JP7565099B2 - Insect rearing method and system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to rearing edible insects, and in particular to rearing crickets in rearing containers.

Although the eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults of certain insects have been eaten by humans from prehistoric times to the present day, the rearing of these insects for commercial consumption, at least on a large scale, is relatively new. The rearing process still typically relies heavily on manual labor. For example, feed and water may still be provided manually. Additionally, rearing environments may be manually prepared after each harvest. For example, insect habitats may be assembled by hand from egg cartons each time a new insect emerges. A less labor-intensive but costlier approach is to use bottle dividers (cardboard matrices that hold multiple bottles) as habitats. At least where manual labor is more affordable, the low-tech approach may still be considered a viable option. However, as the demand for insect products increases, the competitiveness of the rearing process is becoming increasingly important. At the same time, laws and regulations related to insect farming are being developed, setting additional constraints and quality standards for farming. These have set new requirements for improving the farming process.

As the industry develops, more automated approaches to rearing are becoming available. Scaling up these approaches to large scale is not without challenges. For example, maintaining sufficient hygiene levels in automated large-scale rearing processes can be very challenging. Inadequate hygiene can increase the risk of bacterial, fungal, or viral contamination of the final product (insects used as food and feed) or rearing equipment. Furthermore, monitoring and controlling unwanted insect species and pests can be a challenging task in current large-scale rearing systems. Furthermore, suboptimal environmental parameters can lead to increased mortality in insect populations or increased cannibalistic behavior of insects. Costly technological implementations may be required to resolve these challenges. Therefore, large-scale rearing may be difficult to economically feasible.

The object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and a system for implementing the method, so as to alleviate the above-mentioned drawbacks. The object of the present disclosure is achieved by a method and a system, which are characterized in that they are set forth in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed in the dependent claims.

In a rearing system according to the present disclosure, edible insects, particularly crickets, can be reared in a rearing container or containers. Preferably, the container includes a rearing matrix formed from a long sheet of ductile material folded into multiple overlapping layers on a rack. The layers form multiple overlapping, hanging loops. The sheet is perforated with a pattern of cuts that extend through the sheet.

Such rearing matrices have several desirable characteristics for insects. For example, they provide ease of movement and many hiding places. The structure of the rearing matrix allows the feed to be easily accessed as it moves throughout the structure. The rearing matrix sheets can be made of very inexpensive materials such as cardboard. Furthermore, the rearing matrix sheets may be extracted from the rearing container as one continuous sheet or ribbon. This allows for easy automation of harvesting. The rearing matrices and rearing containers may be used with an automatic feeding system that controls the amount and/or rate of feed provided. The automatic feeding system may control the feed supply depending on the estimated size and age of the insect population and/or the temperature at which the insects are reared. The water consumption by the insect population may be used to estimate the population size, which may be used by the automatic feeding. In this way, the feeding process can be managed with less human intervention and there is less risk of food wastage due to overfeeding.

In the following paragraphs, the present invention will be described in more detail by way of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a simplified example of a rearing matrix according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 shows a simplified example of a rearing matrix according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 shows a simplified example of a rearing matrix according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 shows a simplified example of a rearing matrix according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 shows a simplified example of a rearing matrix according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 shows an example of an insect-gathering arrangement according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 shows an example of an insect collection arrangement according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 shows an example of an insect collection arrangement according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a separation arrangement according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a separation arrangement according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a separation arrangement according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram of a breeding system with automatic feeding according to the present disclosure. 1 is a simplified flowchart of a method according to the present disclosure.

This disclosure describes a rearing system for rearing edible insects. Arthropods such as beetles, termites, ants, and crickets and their various life stages are examples of edible insects. Various types of insects, such as crickets, locusts, beetles, and honey moths, are also used as pet food and fish food around the world. Crickets are particularly important as a source of nutrition for human consumption due to their protein content. Of the hundreds of species of crickets, the house cricket (Acheta domesticus) is one of the most commonly used species for food. In many parts of the world, crickets are eaten dried, roasted, or seasoned. Crickets are also reared for animal feed for pets and agricultural livestock.

Insects typically require manual feeding (by distributing fresh feed or dry granular food, which can utilize resources derived from food industry by-products), watering, handling, harvesting, cleaning and assistance with breeding. The system according to the present disclosure can be used to provide all of these aspects.

The system is particularly suitable for rearing incompletely metamorphosing crawling insects of the order Orthoptera (such as crickets, katydids, grasshoppers, etc.) and order Gryllidae (such as cockroaches). Although the present disclosure mainly discusses the rearing system in relation to crickets, the system can also be used for rearing other insects. Crickets are preferably housed in mobile or fixed rearing containers or areas at relatively high temperatures (approximately 30° C.) and preferably provided with habitat structures that provide shelter. The rearing system according to the present disclosure is scalable to industrial scale. The system can be adapted for small-scale rearing (e.g., 0.1-1 ^m3 units) to large-scale rearing (e.g., 10-100 ^m3 units). In the context of the present disclosure, the rearing unit may be a mobile or fixed rearing container or area/space.

