Bioconversion Technologies: Insect and Worm Farming

Global increases in food waste utilization and simultaneous protein shortages have recently spurred interest in invertebrate agriculture as a bioconversion methodology. This interest largely stems from the fact that many invertebrate species can reduce organic waste through consumption and convert the waste into high protein biomass. This chapter will explore the organic waste reduction and bioconversion capabilities of several common invertebrate species including black soldier fly larvae, housefly larvae, and earthworms and some less conventional species, such as cockroaches. Specifically, this chapter will show not only that waste reduction and bioconversion capabilities are species dependent but also that diet composition and cultivation conditions can affect insect/worm development time and final chemical composition. Each section of this chapter will include a discussion regarding the nutritional content of the insect species, its viability as feed source for humans/animals, and the efficacy of possible industrial rearing practices.