HK1246359A1

HK1246359A1 - Beetle powder

Info

Publication number: HK1246359A1
Application number: HK18105881.1A
Authority: HK
Inventors: ARMENJON Benjamin; Berezina Nathalie; LAURENT Sophie; Socolsky Cécilia; Sanchez Lorena; Hubert Antoine
Original assignee: Ynsect
Priority date: 2014-12-31
Filing date: 2015-12-30
Publication date: 2018-09-07

Description

The present invention relates to an insect powder. It also aims at a process for preparing this powder and its use in human or animal food, and more particularly in fish feed.

Aquaculture is today one of the most dynamic sectors in the food industry. The high demand for fish has led to a significant increase in the price of feed intended for fish farming.

One of the most widely used products in fish feed is fish meal. Fish meal is one of the main sources of protein in aquaculture feeds. It is a flour very rich in animal proteins (rich in lysine and methionine amino acids) that is easy to digest. An increasing demand combined with limited supply has significantly raised its price, posing a risk to the sustainable growth of aquaculture. Therefore, there is a strong demand for high-quality alternative protein sources, and whenever possible, renewable ones, for aquaculture feeds.

Insect flours offer natural protein sources as alternatives and the possibility of being produced in large quantities with minimal ecological footprint. In particular, certain beetles such as Tenebrio molitor, have the advantage of being adaptable to intensive large-scale production.

However, the results of substitution trials replacing fishmeal with various insect flours are mixed. When substitution is possible, it generally does not exceed 50%; beyond this level, adverse effects on fish growth are observed.

Document XP002757230; "Insects in flour," JDD Paris, 19-12-2012, page 1, discusses the possible use of insect flours such as those derived from Tenebrio molitor, a beetle, in the food industry.

The work of the inventors has shown that a specific insect powder could be advantageously used as a replacement for fish flour in aquaculture feed.

The present invention therefore relates to a beetle powder containing at least 67% by weight of proteins and at least 5% by weight of chitin, the percentages by weight being given relative to the total weight of the beetle powder.

It should be noted that, in the context of the present request, and unless otherwise specified, the value ranges indicated are inclusive of the boundaries.

By "beetle powder," we mean a composition in the form of particles, prepared exclusively from beetles and possibly water.

The residual moisture content of the beetle powder is between 2 and 15%, preferably between 5 and 10%, more preferably between 4 and 8%. This moisture content can, for example, be determined according to the method set forth in Regulation EC No. 152/2009 of January 27, 2009 (103°C / 4 hours).

In the entire request, when no date is specified for a regulation, standard, or directive, it refers to the regulation, standard, or directive in force on the date of submission.

When the beetle powder is ground to a particle size acceptable for human or animal food, it can be called "beetle flour" ("coleoptera meal" in English). By "acceptable particle size for human or animal food," a particle size between 100 µm and 1.5 mm is intended, preferably between 300 µm and 1 mm, more preferably between 500 and 800 µm.

Preferably, the preferred beetles according to the invention belong to the families of Tenebrionidae, Melolonthidae, Dermestidae, Coccinellidae, Cerambycidae, Carabidae, Buprestidae, Cetoniidae, Dryophthoridae, or their mixtures.

More preferably, these are the following beetles: Tenebrio molitor, Alphitobius diaperinus, Zophobas morio, Tenebrio obscurus, Tribolium castaneum and Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, or their mixtures.

By "proteins," we refer to the amount of crude protein. The quantification of crude protein is well known to professionals in the field. For example, the Dumas method or the Kjeldahl method can be cited. Preferably, the Dumas method, which corresponds to the standard NF EN ISO 16634-1 (2008), is used.

Preferably, the beetle powder contains 68% by weight of crude protein, more preferably 70% by weight of crude protein, the percentages by weight being given on the total weight of the beetle powder.

According to the invention, the term "chitin" refers to any chitin derivative, that is, any polysaccharide derivative containing N-acetyl-glucosamine units and D-glucosamine units, in particular chitin-polypeptide copolymers (sometimes referred to as "chitin-polypeptide composites"). These copolymers may also be associated with pigments, often of the melanin type.

Chitin would be the second most synthesized polymer in the living world after cellulose. Indeed, chitin is produced by many species of the living world: it forms part of the exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects, as well as the lateral wall that surrounds and protects fungi. More specifically, in insects, chitin constitutes 3 to 60% of their exoskeleton.

The determination of the chitin content is carried out by its extraction. Such a method can be the ADAC 991.43 method described in Example 2, and is a preferred method for this determination.

Preferably, the powder contains between 5 and 16% by weight of chitin, more preferably between 8 and 14% of chitin, the percentages by weight being given on the total weight of beetle powder.

The insect powder according to the invention has a high crude protein content. Such a level is usually obtained only by an insect processing method comprising a hydrolysis step. However, a hydrolysis step has the effect of lowering the chitin content to about 5% by weight, such as less than 5% by weight, of the total weight of the composition.

Alternatively, chitin is often considered an anti-nutritional factor because it is difficult to digest. This explains why, for applications in the food and feed industry, insect-based compositions are dechitinized, meaning that a step of chitin removal is carried out. However, the work of the inventors has also demonstrated that, contrary to common belief, chitin does not affect the growth of fish fed with beetle powder according to the invention, which contains a significant amount of chitin (see Example 4 below). On the contrary, the beetle powder according to the invention can advantageously replace not only partially but also entirely fish flour in aquafeed. Indeed, the beetle powder according to the invention allows for improved growth of animals fed with this powder.

In addition, during the food manufacturing process, the introduction of the beetle powder according to the invention also presents certain advantages: reduction in losses of water-soluble vitamins during possible thermal treatments and reduction in the energy required during a possible extrusion step.

Advantageously, the beetle powder according to the invention has an ash content lower than or equal to 4% by weight of the total weight of the beetle powder, and even more advantageously lower than or equal to 3.5%.

Ashes constitute the residue resulting from the combustion of the composition according to the invention.

The method for determining the ash content is well known to the professional. Preferably, the ash has been determined according to the method specified in Regulation EC No. 152/2009 of January 27, 2009.

The fat content of the beetle powder according to the invention is preferably between 5 and 20% by weight of the total weight of the beetle powder, more preferably between 9 and 17%.

The methods for determining fat content are well known to the professional. As an example and preferably, the determination of this content will be carried out following the method specified in Regulation EC No. 152/2009.

Advantageously, the insect powder proteins according to the present invention have a digestibility of at least 85% on a weight-to-weight basis of total protein.

