With the use of insects, a platform technology is being established that allows for the development of an insect-based feeding strategy for animal products (e.g., seafood, poultry, etc.) according to a modular approach. This flexible food production model, based on biogenic material flows and utilizing feed insects, aims to produce high-quality and healthy food locally (urban farming).
The ecological and economic potential of insect mass farming ("insect farming") is to be greatly enhanced by exclusively using biogenic residues. To narrow down the focus, this project primarily aims to establish a sustainable aquaculture system based on regionally available material flows. Conventional systems often face increased disease susceptibility due to inappropriate housing conditions and high population densities, necessitating the use of antibiotics and hormones. Current studies suggest that insect-based feed can positively impact animal health and reduce antibiotic use.
To further improve the ecological balance, the concept of "urban farming" will be developed. Existing urban aquacultures have a relatively poor ecological balance. A possible solution involves aquacultures with closed-loop water systems ("recirculating aquaculture systems" – RAS) combined with a suitable nutrient recovery concept (bidirectional material flows). This allows for production under "low-" or "zero-waste" conditions.
By creating scientific foundations for bioconversion steps, the "zero-waste" approach will be elevated to a qualitatively new level.
The results from INFeed will form the basis for the InA project.