The rearing system according to the present disclosure preferably includes a rearing container. The size and shape of such a container may vary depending on the application. Preferably, the container is essentially box-shaped (rectangular) or has at least a rectangular top surface. In this way, the rearing matrix sheet according to the present disclosure can be folded into a rearing matrix that fits neatly into the rearing container. The internal volume of the container may be, for example, in the range of 0.1 to 100 ^m3 . Preferably, the volume is in the range of 0.5 to 1 ^m3 . With a volume in this range, the automation of rearing is easier. Furthermore, with a volume in this range, the rearing scale can be easily adjusted, for example by adding new containers. The length, width, and height of the container may be, for example, 0.25 to 5 m. In the context of the present disclosure, the "height" of the container is parallel to the direction of gravity when the rearing container is in use, and the "width" and "length" are perpendicular to the "height". The dimensions "width" and "length" are perpendicular to each other and define a horizontal plane. The rearing container may be an open container or a closed container. The material of the rearing container has characteristics such that it can withstand insect bites without breaking or fraying significantly while being non-toxic to insects. The material is preferably easy to disinfect. The rearing container may be, for example, a plastic box with a removable lid.

In the rearing system according to the present disclosure, the rearing container includes a rearing matrix that acts as a habitat structure with shelter for the insects. In the context of the present disclosure, the term "habitat structure" refers to a structure configured to act as a habitat for a population of edible insects, where the insects reside and grow. The shape and configuration of the habitat structure can have a significant impact on the functionality of the rearing system.

Thus, an aspect of the rearing system is a rearing matrix according to the present disclosure. In the following paragraphs, the rearing matrix is described in relation to Figs. 1a-1e, which show various exemplary features of the rearing matrix. In the context of the present disclosure, the rearing matrix is a habitat structure comprising at least a rearing matrix sheet and a rearing matrix rack. The rack may, for example, be a horizontal ladder-like structure. The rearing matrix sheet is intended to form a habitat surface for rearing the insects, and the rearing matrix rack is intended to support the rearing matrix sheet. Figs. 1a and 1b show a simplified example of a rearing matrix according to the present disclosure. In Fig. 1a, a perspective view of a rearing container 14 is shown. The two sides of the container 14 facing the front are shown to be transparent. The container 14 has a rearing matrix comprising two rearing matrix sheets 10 arranged next to each other in two stacks 15 on the spokes of the rearing matrix rack 12. Throughout the figures of this disclosure, when multiple identical elements are shown in the figures, only one element will be referenced. FIG. 1b is a simplified cross-sectional view of a breeding matrix according to the present disclosure. In FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b, a breeding matrix sheet 10 is placed on the spokes 12 of a breeding matrix rack. The sheet 10 and the rack together form a breeding matrix. The breeding matrix may be placed, for example, inside a breeding container 14. The breeding matrix rack may include multiple spokes arranged in a row. In one embodiment, the spokes are aligned in a horizontal plane. In FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b, five round spokes 12 are shown. They are aligned vertically in a horizontal plane. The spokes 12 extend in a width direction (i.e., parallel to the direction W in FIG. 1a and the viewing direction in FIG. 1b). The breeding matrix sheet (or sheets) 10 may also be folded in multiple layers on the breeding matrix rack to form multiple overlapping, pendulous folds, thereby forming the breeding matrix. In FIG. 1b, the rearing matrix sheet 10 is folded into six layers 102 onto the spokes 12 of the rearing matrix rack. Portions 104 of the layers 102 between the spokes 12 are arranged to form drooping pleats 106. The drooping pleats 106 may be arranged to have different lengths. The upper drooping pleats may be shorter than the lower drooping pleats. In this way, gaps are formed between the drooping layers 106, as also shown in FIG. 1b. This provides versatility to the structure of the rearing matrix and increases the size of the habitat that the rearing matrix forms. The folding of the rearing matrix sheet 10 may be configured so that it can be extracted from the rearing container 14 as a single continuous elongated sheet or ribbon. For example, as shown in FIG. 1b, the sheet 10 may be placed on the spokes 12 on the rack back and forth from the first end 140 of the container 14 to the second end 142 of the container 14 such that the end pleats 108 are formed alternately at both ends 140 and 142.

In Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b, the spokes 12 of the rearing matrix rack are spaced apart from each other with respect to a horizontal plane. However, other configurations of the rearing matrix according to the present disclosure are possible, so long as the rearing matrix sheets can be folded into overlapping pleats on the spokes. For example, the spokes may be spaced apart from each other at different intervals and/or at different heights. Also, the number of spokes may vary depending on the size of the rearing container and the folding configuration. The rearing matrix rack may be adapted to support one or more rearing matrix sheets in parallel on the spokes of the rack. Although Fig. 1a shows two separate rearing matrix sheets, one rearing matrix sheet may be substituted. For example, a long rearing matrix sheet may be arranged in multiple stacks of drooping pleats on the rearing matrix rack. In Fig. 1a, the two stacks 15 may be formed from a single rearing matrix sheet. Alternatively, the rearing matrix may be folded into partially overlapping alternating layers such that the expanded stack formed by the alternating layers completely or almost covers the spokes of the rearing matrix sheets. For example, in FIG. 1a, even if the width of the rearing matrix sheet itself is smaller than the width W of the rearing container 13, the rearing matrix sheet may be arranged in alternating layers that overlap partially to cover the entire width W of the rearing container 14.

The spokes preferably have a smooth surface to minimize the risk of tearing the rearing matrix sheet when removed at harvest. Alternatively, or in addition, the spokes may be in the form of a roll that rotates freely when removing the rearing matrix. In some embodiments, the rearing matrix rack is a separate structure that can be inserted inside the rearing vessel. Alternatively, the rearing matrix rack may be integrated into the inner wall of the rearing vessel. The width of the rearing matrix sheet and the rearing matrix rack can be selected based on the width of the interior space of the rearing vessel. The width may be, for example, 40-150 cm. Preferably, the width is 60-100 cm.