Digestibility is pepsic digestibility measured by the method described in Directive 72/199/EEC.

Preferably, the digestibility is equal to or higher than 86%, more preferably equal to or higher than 88%.

Advantageously, the insect powder according to the invention contains between 35 and 65% by weight of soluble proteins relative to the total protein weight, and at least 50% of the soluble proteins have a molecular weight less than or equal to 12,400 g/mol.

By "total protein weight," we mean the weight of crude proteins present in the beetle powder according to the invention.

By "soluble proteins," we mean those among the crude proteins that are soluble in an aqueous solution with a pH ranging from 6 to 8, advantageously from 7.2 to 7.6.

Preferably, the aqueous solution is a buffer solution with a pH ranging from 6 to 8, advantageously from 7.2 to 7.6. Preferably, the buffer solution is a sodium chloride phosphate buffer solution, with a pH equal to 7.4 ± 0.2.

The digestibility of proteins in humans and animals is strongly influenced by the size of the proteins. In animal nutrition, it is common to reduce the size of proteins in order to facilitate digestion by the animals. This reduction in protein size is generally achieved through hydrolysis processes (for example, enzymatic hydrolysis), which are particularly expensive to implement.

Insect powder according to the invention, obtained by a process not involving hydrolysis, contains a significant amount of soluble proteins whose size is sufficiently reduced to facilitate animal digestion. Insect powder according to the invention also has the advantage of being able to be prepared at low cost.

Advantageously, the beetle powder according to the invention contains between 38 and 60% by weight, preferably between 43 and 55% by weight of soluble proteins relative to the total protein weight.

Preferably, at least 60%, preferably at least 70% of the soluble proteins have a molecular weight less than or equal to 12,400 g/mol.

More specifically, the soluble proteins have a molecular weight ranging from 6,500 to 12,400 g/mol.

Advantageously, less than 10%, preferably less than 8%, and more preferably less than 6% of soluble proteins have a molecular weight greater than or equal to 29,000 g/mol.

As an example, a size-exclusion chromatography analysis of the soluble protein size from a beetle powder according to the invention is presented in Example 6.

The invention also discloses a method for preparing a beetle powder according to the invention.

The preparation method of the beetle powder according to the invention includes a step of pressing the beetles.

The objective of pressing is to remove the husks from the beetles, thereby obtaining a pressed cake with an oil (or fat) content lower than or equal to 20% by weight of the dry pressed cake weight, preferably lower than or equal to 17%.

The pressing step is more thoroughly described in step 2 of the detailed preparation process below.

In particular, it is possible to perform hot or cold pressing. Preferably, a single-screw extruder is used.

More specifically, the preparation process according to the invention comprises the following steps: i) killing the beetles, ii) pressing the beetles to obtain a pressed cake, and iii) grinding the pressed cake.

The killing of beetles can be done by boiling or scalding, as more fully described below in step 1 of the detailed process.

Similarly, the grinding is more extensively described in step 4 of the detailed process.

Finally, the preparation process according to the invention may further include a drying step for the pressed cake.

The drying step is advantageously carried out after the pressing step and before the grinding step.

Drying is more thoroughly described in step 3 of the detailed process.

Detailed Preparation Process of the Beetle Powder According to the Invention • Step 1: Insect killing

This first step of killing can advantageously be carried out by scalding or blanching. This first step allows the insects to be killed while reducing the microbial load (reducing the risk of spoilage and sanitary issues) and inactivating the internal enzymes of the insects that may trigger autolysis, thus leading to rapid browning.

For scalding, insects, preferably larvae, are scalded in water for 2 to 20 minutes, preferably 5 to 15 minutes. Preferably, the water is at a temperature between 95 to 100°C, preferably 100°C.

The amount of water added during boiling is determined as follows: the ratio of the volume of water in mL to the weight of the insect in grams is preferably between 0.3 and 10, more preferably between 0.5 and 5, even more preferably between 0.7 and 3, and still more preferably around 1.

For the blanching process, insects, preferably larvae, are blanched by steaming (using steam nozzles or a steam bed) at a temperature ranging from 80 to 130°C, preferably from 90 to 120°C, more preferably from 95 to 105°C, even more preferably at 98°C, or by boiling in water at a temperature ranging from 95 to 100°C, preferably 100°C (using spray nozzles), or in a mixed mode (water + steam) at a temperature ranging from 80 to 130°C, preferably from 90 to 120°C, more preferably from 95 to 105°C, even more preferably at 98°C. The residence time in the blanching chamber ranges from 1 to 15 minutes, preferably from 3 to 7 minutes.

• Step (optional): grinding

Insects are removed from the scalding tank or the whitening chamber, then sieved (or drained), and placed into a grinder, such as a knife mixer grinder, which allows the insects to be reduced into particles.

In order to facilitate grinding, a certain amount of water can be added. This amount of water is similar to that introduced during step 1 of boiling: the ratio of the volume of water in mL to the weight of the insect in grams is preferably between 0.3 and 10, more preferably between 0.5 and 5, even more preferably between 0.7 and 3, and even more preferably around 1. It is also possible to retain the boiling water and/or the water resulting from blanching to carry out this step.

Preferably, after grinding, the particle size of the insects is less than 1 cm (the largest particle size observable under a microscope), preferably less than 0.5 cm. Preferably, the particle size is between 300 µm and 3 mm, more preferably between 500 µm and 1 mm. It is not necessary to excessively reduce the particle size, for example to below 250 µm.

• Step 2: Pressing

The insects from step 1 of slaughter or the wet paste from the optional grinding step is then placed into a press according to a procedure that allows pressing and separating a juice containing both an oily fraction and a protein fraction.

Preferably, the pressing step allows obtaining a press cake having an oil content lower than or equal to 20% by weight on the dry weight of the press cake, preferably lower than or equal to 17%, more preferably lower than or equal to 15%.

Similarly, the pressing step allows obtaining a pressed cake having a dry matter content ranging from 30% to 60%, preferably from 40% to 55%, and more preferably from 45% to 55%.

Any pressing system can be used to carry out the pressing step, such as, for example, a single-screw or double-screw press (Angel-type double-screw press), a filter press (Choquenet-type filter press), a plate press, etc. These systems are well known to the professional who is capable of determining the pressing conditions in order to obtain the oil and/or water contents mentioned above.

In particular, it is possible to perform either a hot or cold pressing. Advantageously, the pressing will be carried out at an elevated temperature, which allows for increased oil removal from the cake. In particular, a hot pressing enables the production of a pressed cake having an oil content lower than or equal to 17% by weight on a dry weight basis of the pressed cake, preferably lower than or equal to 15%.

