Activities

The PROteINSECT FP7 projects explored the potential of using fly larvae as a source of protein for animal feed and included the design of sustainable fly production systems. One of the work packages of the project assessed the sustainability of two housefly (Musca Domestica) production systems using pig manure as feedstock. One of the systems used fresh pig manure and the other one used dried pig manure which is commonly obtained in pig farms after water is recovered to irrigating crops and reduce the manure volume for transportation.

Additional comments

Abstract based on: Roffeis, M; Muys, B; Almeida, J; Marthijs, E; Achten, W.M.J; Pastor, B; Velásquez, Y; Martínez-Sánchez, A.I; Rojo, S. (2015) Pig manure treatment with housefly (Musca domestica) rearing - an environmental life cycle assessment. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, 1(3): 195-214.

Additional information

The two fly larvae production systems have the potential of treating pig manure and further reducing its volume so as to prevent pollution problems in areas with concentrated pig production. In addition, the manure is recycled to produce insect protein which can be used to feed the pigs, reducing feeding costs. The resulting manure residue can be used as compost, reducing fertiliser needs in farms or creating an alternative source of income.

The production system which used fresh pig manure required 1.7 times less oil to treat 1 kg of manure dry matter than the system which used dehydrated manure. This system also used half the water and required half the space and working time compared to the dehydrated manure system. Both systems obtained a yield of aproximately 320 g of dried fly larvae per kg of processed manure dry matter. Both the production systems analysed can be further improved to save more energy and water, and the fresh manure system in particular shows a lot of potential to treat and reduce manure volume and produce both protein and fertiliser to either be reused on farm or sold.