The Insect Farmers Embrace AI to Cut Costs
Insect farming offers a sustainable alternative to soybean-based animal feeds. Insect-based feed has a lower carbon footprint when larvae are fed natural food waste. Full Circle Biotechnology is using AI to optimise production and reduce costs.
Located on the outskirts of Bangkok, Full Circle rears 20 million black soldier fly larvae to create sustainable feed for Thailand's shrimp and pig farms. The larvae are fed fruit and vegetable waste from food and drink manufacturers, then combined with probiotic bacteria and mushrooms.
Collins believes that their insect-based feed is a more environmentally-friendly alternative to soybean-based feeds, which have been linked to deforestation in South America. He claims that Full Circle's feed has a carbon footprint "100 times lower than that of soymeal." Additionally, studies show that insect-based feed generally has a lower carbon footprint, especially when the larvae are fed natural food waste.
Not only is the insect feed environmentally friendly, but it also boasts nutritional advantages. Full Circle's feed contains up to 70% protein, compared to soy's less than 50% protein content. This makes the insect feed more filling and nutritious for animals.
Founded in 2019, Full Circle currently supplies 49 farms across Thailand and employs 14 people. However, the company faces a challenge - soybean-based feed is significantly cheaper than insect-based feed. To overcome this hurdle, Full Circle is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to optimise production and reduce costs.
By training an AI system to analyse past and present data on insect farming, Full Circle aims to fine-tune their methods. This includes optimising temperature, food quantity, larvae space requirements, and even introducing new strains or species. Collins believes that AI can accelerate the trial and error process, leading to a better understanding of insect production and optimised yields.
Meanwhile, in Lithuania, insect farm software provider Cogastro is also developing an AI-based system. While they currently offer monitoring software for data analysis, the AI upgrade will enable the system to learn, adapt, and make changes within an insect farm autonomously. Cogastro plans to launch the AI commercially within the next three years.
However, Cogastro's founder and CEO, Mante Sidlauskaite, cautions against companies claiming to have readily available AI systems. She emphasises the importance of time and experience in developing accurate AI models.
Sidlauskaite believes that understanding the nuances of different processes and standardising data models are crucial before implementing AI solutions.
Back at Full Circle, they are collaborating with Singapore-based AI expert Simon Christofides to develop their AI system. Collins acknowledges that there is still much to learn about black soldier fly larvae farming, as it has only been commercially practiced for a short time compared to other agricultural practices. He believes that AI can accelerate the learning process by analysing vast amounts of data collected from multiple sensors.
While AI plays a crucial role in optimising production, Collins acknowledges that some aspects of insect farming require a hands-off approach. For example, the breeding process relies on the flies' natural behavior and social dynamics. Understanding the animals' territorial tendencies and allowing them to mate on green ribbons is essential for successful breeding.
Insect farming offers a sustainable alternative to soybean-based animal feeds.
Insect-based feed has a lower carbon footprint when larvae are fed natural food waste.
Full Circle Biotechnology is using AI to optimise production and reduce costs.
Credit: BBC