• Step 3: Drying

The pressed cake is then dried using conventional technologies known to the skilled worker. Drying can be direct or indirect (thin-layer dryer, "paddle dryer," "tubular dryer," "disc-dryer," etc.) at a temperature ranging from 60°C to 260°C, for a duration of 15 minutes to 24 hours. For example, the pressed cake can be arranged and dried in a ventilated/blown air environment at a temperature ranging from 80 to 100°C, preferably at 90°C, for a duration ranging from 3 to 7 hours, preferably 5 hours.

The objective of this drying step is to obtain a pressed cake with a moisture content ranging between 2 and 15%, preferably between 5 and 10%, even more preferably between 4 and 8%.

• Step 4: Final grinding

The pressed cake is then placed into a crusher, such as a hammer mill, allowing the pressed cake to be reduced into particles.

Advantageously, after this final grinding, the size of the insect particles is less than 0.5 cm (the largest particle size observable under a microscope), preferably on the order of 1 mm. More particularly, the particle size ranges from 300 µm to 1 mm, even more preferably between 500 and 800 µm.

The sequence of these four steps allows obtaining a beetle powder according to the invention, containing a high crude protein content while maintaining a chitin level of at least 5% by weight of the total composition.

As mentioned above, the pressing stage can be done cold or hot.

As an example of the method for obtaining beetle powder according to the invention, involving a cold pressing process: For instance, larvae of T. molitor are introduced into a beaker containing 200 mL of previously boiled water, and then killed by steaming in a water bath at 100 °C. After 5 minutes, the beaker is removed from the water bath, the larvae are squeezed, and then mixed with 200 mL of water. The resulting liquid is then passed through a twin-screw extruder. The resulting extruded cake is dried for 24 hours in an oven at 70 °C, and then ground to a particle size of 250 µm.

As an example of the method for obtaining beetle powder according to the invention, involving hot pressing: For example, larvae of T. molitor are introduced into a blanching chamber and steamed for 5 minutes at 100°C. The blanched larvae are then introduced into a "drying" type press suitable for water-rich products. The resulting pressed cake is dried for 5 hours in an oven at 90°C, then ground in a hammer mill to 1 mm.

Preferably, the method for preparing a beetle powder according to the invention comprises the following steps: i) killing the beetles, ii) pressing the beetles to obtain a pressed cake, iii) drying the pressed cake, and iv) grinding the pressed cake.

According to a first embodiment of the method according to the invention, the pressing step is preceded by a step of grinding the beetles.

The invention therefore relates to a process for preparing a beetle powder according to the invention, comprising the following steps: i) killing the beetles, ii) pressing the beetles to obtain a pressed cake, iii) drying the pressed cake, and iv) grinding the pressed cake, wherein the pressing step is preceded by a grinding step of the beetles.

One advantage of the beetle grinding step prior to pressing is more fully described in Example 5.

According to a second embodiment of the method according to the invention, the step of pressing the beetles is carried out at an elevated temperature.

The invention therefore relates to a process for preparing a beetle powder according to the invention, comprising the following steps: i) killing the beetles, ii) pressing the beetles to obtain a pressed cake, iii) drying the pressed cake, and iv) grinding the pressed cake, wherein the pressing step is carried out at an elevated temperature.

As mentioned above, hot pressing allows the production of a pressed cake with an oil content lower than or equal to 17% by weight of the dry pressed cake, preferably lower than or equal to 15%.

According to a third embodiment of the method according to the invention, the grinding step of the press cake is carried out at a particle size ranging from 300 µm to 1 mm, preferably from 500 to 800 µm.

The invention therefore relates to a process for preparing a beetle powder according to the invention, comprising the following steps: i) killing the beetles, ii) pressing the beetles to obtain a pressed cake, iii) drying the pressed cake, and iv) grinding the pressed cake, wherein the grinding step of the pressed cake is carried out at a particle size ranging from 300 µm to 1 mm.

More specifically, in this third embodiment of the method according to the invention, the step of pressing the beetles can be carried out at an elevated temperature. Alternatively, the pressing step may be preceded by a grinding step of the beetles.

Finally, the invention relates to the use of beetle powder according to the invention, in human or animal food.

Advantageously, the beetle powder according to the invention can be used in the feed of companion animals such as dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, and rodents.

In particular, the insect powder according to the invention can be used in aquaculture (fish, crustaceans), poultry feed (chickens), swine, ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats, horses), and mink.

Finally, the beetle powder according to the invention can be advantageously used as a substitute for a protein flour.

By "protein flour," we particularly refer to fish flour, milk powder or whey powder, soy protein concentrate flour ("CSP"), meat flour, such as, for example, poultry meal ("Poultry Meal").

The replacement can be partial or total.

Preferably, the insect powder according to the invention is used as a partial or total replacement for fish flour, such as a 50% or 100% replacement.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear in the following examples, given as an illustration, with reference to: Figure 1, which is a diagram illustrating the temperature variations and dissolved oxygen levels in the reservoirs where trout were raised with different doses of beetle powder according to the invention, Figure 2, which comprises two diagrams illustrating the impact on the final body weight (Fig. 2A) and the feed conversion ratio (Fig. 2B) of the trout fed with different doses of beetle powder according to the invention, Figure 3, which illustrates the distribution of lipids from the insect found in the juice and cake obtained by a process comprising a pressing step or a grinding step followed by pressing, Figure 4, which is a diagram representing the size analysis of the proteins in the beetle powder according to the invention by size-exclusion chromatography.

EXAMPLE 1: Process for preparing a beetle powder according to the invention

The beetles used to prepare the beetle powder are larvae of Tenebrio molitor. Upon receiving the larvae, they can be stored at 4°C for 0 to 15 days in their rearing containers before slaughter without significant degradation. The weight (age) of the larvae used varies, and therefore their composition may vary, as illustrated in the following Table 1:

: Composition biochimique des larves de selon leur poids.

%*	34	34	34,2	37,9	39,6	39,5
%*	1,59	1,52	1,6	1,75	1,67	1,43
%*	22,6	22,2	22	23,2	23,1	23,2
%*	6,62	6,88	7,98	10,3	10,9	11,7

: Composition biochimique des larves de selon leur poids.

*Les % sont exprimés en poids sec par rapport au poids humide de larves.

