Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for processing insect larvae in an ethical manner and without imposing unnecessary stress on them. The method involves anaesthetising the insects by cooling and then cutting them, thereby destroying the nervous system of the insects. Thus, an energy-saving method of processing insects with minimal stress is provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for rearing invertebrates by utilizing a plurality of crates arranged into at least one stack, each crate in the stack defining an airflow path there through from an inlet opening in a first wall to an outlet opening in a second wall opposite the first wall of each crate. The plurality of crates are arranged in a climate controlled chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cleaning system for cleaning living insects, in particular living insect larvae or living worms, comprising a collecting device for receiving and mixing the insects or worms with water to form a mixture, a first conveying device for conveying the mixture out of the collecting device and a first larvae-separating device for separating the insects or worms from the water from the mixture conveyed by the first conveying device. The separated water is available for further use in the cleaning system, in particular the water is at least partially recirculated in an insect facility, in particular in the cleaning system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rearing invertebrates by utilize a plurality of crates (4) arranged into a plurality of stacks (6), each crate (4) in each stack (6) defining an airflow path (80) there through from an inlet opening (48) in a first wall (46) to an outlet opening (48) in a second wall (46) opposite the first wall (46) of each crate (4). The plurality of crates (4) are arranged in a climate controlled chamber (2).

Abstract: Connector assembly (100), system and method for converting a batch wise supply of insects (102) to a continuous supply of insects (102). A container unit is present (105) having an internal volume, a water inlet unit (106-109, 117), and a suspension outlet unit (110-113). A receiving unit (101) has a top opening (101a) arranged for receiving batch wise quantities of insects (102) and a bottom opening (114). A conveyor unit (104) has a receiving part (104b) arranged near the bottom opening (114) of the receiving unit (101), and an outlet end (119) extending into the container unit (105). By suspending the insects (102) in water it is possible to transport the suspension of insects (102) in water, e.g. to a buffer container (300).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a protein meal from insects, in particular from insect larvae and insect pupae, or from worms, comprising the steps of: a) comminuting the insects or worms to form a pulp or purée; b) splitting the pulp or purée into a fat fraction, a solids-containing fraction and an aqueous fraction; c) mixing the aqueous fraction and the solids-containing fraction to form a homogenous compound; d) drying the homogenous compound, with a dried protein meal being obtained. Further disclosed is a drying apparatus for use in such a method, comprising drying devices and a device for comminuting clumps of the homogenous compound.

Abstract: A fat-containing composition obtained by converting insects or worms into nutrient streams, such as a fat-containing, an aqueous protein-containing and a solid-containing fraction, including (a) squashing insects or worms thereby obtaining a pulp, the insects or worms reduced in size, (b) heating the pulp to 70-100° C., and (c) subjecting the heated pulp to a physical separation step with the proviso that the method does not contain enzymatic treatment of the pulp. The fat-containing fraction contains at least 80 wt. % insect or worm fat with at least 40 wt. % saturated fats. The aqueous protein fraction can be dried to obtain dried protein material, which contains at least 50 wt. % insect or worm protein-derived matter and at most 25 wt. % insect or worm fat based on dry weight. The protein has a pepsin digestibility of at least 50%. The resulting nutrient streams can be used in food, petfood, feed and pharmaceutical industry.

Abstract: Connector assembly (100), system and method for converting a batch wise supply of insects (102) to a continuous supply of insects (102). A container unit is present (105) having an internal volume, a water inlet unit (106-109, 117), and a suspension outlet unit (110-113). A receiving unit (101) has a top opening (101a) arranged for receiving batch wise quantities of insects (102) and a bottom opening (114). A conveyor unit (104) has a receiving part (104b) arranged near the bottom opening (114) of the receiving unit (101), and an outlet end (119) extending into the container unit (105). By suspending the insects (102) in water it is possible to transport the suspension of insects (102) in water, e.g. to a buffer container (300).

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for rearing invertebrates by utilizing a plurality of crates (4) arranged into a plurality of stacks (6), each crate (4) in each stack (6) defining an airflow path (80) there through from an inlet opening (48) in a first wall (46) to an outlet opening (48) in a second wall (46) opposite the first wall (46) of each crate (4). The plurality of crates (4) are arranged in a climate controlled chamber (2).

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system for providing conditioned air to a room for rearing insect larvae. The system comprises crates for storing the insect larvae, wherein the crates are stackable to form a vertical column and wherein the crates comprise lateral cutouts disposed on opposite sides. An air inlet duct for providing conditioned air to the crates is disposed in a vertical direction and comprises at least one nozzle for each crate in a column. The position of the at least one nozzle corresponds to the position of the lateral cutout of the respective crate. The system further comprises an air outlet duct, wherein the air outlet duct is disposed in a vertical direction and wherein the air outlet duct is disposed on a side of the stacked crates opposite to the air inlet duct.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for processing insect larvae in an ethical manner and without imposing unnecessary stress on them. The method involves anaesthetising the insects by cooling and then cutting them, thereby destroying the nervous system of the insects. Thus, an energy-saving method of processing insects with minimal stress is provided.