A rearing matrix sheet according to the present disclosure may be in the form of an elongated sheet having a pattern of cuts passing through the sheet such that the sheet forms a grid-like structure. The cuts may be formed to provide insect access through the rearing matrix sheet. Figures 1c-1d show exemplary details of a rearing matrix sheet according to the present disclosure. In Figure 1c, the top surface of a portion of a rearing matrix sheet 10 is shown. The sheet 10 is provided with a number of cuts 101 passing through the sheet 10 from one side to the opposite side. In the context of a rearing matrix sheet, the term "elongated" is intended to mean that the sheet may be rectangular in shape, with its length being significantly greater than its width, for example, the length of the sheet being at least three times, and preferably at least ten times, its width. The length L of the rearing matrix sheet 10 is the dimension along which the rearing matrix sheet 10 is pulled as it is collected for the insect harvest. The width W of the rearing matrix sheet is the dimension perpendicular to the length L. The length and width extend along a plane parallel to the two sides of the sheet 10. The thickness of the sheet 10 is perpendicular to the length L and width W.

As mentioned above, the feeding matrix sheet according to the present disclosure may include a pattern of cuts extending through the sheet. FIG. 1c shows one preferred pattern of cuts. In FIG. 1c, the cuts 101 are linear cuts along the length L of the feeding matrix sheet 10 so as to ensure sufficient tensile strength of the matrix sheet 10 along the length L. The structure of the cuts 101 may form, for example, a regular grid pattern. FIG. 1c shows a preferred example of a suitable cut pattern. In FIG. 1c, the cuts 101 are arranged in a pattern of pairs of parallel cuts in staggered rows. The distance between a pair of cuts may be, for example, in the range of 5 to 15 mm. The pattern of FIG. 1c allows one preferred variation of the otherwise flat surface topology of the two sides of the feeding matrix sheet 10. FIG. 1d shows a perspective view of this variation. For simplicity, in FIG. 1d, the feeding matrix sheet is visualized as a sheet with no thickness. In FIG. 1d, a pair of cuts define bridges 16 into the sheet 10. The bridges may be in the form of straight strips that are separated from the remainder of the sheet 10 at their center 161 but connected to the sheet by their ends 162. The bridges form openings into the rearing matrix sheet 10. These openings allow access for insects through the rearing matrix 10.

To facilitate folding of the feeding matrix sheet into multiple overlapping pleats, the material and/or surface structure of the feeding matrix sheet is ductile. Furthermore, if the material of the feeding matrix sheet is ductile, it can be easily deformed into the shape shown in FIG. 1d. The sheet may be rectangular, with its length being significantly greater than its width. The feeding matrix sheet may be formed, for example, of corrugated board. The corrugated board may include a layer having small corrugations in the width direction. FIG. 1e shows a simplified longitudinal section of a feeding matrix sheet 18 formed of corrugated board. The feeding matrix sheet structure of FIG. 1e can be used, for example, in the embodiments of FIGS. 1a-1d. In FIG. 1e, the corrugated board feeding matrix sheet 18 includes a corrugated middle layer 181 and flat outer layers 182 on either side of the middle layer 181. The middle layer 181 forms corrugations extending along the length of the sheet 18. Correspondingly, each ridge (i.e. each wave crest and trough) of the cardboard extends along the width of the rearing matrix sheet 18. The size of the ridges may be, for example, a few millimeters (3-8 mm) in the thickness direction of the sheet 18. The small ridges on the surface of the cardboard provide additional shelter for small insects (e.g. pinhead stage cricket larvae). Rearing matrix sheets made of cardboard are very cheap and easy to dispose of after use. The surface of the cardboard allows the insects to climb. Furthermore, due to the orientation of the ridges of the middle layer 181 in FIG. 1e, the rearing matrix 18 is much more ductile along its length than along its width. As a result, the rearing matrix sheet 18 can be easily folded into the spokes of the rearing matrix rack. At the same time, the sheet 18 is at least semi-rigid along its width, thereby facilitating its unfolding and removal. Two larger wave-like structures 183 of the rearing matrix sheet 18 are also shown in FIG. 1e. The wavy structures 183 may be in the form of bridges as described in connection with FIG. 1d. The cut pattern may also be machined into the cardboard sheet. Long cardboard feeding matrix sheets may be rolled or folded into bundles along their length for storage prior to use.

The example of FIG. 1e shows one embodiment of a feeding matrix sheet according to the present disclosure. However, the feeding matrix sheet may have other types of structures and may be formed from other materials. For example, the feeding matrix sheet may be formed from cardboard having a corrugated layer and a flat outer layer on only one side of the corrugated layer. Alternatively, the feeding matrix may be formed from a single flat cardboard layer. Additionally, materials other than cardboard may be used. For example, polymer-based materials may be used for the feeding matrix sheet.

The rearing matrix of the present disclosure offers many advantages. For example, the rearing matrix can be assembled very quickly. Rearing matrix sheets can be rolled out onto rearing matrix racks in minutes (e.g., egg carton-based habitat preparations take more time). Furthermore, as the rearing matrix sheet is in a single continuous sheet, insects can be harvested very quickly. The rearing matrix approach of the present disclosure is also very inexpensive and hygienic, even for small-scale rearing systems.