• Step 1: Bleaching of insects

Live larvae (+4°C to +25°C) are conveyed in a layer with a thickness of 2 to 10 cm on a perforated conveyor belt (1 mm) to a whitening chamber. The insects are then steamed (steam nozzles or steam bed) at 98°C, or boiled in water at 100°C (spray nozzles), or in mixed mode (water + steam). The residence time in the whitening chamber ranges from 1 to 15 minutes, ideally 5 minutes.

The temperature of the larvae after bleaching is between 75°C and 98°C.

• Step 2: Pressing

The larvae, once blanched, are conveyed to the feed hopper of a continuous single-screw extruder. During the pressing process, the larvae are maintained at a temperature above 70°C to increase the oil extraction yield. The principle of oil extraction involves pressurizing the material inside a cylindrical cage by means of a screw arrangement and rings positioned along the central axis. The cage is lined internally with bars arranged in sections and kept apart by spaces of varying thicknesses according to the working area. These gaps allow the flow of an oil fraction while limiting the passage of the so-called "dry" material, the protein fraction, which is referred to as "press cake," thus contributing to the pressurization.

The pressing yields obtained range from 48 to 55%.

The pressed cake obtained contains 35 to 40% dry matter, 67 to 75% proteins, and 13 to 17% fats, the percentages by weight being given on the dry weight of the pressed cake.

• Step 3: Drying

The pressed cake is then placed on a tray in a thin layer (about 2 cm) and dried in a ventilated/forced air oven at 90°C for 5 hours to obtain a pressed cake with a dry matter content higher than 92%.

This step helps prevent any contamination that may have occurred since the slaughter.

The Aw (water activity) in the dried product is 0.35. Microbiological results show absence of Salmonella spp. (method: IRIS Salmonella BKR 23/07-10/11) and Enterobacteriaceae counts below 10 CFU/g (method: NF ISO 2128-2, December 2004, at 30°C and 37°C).

• Step 4: Grinding

The dried pressed cake, which mainly contains proteins, is finally crushed using a continuous hammer mill (6 reversible hammers - thickness 8 mm). The mill is fed by a hopper with a flow adjustment gate (180 kg/h). The perforated sieve used to control the particle size in the output is 0.8 mm. The motor speed is 3000 rpm (electric drive, power consumption 4 kW (5.5 HP)).

EXAMPLE 2: Characterization of the beetle powder according to the invention

The beetle powder prepared in Example 1 was characterized.

1. Analyses 1.1 Determination of the moisture content

The moisture content is determined according to the method specified in Regulation EC No. 152/2009 of January 27, 2009 (103°C / 4 hours).

1.2 Determination of the crude protein content

Crude proteins are determined according to the method, called the Dumas method, and corresponding to the standard NF EN ISO 16634-1 (2008).

1.3 Determination of the chitin quantity

The dietary fibers in insect flour are essentially composed of chitin, therefore, the chitin content was determined according to the ADAC 991.43 method. The values obtained in this way are therefore slightly overestimated.

1.4 Determination of the fat content

The fat content was determined according to the method of Regulation EC 152/2009.

1.5 Determination of the ash content

The raw ashes were determined according to the method provided by Regulation EC 152/2009 of January 27, 2009.

1.6 Determination of the phosphorus content

Phosphorus is determined by ICP (inductively coupled plasma) with internal calibration.

1.7 Determination of energy

The energy value is calculated using the coefficients from Regulation (EU) 1169/2011.

1.8 Determination of amino acid and fatty acid quantities

This determination was carried out by gas chromatography after hydrolysis and derivatization of the amino acids and fatty acids, respectively.

1.9 Determination of pepsic digestibility

Pepsic digestibility is measured by the method described in Directive 72/199/EEC.

2. Results

The composition of this beetle powder is presented in the following Table 2.

Furthermore, a pepsic digestibility of 90+/-2% is achieved.

EXAMPLE 3: Alternative process for preparing a beetle powder according to the invention

200 g of T. molitor larvae are introduced into a beaker, placed in a water bath at 100 °C, and containing 200 mL of previously boiled water. After 5 minutes, the beaker is removed from the water bath, the larvae are squeezed, and then mixed with 200 mL of water. The resulting liquid is pressed using a twin-screw extruder. The cake obtained from the press is dried for 24 hours in an oven at 70 °C, then ground to 250 µm. Thus, a beetle powder is obtained.

EXAMPLE 4: Introduction of the beetle eggs according to the invention into fish feed

In this example, the effect of including beetle powder in the diet on the growth, feed intake, feed conversion, body composition, and apparent nutrient digestibility in rainbow trout was studied.

1. Materials and Methods 1.1. Beetle powder

The beetle powder used in this example is the one obtained according to Example 1 and more extensively described in Example 2.

1.2. Experimental regimes

A fish meal-based diet (CTRL) was formulated using convenient ingredients to meet the known nutritional needs of juvenile rainbow trout. This CTRL diet consists of 25% fish meal, 8% other marine protein sources (squid meal and krill meal), while the remaining protein sources were soy protein concentrate, wheat gluten, and corn gluten. Based on this formulation, four test diets (Y5, Y7.5, Y15, and Y25) were prepared, in which fish meal was replaced by insect powder at respective replacement rates of 20, 30, 60, and 100% (see Table 3 below).

: Formulation et composition des régimes expérimentaux.

Ingrédients en %	CTRL	Y5	Y7.5	Y15	Y25
	25,00	20,00	17,50	10,00	0,00
	3,00	3,00	3,00	3,00	3,00
	5,00	5,00	5,00	5,00	5,00
Poudre de coléoptères		5,00	750	15,00	25,00
	14,00	14,00	14,00	14,00	14,00

: Formulation et composition des régimes expérimentaux.