Abstract: A fat-containing composition obtained by converting insects or worms into nutrient streams, such as a fat-containing, an aqueous protein-containing and a solid-containing fraction, including (a) squashing insects or worms thereby obtaining a pulp, the insects or worms reduced in size, (b) heating the pulp to 70-100° C., and (c) subjecting the heated pulp to a physical separation step with the proviso that the method does not contain enzymatic treatment of the pulp. The fat-containing fraction contains at least 80 wt. % insect or worm fat with at least 40 wt. % saturated fats. The aqueous protein fraction can be dried to obtain dried protein material, which contains at least 50 wt. % insect or worm protein-derived matter and at most 25 wt. % insect or worm fat based on dry weight. The protein has a pepsin digestibility of at least 50%. The resulting nutrient streams can be used in food, petfood, feed and pharmaceutical industry.

Abstract: A method to convert insects or worms into nutrient streams, such as a fat-containing, an aqueous protein-containing and a solid-containing fraction, includes (a) squashing insects or worms thereby obtaining a pulp, wherein the insects or worms are reduced in size, (b) heating the pulp to a temperature of 70-100° C., and (c) subjecting the heated pulp to a physical separation step, preferably decanting and/or centrifuging. The method does not comprise enzymatic treatment of the pulp. The fat-containing fraction comprises at least 80 wt. % insect or worm fat of which at least 40 wt. % are saturated fats. The aqueous protein fraction can be dried to obtain dried protein material, which contains at least 50 wt. % insect or worm protein-derived matter and at most 25 wt. % insect or worm fat based on dry weight. The protein has a pepsin digestibility of at least 50%. The resulting nutrient streams can be used in food, petfood, feed and pharmaceutical industry.

Abstract: A method and system for breeding insects, using a plurality of individual crates, wherein at least a portion of each crate is filled with a substrate, containing feed stock, and immature phases of insects. Also provided is a climate area housing the crates that has an aeration system. A conveyor system is included in the system for retrieving crates from the climate area and for returning same thereto. An observation system for obtaining observations, including data and measurements, and downstream thereof a feedstock supply station are arranged along the conveyor system.

Abstract: A method and system for breeding insects, using a plurality of individual crates, wherein at least a portion of each crate is filled with a substrate, containing feed stock, and immature phases of insects. Also provided is a climate area housing the crates that has an aeration system. A conveyor system is included in the system for retrieving crates from the climate area and for returning same thereto. An observation system for obtaining observations, including data and measurements, and downstream thereof a feedstock supply station are arranged along the conveyor system.

Abstract: A method to convert insects or worms into nutrient streams, such as a fat-containing, an aqueous protein-containing and a solid-containing fraction, includes (a) squashing insects or worms thereby obtaining a pulp, wherein the insects or worms are reduced in size, (b) heating the pulp to a temperature of 70-100° C., and (c) subjecting the heated pulp to a physical separation step, preferably decanting and/or centrifuging. The method does not comprise enzymatic treatment of the pulp. The fat-containing fraction comprises at least 80 wt. % insect or worm fat of which at least 40 wt. % are saturated fats. The aqueous protein fraction can be dried to obtain dried protein material, which contains at least 50 wt. % insect or worm protein-derived matter and at most 25 wt. % insect or worm fat based on dry weight. The protein has a pepsin digestibility of at least 50%. The resulting nutrient streams can be used in food, petfood, feed and pharmaceutical industry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to convert insects or worms into nutrient streams, such as a fat-containing, an aqueous proteinaceous-containing and a solid-containing fraction. The method comprises the steps of: (a) squashing insects or worms thereby obtaining a pulp, (b) subjecting the pulp to enzymatic hydrolysis obtaining thereby a hydrolysed mixture, (c) heating the hydrolysed mixture to a temperature of 70-100° C., and (d) subjecting the mixture to a physical separation step, preferably decanting and/or centrifuging. The fat-containing fraction comprises at least 80 wt. % insect or worm fat of which at least 30 wt. % are saturated fats. The aqueous proteinaceous fraction can be dried to obtain dried proteinaceous material, which contains at least 45 wt. % insect or worm protein-derived matter and at most 25 wt. % insect or worm fat based on dry weight, and has a pepsin digestibility of at least 50%. The resulting nutrient streams can be used in food, feed and pharmaceutical industry.