44 configured to transport the growth module(s) 14 comprising the juveniles to a storage area.

[0137] The conveyor 44 is for example a roller conveyor and preferably includes guide rails 45, so as to guide the growth module(s) 14.

[0138] The control means for pre-growth modules 12 are suitable for verifying the quality of the content of the pre-growth module(s) 12, before they are emptied.

[0139] For example, the control means are suitable for checking the mortality rate of the larvae, their average mass, their density or the moisture content of the frass.

[0140] A method for rearing insect larvae according to the invention will now be described.

[0141] Said process is intended to be implemented in an installation 10 as described above.

[0142] The process includes a pre-growth phase of neonates to the juvenile stage in at least one pre-growth module 12, a growth phase of juveniles to the mature larval stage in at least one growth module 14 and an intermediate phase of inoculation of juveniles in at least one growth module 14.

[0143] The pre-growth phase advantageously includes a step of inoculating neonates into the pre-growth modules 12.

[0144] Initially, one or more empty pre-growth modules 12 are supplied.

[0145] During a filling step, the first substrate is injected into the pre-growth module(s) 12, for example by means of a dosing machine.

[0146] The dosing unit receives the first substrate, which has been previously prepared and pumped via pipes. The dosing unit injects and distributes the first feeding substrate into each module 12. The quantity of substrate in each module is advantageously controlled by weighing or by a laser level.

[0147] Then, during the neonate inoculation step, each pre-growth module 12 receives neonates, said neonates preferably being freshly hatched.

[0148] The neonates are injected onto the first substrate, preferably using a dosing device.

[0149] The neonates in a dose are preferably homogeneous in terms of harvest age, which allows for good synchronization in larval development during the pre-growth and growth phases. The dosing unit dispenses doses of 50,000 to 200,000 neonates using a weighing system and / or optical counting of the individuals. The dosing unit deposits one dose onto the surface of the substrate in each pre-growth module 12.

[0150] Then, the injected and inoculated modules 12 are stored during the pregrowth phase of the neonates. The climatic conditions of the storage area are advantageously particularly favorable to the pregrowth of the neonates to reach the juvenile stage.

[0151] At the end of the pre-growth phase, the 12 pre-growth modules are destocked.

[0152] Advantageously, during a control step, the pre-growth modules 12 are controlled at a control station (not shown).

[0153] For example, the weight of each module 12 is measured and compared to the initial weight of module 12 which was measured, for example, just after inoculation of the neonates. By comparing the final weight with the initial weight, it is possible to estimate the moisture content of the remaining frass and to know the level of food consumption.

[0154] For example, the size of the larvae is controlled, either manually or by means of cameras.

[0155] The moisture measurement data of the frass and the number of juveniles in the module are then analyzed to validate or not the conformity of each module 12 and the passage to the next step.

[0156] The conforming pre-growth modules 12 are then transported to the inoculation facility 16.

[0157] Non-conforming modules are preferably temporarily isolated for a second conformity assessment to decide whether the module contents should be destroyed or re-stored to achieve the desired level of conformity.

[0158] The inoculation phase includes transferring the contents of the pre-growth module(s) 12 into the growth module(s) 14. Said contents include juvenile larvae, frass from the pre-growth of the neonates and possibly the first remaining feeding substrate.

[0159] During a conveying step, represented in [Fig.1], the pre-growth modules 12 are conveyed to the inoculation facility 16 by conveying means 20, in particular by the upstream conveyor(s) 28.

[0160] The modules 12 are moved until they are in the emptying position.

[0161] Then, the contents of the 12 pre-growth modules are poured into the module(s) 14 of growth thanks to the means 22 of transfer.

[0162] For example, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the emptying device 32, and more particularly the reversing device 36, grasps at least one pre-growth module 12 and reverses it.