Ingrédients en %*:	CTRL	Y5	Y7.5	Y15	Y25
	9,05	9,25	9,40	9,65	10,10
	8,20	8,20	8,20	8,20	8,20
Farine de soja 48	7,50	7,50	7,50	7,50	7,50
Pois entier	6,15	5,75	5,40	4,75	3,70
Huile de poisson	11,50	11,50	11,50	11,50	11,50
Huile de colza	6,00	5,80	5,70	5,40	5,00
	1,50	1,50	1,50	1,50	1,50
Lécithine de soja	1,00	1,00	1,00	1,00	1,00
Gomme de guar	0,20	0,20	0,20	0,20	0,20
Antioxydant	0,20	0,20	0,20	0,20	0,20
Propionate de sodium	0,10	0,10	0,10	0,10	0,10
Phosphate Mono Calcique	1,30	1,70	2,00	2,60	3,50
DL-méthionine	0,30	0,30	0,30	0,40	0,50
	0,02	0,02	0,02	0,02	0,02

Matière sèche (MS), %*	93,4 ± 0,0	93,1 ± 0,0	93, ± 0,1	95,0 ± 0,0	93,2 ± 0,0
Protéine brute, % MS**	48,5 ± 0,0	48,5 ± 0,1	48,5 ± 0,0	48,5 ± 0,0	48,5 ± 0,1
Matières grasses brutes,% MS**	22,7 ± 0,2	22,7 ± 0,1	22,6 ± 0,2	22,7 ± 0,2	22,7 ± 0,2
Cendre, % MS**	9,4 ± 0,0	8,8 ± 0,0	8,7 ± 0,1	8,1 ± 0,0	7,4 ± 0,0
Chitine, % MS**	0,06	0,46	0,66	1,26	2,06
Énergie brute, MJ/kg de MS	23,2 ± 0,2	23,2 ± 0,0	23,2 ±0,0	23,2 ± 0,1	23,2 ± 0,1

: Formulation et composition des régimes expérimentaux.

The levels of squid flour and krill were kept constant across all diets to ensure high palatability. Minor adjustments were made to the formulations of the test diets to maintain isonitrogenous (crude protein, 48.5% DM), isolipidic (22.7% DM), and isocaloric (gross energy, 23.2 MJ/kg DM) conditions. The levels of methionine and monocalcium phosphate supplementation in the test diets were adjusted to match those found in the control diet.

The diets were manufactured by extrusion (pellet sizes: 1.2 and 2.0 mm) using a pilot-scale CLEXTRAL BC45 twin-screw extruder with a screw diameter of 55.5 mm and a temperature range of 119 to 123°C. During extrusion, all extruded food batches were dried in a vibratory fluidized bed dryer (model DR100, TGC Extrusion, France). After cooling the pellets, oils were added by vacuum coating (model PG-10VCLAB, Dinnisen, Netherlands). Throughout the entire trial period, the experimental diets were stored at room temperature, but in a cool and ventilated location. Representative samples of each diet were collected for analysis (Tables 4-5).

: Profil en acides aminés des régimes expérimentaux.

Acides aminés	CTRL	Y5	Y7,5	Y15	Y25
Arginine	4,62 ± 0,23	4,53 ± 0,02	4,49 ± 0,23	4,27 ± 0,09	3,89 ± 0,09
Histidine	1,47 ± 0,11	1,56 ± 0,02	1,54 ± 0,09	1,46 ± 0,07	1,50 ± 0,08
Isoleucine	2,31 ± 0,01	2,52 ± 0,01	2,53 ± 0,01	2,46 ± 0,02	2,49 ± 0,00
Leucine	4,51 ± 0,08	4,44 ± 0,01	4,68 ± 0,05	4,46 ± 0,02	4,56 ± 0,01
Lysine	3,09 ± 0,19	3,09 ± 0,01	3,02 ± 0,17	2,94 ± 0,01	2,97 ± 0,03
Thréonine	2,32 ± 0,03	2,37 ± 0,00	2,31 ± 0,03	2,14 ± 0,05	2,15 ± 0,02
Valine	2,75 ± 0,00	2,87 ± 0,02	3,00 ± 0,03	3,08 ± 0,01	3,18 ± 0,01
Méthionine	1,71 ± 0,15	1,71 ± 0,01	1,75 ± 0,06	1,74 ± 0,02	1,63 ± 0,02
Cystéine	0,35 ± 0,02	0,34 ± 0,00	0,31 ± 0,02	0,33 ± 0,00	0,34 ± 0,00
Phénylalanine	3,30 ± 0,00	3,06 ± 0,01	2,92 ± 0,15	2,85 ± 0,01	2,56 ± 0,00
Tyrosine	2,44 ± 0,11	2,48 ± 0,00	2,67 ± 0,14	2,92 ± 0,04	3,14 ± 0,12
Taurine	0,20 ± 0,01	0,20 ± 0,00	0,21 ± 0,01	0,06 ± 0,00	0,04 ± 0,00

: Profil en acides aminés des régimes expérimentaux.

Les teneurs sont indiquées en % en poids sur le poids total de granulés avant séchage.

: Synthèse du profil en acides gras des régimes expérimentaux.

Acides gras	CTRL	Y5		Y15	Y25
C14:0	0,40 ± 0,00	0,40 ± 0,00	0,38 ± 0,00	0,43 ± 0,00	0,38 ± 0,00
C16:0	1,86 ± 0,01	1,89 ± 0,01	1,82 ± 0,02	2,11 ± 0,01	1,94 ± 0,02
C16:1n-7	0,48 ± 0,00	0,48 ± 0,00	0,44 ± 0,00	0,50 ± 0,00	0,42 ± 0,01
C18:0	0,49 ± 0,00	0,50 ± 0,01	0,47 ± 0,01	0,54 ± 0,00	0,50 ± 0,01
C18:1n-9	1,62 ± 0,01	1,74 ± 0,01	1,69 ± 0,01	2,08 ± 0,01	2,06 ± 0,02
C18:1n-7	0,26 ± 0,00	0,25 ± 0,00	0,23 ± 0,00	0,25 ± 0,00	0,21 ± 0,00
C18:2n-6	0,79 ± 0,00	0,94 ± 0,01	1,05 ± 0,01	1,36 ± 0,01	1,53 ± 0,02
C18:3n-3	0,13 ± 0,00	0,13 ± 0,00	0,13 ± 0,00	0,14 ± 0,00	0,12 ± 0,00
C18:4n-3	0,10 ± 0,00	0,10 ± 0,00	0,09 ± 0,00	0,10 ± 0,00	0,08 ± 0,00
C20:1n-9	0,20 ± 0,00	0,19 ± 0,00	0,17 ± 0,00	0,18 ± 0,00	0,14 ± 0,00
C20:4n-6	0,14 ± 0,00	0,13 ± 0,00	0,12 ± 0,00	0,14 ± 0,00	0,12 ± 0,00
C20:5n-3	0,72 ± 0,00	0,71 ± 0,01	0,65 ± 0,00	0,70 ± 0,00	0,57 ± 0,01
C22:1n-11	0,14 ± 0,00	0,13 ± 0,00	0,11 ± 0,00	0,12 ± 0,00	0,08 ± 0,00
C22:5n-3	0,14 ± 0,00	0,13 ± 0,00	0,12 ± 0,00	0,13 ± 0,00	0,10 ± 0,00
C22:6n-3	1,45 ± 0.01	1,44 ± 0.01	1,33 ± 0.01	1,46 ± 0.01	1,21 ± 0,02

: Synthèse du profil en acides gras des régimes expérimentaux.