The rearing matrix of the present disclosure also has many desirable characteristics for insects, such as mobility, hiding, and feeding. Mobility is desirable, at least for crickets. Cricket larvae at the pinhead stage can be 100 times smaller than harvestable crickets. Cricket larvae can easily get lost or become stranded in their habitat. Thus, the easily accessible rearing matrix of the present disclosure improves the survival rate of cricket larvae. By making it easier to find a hiding place, cannibalism and size variation may be reduced. For example, when a cricket sheds its exoskeleton, it must find shelter for a few hours after shedding the old exoskeleton because the new exoskeleton is very soft. Crickets with soft exoskeletons are at higher risk of falling victim to the cannibalistic behavior of other crickets. The matrix of the present disclosure provides shelter for insects of various sizes. Also, the crickets can be provided with several different microclimates depending on their location within the matrix (close to a heat source, close to food, etc.). The rearing matrix can also be configured so that gravity and insect movement allow food to traverse downwards through the cuts in the overlapping layers of the rearing matrix sheet. In this way, the provided food is distributed over a larger area within the rearing matrix. As a result, more of the food is available for use by the insects. Furthermore, the insects are more uniform in size at harvest because it is more difficult for dominant insects to control the food supply.

1a-1e are just a few examples of suitable structures, cut patterns, and materials. However, other structures, cut patterns, and materials may be used in the rearing matrix according to the present disclosure. Also, while the above examples have described a rearing matrix formed primarily with a rearing matrix rack, the rearing matrix according to the present disclosure may be formed without a rearing matrix rack. A rearing matrix sheet according to the present disclosure may be folded into the rearing matrix, for example, at the bottom of a rearing container. The rearing matrix may be free of drooping pleats. Although drooping pleats have the advantage of providing versatility to the structure of the rearing matrix according to the present disclosure, the rearing matrix may also be formed without them. A rearing matrix without drooping pleats has its own advantages. Without drooping pleats, the rearing matrix may be denser. It may have smaller openings and gaps than a rearing matrix with drooping pleats, and therefore may be suitable for small and/or larval insects. In some applications, insect larvae may be initially reared in a rearing matrix that does not have drooping pleats and then, once they reach a certain average size, moved to a different rearing matrix (e.g., a rearing matrix that has drooping pleats).

Another aspect of the rearing system according to the present disclosure is the ease of harvesting. To that end, the present disclosure describes a sweeper device that can be used to remove insects from the rearing matrix of the rearing container. The present disclosure also describes an insect-gathering arrangement for the rearing container. Figures 2a-c show exemplary features of a sweeper device 22 and an insect-gathering arrangement 24 according to the present disclosure. Figure 2a shows an exemplary perspective view of the sweeper device and the insect-gathering arrangement, and Figure 2b shows a simplified longitudinal section of the sweeper 22 and the insect-gathering arrangement 24. Figure 2c shows a perspective view of details of the insect-gathering arrangement 24.

A sweeper device according to the present disclosure may include at least two opposing rotating sweeper rolls having a plurality of flexible elongated members (e.g., bristles, flaps, wings) extending from the surface of the roll. FIGS. 2a and 2b show an embodiment in which the sweeper device 22 includes two sweeper rolls 221. The sweeper device 22 may be attached to, for example, a removable lid 222. The lid 222 may be configured to be attached over a rearing container according to the present disclosure to facilitate harvesting. In this manner, the sweeper device may be attached to the rearing container. In FIGS. 2a and 2b, the sweeper device 22 is attached to a rearing container 14 according to the present disclosure. In FIGS. 2a and 2b, each roll 223 includes two wings 223 arranged on opposite sides of the roll 221. The sweeper rolls 221 have narrow slots 224 between them. The sweeper device 22 is configured to receive the rearing matrix sheet through the slots to pass between the sweeper rolls. FIG. 2b shows the rearing matrix sheet 10 passing through the roll 221. The sweeper roll 221 is configured to move insects away from and/or remove them from the rearing matrix sheet as it is conveyed between the sweeper rolls. For example, the roll 221 may be configured to strike and shake the sheet 10 with wings 223 (or other elongated members) to scare away the insects, and/or the roll may be configured to sweep insects off the sheet 10 by the sweeping motion of its rotation. The insects are unable to pass through the sweeper roll 221 and fall to the bottom of the rearing container. The rotation of the sweeper roll 221 may be driven, for example, by an electric motor assembly. The electric motor assembly (not shown in FIGS. 2a-c) may be attached, for example, to the lid 222.

As shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the sweeper device 22 may further include a frame 225 having support spokes 226 on the sweeper roll 221. In Figures 2a and 2b, the frame is formed of clear plastic. The central axis of the support spokes 226 may be aligned parallel to the axis of the sweeper roll 221, and the support spokes may be positioned above the gap between the sweeper rolls such that the pulling force pulling the rearing matrix sheet 10 upward through the sweeper roll 221 changes from an upward pulling force to a horizontal pulling force. In this way, it is easier for a person to pull the rearing matrix sheet. Alternatively, or in addition, the sweeper operation may continue automatically once the first end of the rearing matrix sheet 10 is fed into the sweeper device. In some embodiments, the sweeper device may include a traction device (such as a nip roller) for steadily pulling the entire rearing matrix sheet from the rack as a single continuous ribbon. In this way, the insects can be harvested quickly and reliably. Additionally, insects can be removed from the rearing matrix sheet with less dust (compared to, for example, shaking the sheet to remove insects).