[0163] More particularly, the arm grasps at least one module 12 and, by rotation, moves it from the initial grasping position shown in [Fig.4], in which at least one module 12 is on the upstream conveyor 28, to the final position shown in [Fig.5], in which the module 12 rests on the downstream conveyor 30.

[0164] In the example of [Fig.2], each arm simultaneously grasps three pre-growth modules 12.

[0165] In the emptying position, at least one module 12 is upside down, so that its contents come out of module 12 and fall by gravity.

[0166] Once at least one module 12 has been emptied, the arm returns to the gripping position. For example, the arm releases at least one module 12 before returning to the gripping position and at least one module 12 is evacuated in reverse via the downstream conveyor 30, for example to a washing installation.

[0167] The dispensed contents are received at the distribution device 34.

[0168] More specifically, the collection of the contents takes place at the level of at least one inoculation chute 40 configured to convey by gravity the contents of the returned pre-growth module(s) 12 to the growth module(s) 14.

[0169] In the example shown in [Fig.5], each chute 40 receives the contents of a single pre-growth module 12.

[0170] The contents collected by each chute 40 are then poured into one or more growth modules 14.

[0171] In the example shown in Figures 3 and 5, several, here six, chutes 40 discharge their contents into a single growth module 14. Thus, the contents collected by a given growth module 14 correspond here to the contents of six given pre-growth modules 12, and six given pre-growth modules 12 discharge their contents into a given growth module 14. This is referred to as inoculation of type 6 to 1.

[0172] The growth module(s) 14 have been prepared beforehand. In a preliminary filling step, the second substrate is injected into the growth module(s) 14, for example, using a dosing unit. The dosing unit receives the pre-prepared and pumped second substrate via pipes. The dosing unit injects and distributes the second feeding substrate into each module 14. Typically, the dosing unit injects between 50 and 70 kg of second feeding substrate into each module 14. The amount of substrate injected is controlled by weighing or by a laser level. Once injected, the growth modules 14 are conveyed, for example, by means of conveyor 44 to the inoculation unit 16.

[0173] The contents of the pre-growth module(s) 12 are received on the second substrate.

[0174] Then, the inoculated growth modules 14 are conveyed out of the inoculation unit 16 by means of the transfer means 24. The juveniles then continue their growth until they reach the mature larval stage.

[0175] New pre-growth modules 12 and new growth modules 14 can then be routed to the inoculation facility 16 and the process described above can be repeated.

[0176] The installation 10 and the insect larva rearing process according to the invention are suitable for the production of insects on an industrial scale and allow for optimization of larva rearing.

[0177] The larvae thus have a permanent feeding substrate adapted to their stage of growth and the latter is not interrupted by drying or manual handling operations likely to reduce yields.

[0178] The installation thus allows the pre-growth of the larvae to take place in humid conditions, optimal for their growth, without the need to subsequently dry the frass obtained to recover the juvenile larvae. Losses are therefore reduced.

[0179] Furthermore, the installation according to the invention makes it possible to reduce the space required for rearing, by adapting the size of the modules to the needs of the larvae, and to limit the technical operations of handling the larvae, thus allowing the rearing of larvae on a large scale for reduced costs and accelerated flows.

[0180] The invention is not limited to the embodiments and variants described above. Other embodiments and variants are conceivable.

[0181] For example, other distribution devices 34 are conceivable. For example, the distribution device 34 may be without chutes 40 and include a vibrating belt or vibrating table intended to receive the contents of the pre-growth module(s) 12 and convey them to the growth modules 14.

[0182] Alternatively, the conveying device 20 is devoid of downstream conveyors separate from the upstream conveyors. For example, after being overturned, the pre-growth modules 12 are placed back onto the upstream conveyor(s) 28, said conveyors being configured to evacuate the emptied pre-growth modules 12.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the process includes a step of redosing the contents of the pre-growth modules 12, prior to the step of collecting said contents into the growth module(s) 14. The redosing step includes mixing the contents of several pre-growth modules 12 prior to or during the transfer step.