1.3. Essay on Growth Performance

Three groups of 35 rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) with an initial body weight (IBW) of 5.01 ± 0.1 g were fed one of five experimental diets for 90 days. The fish were raised in circular fiberglass tanks (volume: 250 L) supplied with continuously flowing freshwater, at temperatures ranging from 14.1 ± 0.3°C and dissolved oxygen levels above 7.4 mg/L (see Figure 1). The fish were subjected to summer conditions and natural photoperiod changes (May-July). The fish were fed to apparent satiety,By hand, three times per day (9:00, 14:00 and 18:00) on weekdays and twice per day on weekends (10:00 and 16:00), with the utmost care to avoid food waste. The amount of food distributed was measured throughout the study. Anesthetized fish were weighed individually at the beginning and end of the study, and the group was weighed on day 28 and day 60. At the beginning, 15 fish from the same initial stock were sampled and stored at -20°C for later analysis of whole body composition. After 90 days of experimental feeding,Six fish from each reservoir were sampled for the same purpose.

1.4. Apparent digestibility measurements

At the end of the growth trial and following all associated samplings, 12 fish (body weight: 45 g) from each replicate tank were used to determine the apparent digestibility of dry matter, proteins, lipids, energy, and phosphorus, using the indirect method with identical diets containing yttrium oxide (200 mg/kg) as an inert marker. The fish were kept in cylindrical-conical tanks (volume: 60 L; water flow rate: 3.7 L/min; dissolved oxygen levels above 6.4 mg/L), at a constant water temperature of 14°C. The fish were acclimated for 10 days to the farming conditions and experimental diets.Next, the fish were fed once a day (at 10:00 AM) by hand with a slight excess. After a thorough cleaning of the breeding tanks to remove all food residues, fecal samples were collected daily for the following 8 days using the continuous water outflow filtration system (Choubert-INRA system). After daily collection, the fecal samples were frozen at -20°C. Fecal samples from each group of fish were mixed and then freeze-dried before analysis. Each diet was tested in triplicate.

The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of nutrients and dietary energy in the experimental diets were calculated according to the formula:

1.5. Analytical methods

The test ingredients, diets, and freeze-dried feces were ground before analysis. Whole body samples were chopped, mixed, and a representative sample was freeze-dried and homogenized with a laboratory mill prior to analysis. The chemical composition of the ingredient, diets, feces, and whole fish was analyzed using the following procedures: dry matter after drying at 105°C for 24 h; ash by combustion at 550°C for 12 h; crude protein (N × 6.25) by an open combustion technique followed by gas chromatography separation and thermal conductivity detection (LECO FP428); ether extract (fat) by dichloromethane extraction (Soxhlet); total phosphorus according to the ISO/DIS 6491 method using the vanado-molybdate reagent; gross energy in an adiabatic bomb calorimeter. Yttrium oxide in the foods and feces was determined by the ICP-AES method.

For total amino acid analysis, the test ingredients and test diets were hydrolyzed (6 M HCl at 116°C for 22 h in nitrogen-rinsed glass bottles), then derivatized with a fluorogenic reagent AccQ (6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimide) according to the AccQ method (Waters, USA). The analyses were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in an inverse-phase amino acid analysis system, using norvaline as an internal standard. Tryptophan was not determined because it is partially destroyed during acid hydrolysis. The resulting peaks were analyzed using the EMPOWER software (Waters, USA). For fatty acid analysis, lipids were extracted according to the Folch et al. (1957) method, and subsequently, the fatty acid composition of the fillets was determined by gas chromatography of methyl esters, following the procedure of Lepage and Roy (1986).

1.6. Criteria for evaluating growth and nutrient utilization

PCI (g): Initial body weight. PCF (g): Final body weight. Specific growth rate, TCS (%/day): (Ln PCF - Ln PCI) x 100 / days. Feed conversion index, IC: ratio of gross feed intake / weight gain. Voluntary feed intake, AAV (% of PC/day): (gross feed ration / ((PCI + PCF)/2) / days) x 100. Protein efficiency coefficient, CEP: weight gain / gross protein intake. Retention (% of intake): 100 x (PCF x final nutrient content of the carcass - PCI x initial nutrient content of the carcass) / nutrient intake.

1.7. Statistical analysis

The data are presented as the mean of three repetitions ± standard deviation. The data were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Before ANOVA, values expressed as percentages were subjected to an arcsine square root transformation. Statistical significance was tested at a probability level of 0.05. All statistical tests were performed using IBM SPSS V21 software.

2. Results 2.1. Growth Performance

The data on growth performance, feed conversion, and protein efficiency of rainbow trout fed the experimental diets for 28, 60, and 90 days are presented in Tables 6-8 and Figure 2. No mortality occurred during the trial.

: Performances de croissance au jour 28.

Régime	CTRL	Y5	Y7.5	Y15	Y25
PCI (g)	5,0 ± 0,1	4,9 ± 0,1	5,0 ± 0,1	5,1 ± 0,1	5,1 ± 0,1
PCF (g)
TCS, %/j
IC
Apport alimentaire, %PCM/j	3,27 ± 0,07	3,31 ± 0,09	3,28 ± 0,09	3,25 ± 0,03	3,22 ± 0,07
CEP

: Performances de croissance au jour 28.

Les valeurs sont les moyennes ± l'écart type (n=3). Les valeurs au sein d'une rangée avec des exposants différents diffèrent de façon significative (P <0,05).

After 28 days of experimental feeding (Table 6), the fish more than tripled their initial body weight. The feed intake was high (3.22–3.31% of body weight per day) and was not affected (P > 0.05) by the increasing incorporation levels of beetle powder. This observation suggests that the beetle powder had no negative effect on palatability and even might compensate for the complete replacement of fish meal without compromising feed intake. The growth rate varied from 4.19 to 4.50% per day. Compared to the control treatment, while diets Y5 and Y7.5 did not affect the FCR and SGR,The Y15 and Y25 diets caused a significant (P < 0.05) increase in PCF and TCS. The values of the feed conversion ratio ranged from 0.81 to 0.87. Compared to the CTRL, the inclusion of 5 and 7.5% beetle powder (Y5 and Y7.5% diets) did not affect the IC. However, high levels of beetle powder inclusion (Y15 and Y25 diets) led to a significant reduction in IC (P < 0.05). The protein efficiency coefficient (CEP) varied between 2.55 and 2.72. Fish fed with the Y25 diet showed a significant increase in CEP compared to those fed with the CTRL diets.Y5 and Y7.5.