As mentioned above, the rearing container may also include an insect collection arrangement according to the present disclosure. One main function of the insect collection arrangement is to facilitate the collection of insects from the bottom of the rearing container during and after the rearing matrix sheet is cleared. To this end, the insect collection arrangement may include at least one suction inlet. In this context, a suction inlet is an entry point through which insects may be sucked out of the container into a suction line. Figures 2a-2c show an example of an insect collection arrangement according to the present disclosure. In Figures 2a-2c, a removable insect collection arrangement 24 is arranged on the inner wall of the rearing container 14. Figure 2a shows the portion of the insect collection arrangement 24 that extends below the lid 22 in dashed lines.

2a-2c, the insect collecting arrangement 24 is a unit including two parts, an inlet 242 and a dark cover 244. The inlet 242 (or inlet, in some embodiments) may be located near the bottom of the container 14 so that it is easily accessible to the insects. For example, the center of the inlet 242 may be located on the inner wall of the container 14 at a height of 15 cm or less from the bottom of the container 14. The inlet 242 may be at least partially covered with a dark colored cover 244 so as to give the insects the impression that the inlet 242 is a safe hiding place. In Figs. 2a-2c, the cover 244 is fixed to the inlet 242 and has an L-shaped profile. The cover 244 thus functions as a stand for the unit formed by the inlet 242 and the cover 244, allowing the unit to be easily positioned on the side wall of the container 14 and on the bottom of the container 14 without the unit falling over. For example, when the sweeper device 22 is used to sweep and/or forcibly remove insects from the rearing matrix 10, the insects instinctively seek shelter. The dark colored cover 244 gives the appearance of such a shelter in the vicinity of the intake 242, so the insects rush to it and enter the intake. Once the insects enter (or are close enough to) the intake 242, the suction force draws the insects into the suction line.

The insect collection arrangement 24 described in Figures 2a-2c may be adapted to be a removable unit for use only during harvesting. In this way, the insect collection arrangement 24 may be inserted into the rearing container that is next to be harvested. Thus, only one device at a time needs to perform suction (a more complicated network of suction lines is not required). As shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the lid 222 of the sweeper device 22 may be provided with a slot so that the sweeper device and the insect collection arrangement 24 can be used simultaneously during harvesting.

Since only live insects will actively move towards the inlet, the above embodiment has the advantage that in addition to being a means of collecting insects, it also effectively acts as a first step in separating live and dead insects. Separating live and dead insects is generally important, at least when the insects are intended for human consumption. The removable embodiment of the insect collection arrangement shown in Figures 2a-c is only one possible implementation. Alternatively, the inlet (with a cover) may be integrated into the inner wall of the rearing container.

The rearing system according to the present disclosure may further include a separation arrangement. The separation arrangement may include a separation space into which at least one suction line sucks the insects and a separation surface below the separation space. The separation space is used to separate the insects from the air flow of the suction line. The insects fall from the separation space to the separation surface below. Figures 3a to 3c show simplified examples of separation arrangements. In Figure 3a, two chambers 32, 34 are arranged on top of each other. Both chambers 32, 34 have a conical cross section, thereby forming two downward-facing funnels stacked on top of each other. These funnels may be, for example, circular or rectangular funnels. In Figure 3a, the insects' path is indicated by dashed arrows.

The upper chamber 32 acts as a separation space in the form of a cyclone chamber that separates the insects from the incoming airflow. The upper chamber has an insect inlet 322 and a suction outlet 324 at the top of the chamber 32, and an insect outlet 326 at the bottom of the chamber 32. The suction inlet 324 is connected to a machine that creates suction, thereby reducing the air pressure within the upper chamber 32. In some embodiments, this machine may be, for example, a vacuum cleaner.

The lowering of the air pressure inside the upper chamber 32 creates suction to the insect inlet 322. The insect inlet 322 may be connected to a rearing container according to the present disclosure. For example, the insect inlet 322 may be connected to a rearing container according to Figs. 2a-2c. The suction draws the insects out of the rearing container and the airflow carries them towards the upper chamber 32. The suction and airflow can be selected so that once the insects enter the upper chamber 32, they fall downward (assisted by gravity) and are separated from the airflow. At the same time, light objects such as dust and other small debris may be sucked into the suction port 324. Due to the conical cross section of the upper chamber 32, the insects slide into the insect outlet 326 of the upper chamber 32. The inner walls of the upper chamber may be treated or processed to make it difficult for the insects to stick to the walls.