[0184] According to one variant (not shown), the transfer means 22 further include means for mixing the contents of pre-growth modules 12.

[0185] Said mixing means are suitable for recovering the contents of several pre-growth modules 12, typically from two to ten pre-growth modules 12, and for mixing them, before pouring them into one or more growth modules 14.

[0186] For example, the emptying device 32 and / or the distribution device 34, and in particular the chutes 40, are configured to transfer the contents of several pre-growth modules 12 into a single receptacle, said receptacle being suitable for transferring its contents in turn into one or more growth modules 14.

[0187] The mixing means make it possible to homogenize the quality of the pre-growth batches, without requiring a prior step of redosing the contents of the pre-growth modules 12. Such a redosing step is, however, possible.

Claims

Demands

1. Insect larva rearing facility (10), facility (10) comprising: • at least one pre-growth module (12) intended to receive neonates and a first feeding substrate; • at least one growth module (14) intended to receive juvenile larvae from the pre-growth of neonates and a second feeding substrate;and • an inoculation facility (16) for at least one growth module (14), the inoculation facility (16) comprising means (20) for conveying the pre-growth module(s) (12) and means (22) for transferring the contents of the pre-growth module(s) (12), said contents comprising juvenile larvae, frass from the pre-growth of neonates and optionally the first remaining feeding substrate, the transfer means (22) being configured to transfer the contents of the pre-growth module(s) (12) into the growth module(s) (14).

2. Installation (10) according to claim 1, wherein the means (20) for conveying the pre-growth module(s) (12) comprise at least one upstream conveyor (28) configured to transport the pre-growth module(s) (12) comprising juvenile larvae from the growth of neonates to the inoculation installation (16).

3. Installation (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means (24) for transferring the growth module(s) (14) out of the inoculation installation (16), said transfer means (24) comprising a conveyor (44) configured to transport the growth module(s) (14) comprising the juvenile larvae out of the inoculation installation (16).

4. Installation (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer means (22) comprise a device (32) for emptying the module(s) (12) pre-growth configured to empty each pre-growth module (12) of its contents and a distribution device (34) configured to retrieve said contents and transfer them into the growth module(s) (14).

5. Installation (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the module emptying device (32) comprises a tipping device (36) adapted to tip over at least one pregrowth module (12) so that its contents exit said pregrowth module (12) by gravity.

6. Installation according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the distribution device (34) comprises at least one inclined chute (40) opening downstream at the level of the growth module(s) (14).

7. A method for rearing insect larvae comprising: • a pre-growth phase of neonates to the juvenile larval stage in at least one pre-growth module (12), preferably comprising a prior step of inoculating the neonates in the pre-growth module(s) (12), each pre-growth module (12) comprising a first feeding substrate; • a growth phase of juvenile larvae to the mature larval stage, comprising the growth of juvenile larvae in at least one growth module (14), each growth module (14) comprising a second feeding substrate;the process comprising an intermediate stage of inoculating juvenile larvae into the growth module(s) (14) in an inoculation facility (16), the intermediate stage comprising transferring the contents of the pre-growth module(s) (12) into the growth module(s) (14), said contents comprising juvenile larvae, frass from the pre-growth of the neonates and optionally the first remaining feeding substrate, the inoculation facility (16) preferably being according to any one of claims 1 to 6.;

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the intermediate step comprises the following steps: • transport of the pre-growth module(s) (12) to the inoculation facility (16); • emptying the contents of each pre-growth module (12) into a dispensing device (34); and • collecting the contents of the pre-growth modules into the growth module(s) (14); • transporting the growth module(s) (14) out of the inoculation facility (16).

9. A method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the intermediate phase further comprises a step of checking the content of the pre-growth module(s) (12) prior to the transfer step.

10. A method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the intermediate phase further comprises a step of redosing the contents of the pre-growth modules (12), comprising mixing the contents of several pre-growth modules (12) prior to or during the transfer step.

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