: Performances de croissance au jour 60.

Régime	CTRL	Y5	Y7,5	Y15	Y25
PCI (g)	5,0 ± 0,1	4,9 ± 0,1	Y7,5 5,0 ± 0,1	5,1 ± 0,1	5,1 ± 0,1
PCF (g)
TCS, %/j
IC
CEP

: Performances de croissance au jour 60.

After 60 days of experimental feeding (Table 7), fish from the best performing treatment showed an 8-fold increase in initial body weight. The growth rate varied between 3.00 and 3.57% per day. Compared to the CTRL treatment, all diets containing beetle powder showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in SGR. The values of the feed conversion ratio (FCR) ranged from 0.85 to 1.10, and compared to the CTRL, the inclusion of beetle powder at all tested doses resulted in a significant reduction of FCR (P < 0.05). The protein efficiency ratio (PER) varied between 2.01 and 2.56. The lowest PER value was found in fish fed with the CTRL diet, while an improvement in PER was closely associated with increasing doses of beetle powder.

: Performances de croissance au jour 90.

Régime	CTRL	Y5	Y7,5	Y15	Y25
PCI (g)	5,0 ± 0,1	4,9 ± 0,1	5,0 ± 0,1	5,1 ± 0,1	5,1 ± 0,1
PCF (g)
TCS, %/j
IC
CEP

: Performances de croissance au jour 90.

At the end of the trial, 90 days of experimental feeding (Table 8), fish from the best performing treatment showed an 11-fold increase in initial body weight. Compared to the CTRL fish, those fed insect-rich diets showed a significant increase in final body weight (P <0.05). This increase was related to the dose, with a moderate increase for the Y5 diet, intermediate for Y7.5 and Y15, and the highest for Y25. The specific growth rate (SGR) ranged between 2.39 and 2.67% per day, with the lowest value found in fish fed the CTRL diet, while those fed diets containing beetle powder showed significantly higher SGR values (p <0.05). Regardless of the incorporation level, beetle powder led to a significant reduction in the IC (P <0.05). Compared to the CTRL treatment, all insect meal diets resulted in a significant increase in the CEP values (P <0.05).

2.2. Composition of the whole body

The data on the whole-body composition of the trout at the end of the trial are presented in Table 9. The dietary treatments had no effect (P > 0.05) on the moisture, protein, lipid, ash, phosphorus, and energy content of the whole fish.

: Composition du corps entier de la truite nourrie avec les divers traitements alimentaires.

Composition corporelle	CTRL	Y5	Y7.5	Y15	Y25
Humidité, %	70,1 ± 0,6	70,7 ± 0,4	71,1 ± 0,4	70,5 ± 0,5	10,7 ± 1,2
Protéine, %	14,8 ± 0,6	14,8 ± 0,3	15,0 ± 0,5	15,2 ± 0,3	15,2 ± 0,7
Matière grasse, %	12,2 ± 0,2	11,5 ± 0,4	11,0 ± 0,3	11,6 ± 0,1	11,8 ± 0,9
Cendre, %	1,9 ± 0,0	2,2 ± 0,2	2,1 ± 0,3	2,1 ± 0,0	2,2 ± 0,1
Phosphore, %	0,4 ± 0,0	0,4 ± 0,0	0,4 ± 0,0	0,4 ± 0,0	0,4 ± 0,0
Energie, kJ/g	8,2 ± 0,1	8,0 ± 0,0	8,0 ± 0,0	8,0 ± 0,2	8,2 ± 0,4

*Les pourcentages sont des pourcentages en poids sur le poids total du poisson. Les valeurs sont les moyennes ± l'écart type (n=3). Poisson initial : humidité 75,0%; protéine 14,1%; matières grasses 8,7% ; cendres 2,2%; phosphore 0,4%, énergie 6,7 kJ / g.

2.3. Nutrient retention

The nutrient and energy retention values (expressed as a percentage of intake) are presented in Table 10. Compared to the CTRL treatment, fish fed diets rich in beetle powder showed a significant increase in protein and energy retention (P < 0.05). Similarly, diets Y7.5, Y15, and Y25 showed significantly higher phosphorus retention than the CTRL (P < 0.05). Fat retention was not affected by the dietary treatments (P > 0.05).

: Rétention des nutriments et de l'énergie dans la truite alimentée par les divers régimes alimentaires.

Rétention % apport	CTRL	Y5	Y7,5	Y15	Y25
Protéine
Matière grasse	64,4 ± 2,1	68,0 ± 4,9	66,8 ± 3,3	71,5 ± 3,4	70,9 ± 6,7
Phosphore
Énergie

2.4. Apparent digestibility

The composition of the fecal matter collected from the trout fed with various dietary treatments is presented in Table 11.

: Composition des matières fécales de la truite nourrie avec les divers régimes alimentaires.

Composition de la matière fécale	CTRL	Y5	Y7,5	Y15	Y25
Oxyde d'yttrium, (mg/kg)	1384 ± 39	1395 ± 94	1415 ± 61	1369 ± 62	1411 ± 43
Protéine, % MS*	19,63 ± 0,06	19,67 ± 0,24	19,76 ± 0,34	19,70 ± 0,38	19,20 ± 0,41
Matières grasses, % MS*	4,37 ± 0,06	4,33 ± 0,19	4,28 ± 0,24	4,30 ± 0,06	4,20 ± 0,33
Phosphore, % MS*	2,64 ± 0,06	2,77 ± 0,08	2,65 ± 0,10	2,54 ± 0,15	2,62 ± 0,09
Énergie, kJ/g MS	23,24 ± 0,16	23,14 ± 0,40	23,47 ± 0,47	22,88 ± 0,16	23,09 ± 0,16

*% en poids sur le poids total de matière sèche matière fecale. Les valeurs sont les moyennes ± l'écart type (n=3).

The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC %) for the different nutrients and energy are presented in Table 12. The increase in the incorporation levels of mealworm powder had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the apparent digestibility of dry matter, proteins, fat, phosphorus, and energy.

: Digestibilité apparente des nutriments et de l'énergie dans la truite.