The insect outlet 326 of the upper chamber 32 is configured to open into the lower chamber 34. The lower chamber 34 acts as a separation chamber. The lower chamber includes a separation surface in the form of a separation tray 36 onto which the insects fall from the insect outlet of the upper chamber 32. The lower chamber 34 also includes an outlet 344. The lower chamber 34 and the separation tray 36 may be configured so that the insects and remaining debris (such as uneaten feed and/or insect frass) sucked into the suction line from the bottom of the rearing container fall into the separation tray 36 with the assistance of gravity. The separation tray 36 is configured so that live crickets can descend therefrom and fall into the outlet 344. In FIG. 3a, the tray 36 includes a planar structure 361 in the center of the tray 36 and tubular structures 362 on either side of the planar structure 361 at the periphery of the tray 36. The upper inner portion 364 of the tubular structure 362 may be configured or treated so that the insects can climb, while the upper outer portion 366 of the tubular structure 362 may be configured or treated so that the outer portion is slippery and the insects can fall off of it. The instinct to seek shelter and the proximity of other insects dropping onto the tray 36 will drive the live insects out of the tray 36, leaving only the dead insects on the tray 36. Furthermore, the separation tray 36 may be configured so that potential debris will fall through a shifter grid into a reservoir and remain therein. This provides a second level of separation. In FIG. 3a, the planar structure may be a sifter, below which the reservoir 368 is placed. FIG. 3b is a perspective view of the tray 36 in the lower chamber 34 (with the front side of the chamber cut away). In Fig. 3b, two tubular structures 362 are on either side of the sieve 361. On their upper surface, both tubular structures have an inner part 364 that insects can climb and an outer part that is slippery for insects. Fig. 3b also shows a reservoir 368 through which debris falls through the sieve 361. In some embodiments, the entire separation tray (with the reservoir) can be removed from the lower chamber for cleaning. The sieve may also be removable from the tray. For example, the lower chamber may have a horizontal slit through which the flat sieve can be removed and reinstalled. In this way, the tray 36 can be cleaned without removing the entire tray. The outlet 344 of the lower chamber 34 may lead to a unit for freezing the insects and/or to other units for further processing the insects. Although Fig. 3b shows a rectangular conical shape of the separation chamber, the chamber of the separation arrangement according to the present disclosure is not limited to such a shape. For example, in some embodiments, the chamber may have a conical shape. In some embodiments, instead of a reservoir, the lower chamber may include a second conical shape forming another funnel inside the funnel shape of the lower chamber. FIG. 3c shows an embodiment in which the funnel-shaped lower chamber 35 includes a second inner funnel 378 located directly below the separation tray 37. Debris that passes through the sieve 371 of the separation tray 37 falls into the mouth of the inner funnel 378. The inner funnel 378 can direct the debris that falls through the sieve, for example, to a larger reservoir. As in the embodiment of FIG. 3a, insects can climb over the tubular structure 372 of the separation tray 37 in FIG. 3c. Once they climb over the tubular structure 372, they fall into the outlet 354 surrounding the inner funnel 378.

In addition to the structure and characteristics of the rearing environment, the amount of food and water greatly influences the growth rate of the insect population reared in the environment. If the insects are not provided with enough food, the insect population cannot grow at an optimal rate. At the same time, over-supply of food may lead to food waste and hygiene issues. Therefore, it is preferable to control the amount of food available in the rearing container based on the actual food consumption. Thus, yet another aspect of the rearing system according to the present disclosure is automatic feeding. To this end, the rearing system according to the present disclosure may further include a liquid dispenser configured to supply liquid to the insects in the rearing container and an automatic feed dispenser configured to supply food to the insects in the rearing container. The system may also include a control system configured to control the automatic feed dispenser. The amount of food (or the supply rate) may be controlled depending on an estimate of the size of the insect population in the rearing container.

The estimation of the size of the insect population can be based, for example, on collected historical data. A model (of the growth cycle) of the insect population at different growth stages may be formed, and the control system may be configured to adapt the amount and/or rate of feed provided to the insects based on this model. The water consumption may be used to provide reliable feedback on the size of the insect population. Thus, the system may further include a sensor for detecting the liquid consumption from the liquid dispenser, and the control system may be configured to control the amount of feed provided based on the detected liquid consumption. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary rearing system with automatic feeding according to the present disclosure. In FIG. 4, the rearing system includes a rearing container 42 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b) according to the present disclosure, a water dispenser 44 that provides water to the insects in the container 42, and a feed dispenser 46 that provides feed to the insects. The water dispenser 44 includes a sensor 441 that measures the consumption of water provided by the water dispenser 44. The feed dispenser 46 includes a regulation unit 462 (e.g., an electrically controlled valve) that controls the size and/or rate at which the feed portions are released in response to a control signal. The rearing system further includes a controller 48 that receives measurement data from the sensor 441 as input. The controller 48 may then determine an appropriate amount/rate of feed to be dispensed based on the measurement data and generate a control signal to control the regulation unit 862 based on the determined appropriate amount/rate of feed.

The appropriate amount can be determined in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the detected liquid consumption may be used in conjunction with a model of the insect population in creating an accurate estimate of the current size of the insect population. Based on this estimate, the amount of feed provided (or the feed rate) may be adjusted. In some embodiments, the system may also use other data sets, such as temperature measurements and/or ventilation rates, in estimating the insect population size. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the feed amount or feed rate may simply be directly adapted based on the detected water consumption. The water consumption and/or estimated population may be used for monitoring purposes. For example, if the water consumption or estimated population suddenly drops or deviates from expected values, an alarm may be issued to make personnel aware of the problem.

In the following, two exemplary embodiments of the rearing system according to the present disclosure are presented. In a first embodiment, the rearing environment is in the form of an open-climate rearing container. The expression "open-climate rearing container" is intended to be understood as a rearing container that does not have its own independently controllable climate. The container may for example be similar or similar to the one shown in Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b. A number of containers may be arranged in a row. Food may be supplied to the rearing container (or containers) manually or for example by a mobile dispenser robot. Water may be supplied by a central watering system or each rearing container may be provided with its own independently controllable water dispenser. In the latter case, the water dispenser may be equipped with a sensor for water consumption and provide feedback on the size of the insect population. This feedback may be used to adjust the feeding and/or monitor the progress of the rearing process, for example as described above in connection with automatic feeding. Since the rearing containers are open-climate containers, the climate in each rearing container changes with the surrounding climate. To optimize climate parameters for optimal rearing, the rearing containers may be placed in a climate-controlled facility. Such an approach may be preferred when manual labor is more affordable and/or when it makes economic sense to place the rearing containers/containers in a climate-controlled facility.

