Written by: Alex Davis is a tech journalist and content creator focused on the newest trends in artificial intelligence and machine learning. He has partnered with various AI-focused companies and digital platforms globally, providing insights and analyses on cutting-edge technologies.
The Insect Farmers Leveraging AI to Reduce Costs
Insect farming is gaining traction as a sustainable solution to traditional animal feed methods, largely due to its lower environmental impact. Felix Collins, the head of Full Circle Biotechnology, is pioneering this effort by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the production efficiency of black soldier fly larvae, which are then processed into feed for shrimp and pig farms. This initiative is crucial as it aims to make insect-based feed a competitive alternative to soybean-based feeds, which are cheaper but have been linked to deforestation in South America.
How do they plan on using AI to reduce costs:
Sustainability Benefits:
Insect feed production involves rearing black soldier fly larvae on organic waste.
Compared to soy, insect feed has a significantly lower carbon footprint, provided the larvae feed on natural waste.
AI in Insect Farming:
Full Circle uses AI to optimize farming conditions, aiming to lower production costs.
AI analyzes data to fine-tune factors like temperature, food quantity, and space utilization.
The ultimate goal is to enhance efficiency and reduce the price gap with soy-based feeds.
Economic Considerations:
Current cost comparison: €1,400 per tonne for insect-based feed vs. €460 for soybean feed.
By reducing costs through AI, Full Circle hopes to expand its market share and supply more farms across Thailand.
Experience-Based Insights:
Challenges of Implementing AI:
AI requires extensive datasets to be effective, posing challenges for startups without significant historical data.
Skepticism exists within the industry regarding the rapid deployment of AI systems, emphasizing the need for careful development and testing.
FAQ:
What makes insect-based feed a sustainable option?Insect-based feed utilizes natural waste, reducing reliance on crops linked to deforestation and offering a more eco-friendly nutrient source with up to 70% protein content.
How does AI contribute to insect farming efficiency?AI aids in streamlining the breeding and feeding processes, significantly reducing trial and error and enabling precise adjustments that enhance production outcomes.
What are the economic hurdles for insect feed’s market competitiveness?Despite its benefits, the high production cost of insect feed compared to soybean feed remains a significant barrier, necessitating innovations like AI to bring prices down.
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