Energy use
Insect farming occurs in temperature-controlled environments, making it an energy-intensive activity. Energy use in insect production significantly varies depending on the animals’ diet.
For instance, it has been estimated that larvae of black soldier fly grown on high quality feed substrates account for an energy use equal to 174 mega joules (MJ) for producing 1 kg of proteins. Conversely, when fed on waste and by-products, their energy use levels are much lower comparatively (26–84 MJ). If fed with soybean meal and fishmeal, energy use are in the range of 9-44 MJ.[1]
Rearing mealworms requires energy use of 173 MJ for producing 1 kg of proteins, which is slightly higher than the energy use levels needed for milk and chicken production and lower than for beef. [2]
[1] Bosch G, Van Zanten HHE, Zamprogna A, Veenenbos M, Meijer NP, Van der Fels-Klerx HJ, and Van Loon JJA. ‘Conversion of organic resources by black soldier fly larvae: legislation, efficiency and environmental impact’, J. Clean Prod., 2019, 222:355–363. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.02.270.
[2] For instance, Oonincx DGAB and de Boer IJM, ‘Environmental impact of the production of mealworms as a protein source for humans – a life cycle assessment’, PLoS One 7(12):e51145, 2012, p. 1–5.