October 12, 2025 | 05:05 GMT +7
October 12, 2025 | 05:05 GMT +7
Hotline: 0913.378.918
Black soldier fly larvae are known for their ability to promote natural poultry behaviour and are a nutrient-rich, high-quality protein source. Photo: Canva.
The ‘FeedFlow’ project is being led by insect farming innovator Flybox and is funded by Innovate UK as part of Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme.
Although the UK poultry industry has seen significant advancements in production sustainability through genetic selection, it faces persistent issues including poor leg health, high mortality rates and variable feed conversion rates, as well as contributing the ammonia emissions.
To address these issues and stay competitive against low-cost imports, UK poultry production systems need to evolve continuously. Black soldier fly larvae are renowned for their ability to promote natural poultry behaviour and are a nutrient-rich, high-quality protein source enhanced with antimicrobial peptides.
Artificial intelligence systems, meanwhile, propel precision agriculture by delivering real-time data on flock welfare and early warnings of potential issues. The FeedFlow project harnesses these technologies with a cutting edge rapid intervention system. It integrates FLOX360, an in-demand computer vision platform powered by enterprise-grade AI algorithms.
In addition, the project incorporates Life Cycle Analysis, which is being led by Jess Callagham from the University of Chester, to assess Global Warming Potential. Flybox is also working with Nottingham Trent University’s School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, which will look at how fortified BSF larvae could deliver a rapid nutrient boost that addresses health challenges more effectively than traditional feed interventions.
Emily Burton, a professor in sustainable food production at Nottingham Trent University, said: “Insects are an essential part of our transition from linear to circular resource use, and project like this are accelerating insect production to commercial viability by thinking outside the box about how we can harness them to improve poultry production.”
Last year, Flybox and Nottingham Trent University embarked on a study to feed black soldier fly larvae food waste – nutritionally-enhanced using nanometre sized natural minerals – before being added to poultry feed. The work is part of a feasibility study which aims to increase the nutritional value of chickens and significantly reduce the carbon footprint of ingredients.
(Poultryworld)
(VAN) The people who are most vulnerable to the hard-to-breathe air that comes with climate change may inadvertently be adding to the problem, new research finds.
(VAN) Director-General QU Dongyu announces series of initiatives following global livestock conference.
(VAN) China’s freeze on U.S. soybean purchases hits a key GOP constituency in the run-up to 2026 midterm elections.
(VAN) President Xi Jinping's festive greetings ahead of the eighth Chinese Farmers' Harvest Festival, which fell on Tuesday this year, were a clear signal that China regards food security as a core strategic issue.
(VAN) BBNJ Agreement will enter into force in January.
(VAN) Demonstrations have been planned around the world this week ahead of the United Nations General Assembly and New York Climate Week.
(VAN) After years of intense deliberation, the European Commission has finally given its nod to the Mercosur and Mexico agreement.