With over 30 participants, the second edition was well attended, confirming the great interest in insects as a sustainable resource in animal nutrition and agriculture.
Technical insights from research, business and practice
After a welcome by PD Dr Manfred Mielenz (FBN), the programme offered three presentations that highlighted current topics and developments in beneficial insect breeding:
· Determination of heat output and gaseous emissions in the rearing of black soldier flies
Michael Kropsch (HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, Austria) presented new data online on energy requirements and emissions in larval rearing – important basics for assessing the sustainability of this form of production.
· ‘Everything you always wanted to know about insects...’ – Insights into production, hygiene and animal welfare in beneficial insect breeding
Dr Nils Grabowski (University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation) explained practical requirements for hygiene, management and animal welfare in modern insect breeding.
· Focus on mealworms: Founding, breeding and use of ENTAVA
Raijana Schnepel (ENTAVA GmbH) presented the young company ENTAVA and provided insights into the structure, organisation and potential applications of mealworms in animal nutrition.
Exchange and perspectives for MV
In the subsequent open discussion, the possible uses of insects in poultry, pig and aquaculture feed were explored in particular. It was emphasised that insects can utilise feed-approved co-products and by-products, thereby contributing to the closure of regional material cycles.
Insects are a high-quality source of protein that can be used to supplement the diets of farm animals. In addition to their nutritional value, health-promoting ingredients were also discussed, which could make insects more than just a source of protein. A balanced diet can in turn make an important contribution to animal welfare; in this context, the permissible live feeding was also discussed.
The possible replacement of soya with insects was considered in a differentiated manner: while soya imports are currently still very competitive economically, insects could play a supplementary role in feeding in the future due to their functional properties and additional effects on animal health and welfare. Furthermore, it once again became clear that insect farming could establish itself as an alternative source of income for agricultural businesses in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in the future.
The 2nd Insect Round Table thus continued the successful series and provided valuable impetus for research, practice and regional development. Further dates are already being planned.