In a second embodiment of the rearing system according to the present disclosure, a closed-climate rearing vessel is used. In this context, the expression "closed-climate rearing vessel" is intended to be understood as a rearing vessel having its own independently controllable climate. To that end, the inner volume of the rearing vessel is sealed off (e.g. by a lid) from the surrounding climate. The rearing system may comprise at least one rearing vessel with a rearing matrix. The rearing vessel and the rearing matrix may, for example, be similar or similar to those described in the first embodiment (and in Figs. 1a and 1b). The rearing vessel is provided with an automatic feed and water dispenser. Preferably, the rearing system comprises a plurality of such rearing vessels.

The rearing container in the second embodiment may be provided with a climate control arrangement for controlling at least one climate parameter inside the rearing container, such as temperature and/or humidity. The climate control may include a ventilation inlet and a ventilation outlet in the wall of the rearing container. The climate control may further comprise a heater in the container, which may warm the air entering the rearing container outside the container. The rearing system in the second embodiment may be configured such that each rearing container is a separate, stand-alone unit. The rearing containers may be configured in a compact, stackable form, and the machinery required to maintain the rearing process may be optimized for the intended population size in the container.

Since each rearing chamber contains all the machinery to maintain the rearing process inside the container, the number of rearing chambers can be easily reduced or increased, and the capacity of the rearing process can be adjusted. It is also possible to control the rearing process in each rearing chamber individually. Since the insects in different rearing chambers are separated from each other, it is easier to manage the overall hygiene and prevent the spread of diseases and pests.

Furthermore, since the climate within the enclosure may differ from the surrounding climate, the climate outside the enclosure may be adjusted to a more tolerable level for humans. For example, rearing crickets does not require personnel to tolerate the relatively high temperatures of 32°C preferred for cricket rearing. Furthermore, isolation may minimize personnel exposure to dust and other particulates from the insect's habitat. This may minimize the risk of developing an allergic reaction (e.g., due to prolonged exposure).

Although automated feeding has been described above in relation to rearing in rearing containers, automated feeding according to the present disclosure may be applied to other types of rearing environments, such as large rearing spaces and areas within large facilities. Additionally, while the paragraph above discusses population size estimation in relation to automated feeding, population size estimation may be utilized to optimize other variables in the rearing system. Additionally, while the feeding systems described above have been discussed mostly in relation to rearing matrices according to the present disclosure, the feeding systems may also be used in conjunction with other types of habitat structures, including traditional egg carton-based and bottle divider-based structures.

Yet another aspect that may play an important role in optimizing the insect rearing process is reproduction (i.e. egg-laying, incubation, hatching, etc.). For example, crickets reproduce relatively easily, up to 10 times per generation. In good conditions, they can reproduce 50 times, and in optimal environments, up to 200 times per generation. However, the consistency of reproduction and the quality of the offspring also play an important role in the success of the rearing process. In the rearing system according to the present disclosure, reproduction may be carried out in a separate unit. This unit may be, for example, a climate-controlled version of the rearing container according to the present disclosure, as described in connection with the second embodiment of the rearing system according to the present disclosure above. In this way, environmental parameters may be controlled to levels for incubation and hatching. For example, humidity may be preferably kept at a high level during incubation and hatching to obtain the best results. Furthermore, because the incubation/hatching units are separate, the amount of undesirable invasive alien insect species (e.g., flies, spiders, etc.) and other pests can be easily controlled. Larvae that hatch from the eggs can be placed in a rearing container and the rearing process can then begin. A portion of the larvae (e.g., 2-10%) can be used to breed a new generation of eggs.

To maximize the number of newborn larvae, the insects may be provided with a specially dedicated breeding environment. Materials traditionally used as breeding environments include coconut fiber and moss. These materials are natural materials and therefore pose unique biological challenges to the breeding process. For example, each natural material may carry its own microorganisms. Furthermore, finding eggs in these materials and separating them from the materials can be very difficult. Therefore, the present disclosure also describes a breeding environment according to the present disclosure. The breeding environment includes a microfiber cloth on which the insects may lay eggs. Preferably, the microfiber cloth is a microfiber chenille cloth. The microfiber chenille cloth may be in the form of numerous nodules of tubular-looking microfiber structures extending from the surface of the cloth. The structures may be, for example, about 2-5 cm long. The chenille cloth provides a suitable habitat for egg laying. Since the eggs are visible on the fabric, their number can be easily estimated. Moreover, the eggs can be easily peeled off the fabric. When it is time to harvest the eggs, the fabric may be soaked in liquid (e.g., water) in a container, causing the clumps to expand. As a result, the eggs fall off the clumps and drift to the bottom of the container. Unlike natural materials, very little material other than the eggs peels off the microfiber fabric. After collecting the eggs, the fabric may be sanitized or sterilized and reused. The above-described breeding environment according to the present disclosure allows for very quick and clean separation of the eggs from the breeding environment. The breeding environment is particularly suitable for crickets.

The present disclosure also describes a rearing method using the above-described aspects of the rearing system according to the present disclosure. The rearing method is particularly suitable for rearing edible crickets. Figure 5 shows a simplified flow diagram of the method. The method can be divided into four main stages: propagation, rearing, harvesting, and post-processing. These stages are shown in Figure 5 as sections 50, 52, 54, and 56.

The first stage 50 may include stages related to egg laying, incubation, and hatching. In FIG. 5, steps 502, 504, and 506 cover these aspects. For example, to prepare new larvae for rearing, a method according to the present disclosure may include providing a microfiber cloth as an egg laying surface, as described in the previous paragraphs of this disclosure.

