Maize silage or other organic substances that are used in a biogas plant can serve as food for the insects. The food from the insect production can then be used in the biogas plant.
This has the following advantages, among others:
1. Higher nutrient density: Insects can extract high-quality proteins and fats from plant material such as maize silage and accumulate them in their biomass. Compared to other animal feeds such as soy or meat meal, insects have a higher nutrient density and can therefore be used as valuable feed for animals such as fish, poultry or pigs.
2. Reduction of waste: By using organic residues as food for insects, upcycling is achieved, since otherwise unusable plant materials are converted into high-quality protein.
3. Energy efficiency: Using insect compost in a biogas plant to generate energy is an efficient way of using waste. The compost can be used to produce biogas, which in turn can be used as a renewable energy source.
‼️One ton of insect food fresh mass corresponds to the biogas potential of one ton of corn silage
4. Sustainability: The combination of insect farming and biogas plant can contribute to sustainable agriculture as both waste reduction and renewable energy production are promoted.
5. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Compared to traditional animal feeds such as soy and fishmeal, insects produce fewer greenhouse gases during their rearing.