Larvae production in poultry farms - FP

For a year now, doctoral student Jade TETOHU has been carrying out her research on the Rao Puha programme at the University of French Polynesia. Rao Puha is a bioconversion process that consists of transforming the nutrients contained in waste into high value-added proteins through biodegradation by the larvae of the insect Hermetia illucens, also known as Black Soldier Fly (BSF). This programme is the result of a public/private partnership between TECHNIVAL and the Louis Malardé Institute (ILM).

The larval biomass is very rich in protein (around 43%) and is an extremely interesting source of protein and therefore of alternative food for animals, which can replace all or part of the imported feed. Moreover, the residue obtained after bioconversion of the material constitutes a natural organic amendment that can be mixed with soil to fertilize crops.

In compliance with the PROTEGE programme, Technival is working in partnership with the French Polynesian Department of Agriculture to support small poultry farmers by providing them with a BSF fly larvae breeding kit. The kit includes a tank containing BSF larvae and their food. These larvae are the result of wild eggs collected on the laying boxes. As soon as they hatch, the larvae fall into the tray and start feeding. At a certain larval stage, the larvae will try to escape from the food, looking for a clean and dry place to pupate before turning into a fly. It is this behavior that we wish to exploit, using this ramp, to collect the larvae in this container. All you have to do is help yourself and feed the chickens!

This direct local production of insects by the poultry farmer is a model of circular economy and sustainable development.

BSF fly larvae rearing kit

Black soldier fly larvae