CDA %	CTRL	Y5	Y7,5	Y15	Y25
Matière sèche	84,2 ± 0,4	84,2 ± 1,0	84,3 ± 0,7	84,0 ± 0,7	84,3 ± 0,5
Protéine	93,6 ± 0,2	93,6 ± 0,4	93,6 ± 0,2	93,5 ± 0,4	93,8 ± 0,1
Matière grasse	97,0 ± 0,1	97,0 ± 0,1	97,0 ± 0,2	97,0 ± 0,2	97,1 ± 0,3
Phosphore, % d'apport	69,9 ± 1,4	68,3 ± 1,5	70,5 ± 24	71,4 ± 2,9	70,3 ± 1,8
Énergie, % d'apport	84,1 ± 0,4	84,3 ± 0,8	84,1 ± 1,0	84,2 ± 0,6	84,4 ± 0,6

: Digestibilité apparente des nutriments et de l'énergie dans la truite.

Les valeurs sont les moyennes ± l'écart type (n=3).

3. Conclusion

At the end of the 90-day experimental feeding period, the overall growth performance can be considered very satisfactory and within a higher range for young rainbow trout, with TCS values for the entire test duration ranging between 2.4 and 2.7% per day. In the most effective treatments, the fish showed an increase in body weight by 11 times their initial weight. Feed conversion rates among the treatments varied between 0.79 and 0.93, suggesting good nutritional adequacy of the feeds and good feeding practices.

The experimental data generated in this example allow us to state that: ▪ The incorporation of increasing amounts of mealworm powder (5, 7.5, 15, and 25%) with a corresponding reduction in fish flour was gradually associated with a significant increase in fish body weight. ▪ All diets containing mealworm powder showed a significant improvement in FCR, IC, and CEP. ▪ Increasing levels of mealworm powder incorporation had no effect on the whole-body composition of trout. ▪ Increasing levels of mealworm powder incorporation had no effect on the apparent digestibility of dry matter, proteins, lipids, phosphorus, and energy in the different experimental diets. ▪ Protein, phosphorus, and energy retention were enhanced in trout fed diets containing mealworm powder.

In general, the beetle powder used in this example could effectively replace 100% of fish meal in the diet of juvenile rainbow trout, with positive effects on the FI (feed intake) and overall growth performance.

EXAMPLE 5: Processes with or without prior grinding before pressing Process with only pressing

200 g of T. molitor larvae are introduced into a beaker, which is placed in a water bath at 100 °C and contains 200 mL of previously boiled water. After 5 minutes, the beaker is removed from the water bath, the larvae are squeezed and then passed through a twin-screw extruder. A press cake is thus obtained.

Process with grinding followed by pressing

200 g of T. molitor larvae are introduced into a beaker, placed in a water bath at 100°C, and containing 200 mL of previously boiled water. After 5 minutes, the beaker is removed from the water bath, the larvae are squeezed, and then mixed with 200 mL of water. The resulting liquid is pressed using a twin-screw extruder. A press cake is thus obtained.

Measurement of lipid level

We place 2 g of sample in a beaker, to which we add 0.2 g of Na2SO4 and 15 mL of CHCl3/MeOH (2/1 v/v). The mixture is stirred magnetically for 20 minutes. Then the solution is filtered, and the residue is placed back into the beaker with 10 mL of CHCl3/MeOH (2/1 v/v). The mixture is again stirred magnetically for 15 minutes, then filtered. The solvent phases are combined and evaporated to constant weight. The lipid content is determined as a percentage of mass after extraction and evaporation, relative to the initial mass of the sample (2 g).

Conclusion

The importance of grinding before pressing has been studied (Figure 3). It clearly appears that the distribution of lipids between the cake and the pressed juice is much more efficient, 12.9 versus 87.1 compared to 42.7 versus 57.3, when prior grinding has been performed.

EXAMPLE 6: Analysis of the size of soluble proteins in the beetle powder according to the invention.

A sample of 100 mg of the beetle powder prepared as in Example 1 was placed in 10 mL of NaCl phosphate buffer (pH 7.4, 0.137 mM). The sample was vortexed for 1 minute, then centrifuged at 900 g for 1 minute. After centrifugation, the sample was filtered through a 0.45 µm membrane. The analysis of soluble protein size was performed using a size-exclusion chromatography system, with a Nucleogel GFC-300 column. A NaCl phosphate buffer (pH 7.4, 0.137 mM) was used as the eluent. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min. Detection was carried out using a UV detector at 280 nm.

The results of the analysis are presented in Figure 4 and summarized in Table 13 below.

: Répartition des tailles des protéines solubles contenues dans la poudre de coléoptère préparée à l'Exemple 1


6,5 à 12,4	74,4
12,4 à 29	20,5
29 à 66	5,1

The results show that approximately 74.4% of the soluble proteins present in the beetle powder according to the invention have a molecular weight lower than 12,400 g/mol (or Da, Daltons).

Claims

Beetle powder having at least 67% by weight of proteins and at least 5% by weight of chitin, the percentages by weight being based on the total weight of the beetle powder.
Beetle powder according to claim 1, having an ash content that is less than or equal to 4% by weight based on the total weight of the beetle powder.
Beetle powder according to either claim 1 or claim 2, having a fat content of between 5 and 20% by weight based on the total weight of the beetle powder.
Beetle powder according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the proteins have a digestibility of greater than or equal to 85%.
Beetle powder according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the residual moisture content is between 2 and 15%.
Beetle powder according to any of claims 1 to 5, having between 40 and 60% by weight of soluble proteins with respect to the total weight of proteins, wherein at least 50% of the soluble proteins are of a size of less than or equal to 12400 g/mol.
Method for preparing a beetle powder according to any of claims 1 to 6, comprising the following steps:
i) killing the beetles,

ii) pressing the beetles so as to obtain a press cake, and

iii) grinding the press cake.
Method according to claim 7, further comprising a step of drying the press cake.
Method according to claim 8, comprising the following steps:
i) killing the beetles,

ii) pressing the beetles so as to obtain a press cake,

iii) drying the press cake, and

iv) grinding the press cake,
wherein the pressing step is preceded by a step of grinding the beetles.
Method according to claim 8, comprising the following steps:
i) killing the beetles,

ii) pressing the beetles so as to obtain a press cake,

iii) drying the press cake, and

iv) grinding the press cake,
wherein the pressing step is carried out under hot conditions.
Method according to claim 8, comprising the following steps:
i) killing the beetles,

ii) pressing the beetles so as to obtain a press cake,

iii) drying the press cake, and

iv) grinding the press cake,
wherein the step of grinding the press cake is carried out until a particle size of between 300 µm and 1 mm is achieved.
Use of the beetle powder according to any of claims 1 to 6 in human or animal nutrition.
Use according to claim 12, wherein the beetle powder is used instead of a proteinic flour.