In the second stage 52 of FIG. 5, the insects are reared for harvesting. The second stage 52 may also include steps related to preparing the rearing environment. This is shown in FIG. 5 as step 522. A rearing matrix according to the present disclosure is preferably used in the second stage 52. The rearing matrix is preferably in a rearing container according to the present disclosure. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the rearing matrix sheet may be an elongated sheet having a pattern of cuts through the elongated sheet such that the elongated sheet forms a lattice-like structure. The method may then include folding the rearing matrix sheet over a rearing matrix rack to form a plurality of overlapping, hanging pleats. The rearing matrix rack may include a plurality of parallel spokes arranged in a row on a horizontal plane as mentioned in the previous paragraph.

The second stage 52 may further include providing liquid to the insects in the rearing container with a liquid dispenser, detecting liquid consumption from the liquid dispenser, and providing food to the insects in the rearing container with an automatic food dispenser. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the amount of food provided may be based on the detected liquid consumption. The food and water supply control is shown as step 524 in FIG. 5. The water consumption may be used to estimate the size of the insect population, for example the amount of food provided may be based on this estimate. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the water consumption may also be used for monitoring purposes. This monitoring is shown as step 526 in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the second stage 5 may include a step 528 of controlling the climate inside the rearing container.

Once the insects are large enough, the method can move to a third stage 54, where the insects are harvested. For example, the third stage 54 of the method may include removing the insects from the rearing matrix of the rearing container with a sweeper device. FIG. 5 shows step 542 of sweeping the insects in stage 54. As previously mentioned, the sweeper device may include at least two opposing rotating brushes configured to receive the rearing matrix between them and to move and/or remove the insects from the rearing matrix while the rearing matrix is transported between the brushes. As a result, the insects fall to the bottom of the rearing container. As previously mentioned, the rearing container may be provided with an inlet of the suction line at least partially covered with a dark colored cover. This cover gives the insects the impression that the inlet of the pipe is a safe hiding place. Insects approaching the inlet can then be sucked out of the rearing container into a separation chamber with a suction line. This part of the procedure is shown as step 544 in FIG. 5. The separation chamber may define a separation space into which the insects are sucked and a separation surface below the separation space. The separation space and separation tray may be configured to allow the insects to fall, gravity assisted, onto the separation surface, and the separation tray may be configured to allow live crickets to drop off therefrom and into the drain.

From the outlet, the insects may, for example, be transported for further processing and/or freezing. This is shown in FIG. 5 as steps 562, 564 of the fourth phase 56. However, some of the harvested insects may be used for propagation. Thus, FIG. 5 shows a flow path from step 844 at the end of the third phase 54 back to the start of the first phase 50.

Although this disclosure discusses insect farming primarily in relation to crickets, the methods and systems disclosed herein can also be used to farm other types of edible insects. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the methods and systems can be implemented in a variety of ways. The invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above, but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims (9)

A rearing matrix for rearing insects, comprising:
The breeding matrix comprises:
a rearing matrix sheet for forming a habitat for rearing insects, the rearing matrix sheet being an elongated sheet having a pattern of cuts therethrough to form a grid-like structure;
a rearing matrix rack having a plurality of parallel spokes;
Equipped with
The feeding matrix sheet is folded over the spokes of the feeding matrix rack to form a plurality of overlapping, hanging pleats.
Rearing matrix. a rearing container for rearing the insects therein;
The breeding container comprises the breeding matrix according to claim 1.
Rearing system. Further, a sweeper device for removing insects from the rearing matrix sheet is provided,
the sweeper device comprising at least two opposing sweeper rolls configured to receive the rearing matrix sheet therebetween and to move and/or remove insects from the rearing matrix while the rearing matrix is conveyed between the brushes;
The rearing system according to claim 2. The rearing container has at least one suction port inside the rearing container, the suction port being connectable to a suction line.
The breeding system according to claim 2 or 3. a separation arrangement having a separation space and a separation surface below the separation space;
the separation space receives insects carried by the airflow from the suction line and separates the insects from the airflow so that the insects fall onto the separation surface;
The separation surface is configured to allow live crickets to descend therefrom and fall into an outlet.
The rearing system according to claim 4 . moreover,
a liquid dispenser configured to dispense liquid to insects in the rearing enclosure;
a sensor for detecting liquid consumption from the liquid dispenser;
an automatic food dispenser configured to provide food to the insects in the rearing container;
a control system for controlling the automatic feed dispenser, the control system being configured to control the amount of feed provided based on the detected amount of liquid consumption;
Equipped with
The breeding system according to any one of claims 2 to 5 . 1. A method for rearing insects, comprising:
providing a breeding vessel having a breeding matrix sheet and a breeding matrix rack, said breeding matrix sheet being an elongated sheet having a pattern of cuts therethrough such that said sheet forms a grid-like structure, and said breeding matrix rack having a plurality of parallel spokes;
folding a portion of the feeding matrix sheet over spokes of the feeding matrix rack to form a plurality of overlapping, hanging pleats;
Including,
method. moreover,
removing insects from the rearing matrix in the rearing container with a sweeper device comprising at least two opposing sweeper rolls configured to receive the rearing matrix sheet therebetween and to move and/or remove insects from the rearing matrix while the rearing matrix is conveyed between the brushes;
Including,
The method according to claim 7 . moreover,
providing liquid to the insects in the rearing container with a liquid dispenser;
detecting a consumption of liquid from the liquid dispenser;
providing food to the insects in the rearing container with an automatic food dispenser;
Including,
Feed supply is based on detected liquid consumption.
9. The method according to claim 7 or 8 .

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