Palm kernel meal is commonly used as a protein source in animal feed formulations, particularly for ruminants, pigs, and poultry. However, its usage is more prevalent in tropical regions where palm oil production is abundant. It is often incorporated into diets alongside other feed ingredients to provide a balanced nutritional profile.
Typically, palm kernel meal is high in protein, averaging around 15-20% crude protein. It also contains a moderate amount of fiber and varying levels of fat. The fat content in palm kernel meal can range from 5% to 15%, depending on the efficiency of the oil extraction process. It is important to note that the fat content makes it an energy-dense feed ingredient.
To ensure that our Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae and BSFL protein meal meet the stringent quality standards required for use as ingredients in the pet food industry, where consistency and nutritional value are paramount for the health and well-being of pets, we maintain a stable nutrient content in our BSF larvae and BSFL protein meal. This is achieved by feeding our BSF larvae a specific diet that is rich in nutrients, such as palm kernel meal (PKM), which is an agro-industrial byproduct that provides a sustainable source of nutrients for our insects. The palm kernel meal is used as a primary feedstock for our BSF larvae, leveraging its nutritional value to support the growth and development of our insects, thereby reducing waste and promoting a closed-loop, eco-friendly production cycle.
The advantages of using Palm Kernel Meal (PKM) as food for Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) compared to using organic waste or food waste:
- Nutrient-Rich Substrate:
- PKM provides a consistent and nutrient-rich substrate for BSFL growth.
- BSFL fed with PKM can achieve close to 40% protein content
- While fruit and vegetable waste can also be used, PKM ensures higher protein levels in BSFL.
- Predictable Nutrient Composition:
- PKM offers a controlled nutrient profile, which is essential for consistent BSFL growth.
- Unlike random organic waste, PKM ensures predictable results in terms of protein and fat content.
- Economic Efficiency:
- PKM is often more cost-effective than using various types of organic waste.
- By utilizing PKM, farmers can optimize resource utilization and reduce costs.
- Sustainability and Waste Reduction:
- Using PKM repurposes a byproduct from palm oil production, contributing to sustainability.
- BSFL efficiently convert PKM into beneficial proteins and fats, reducing waste volume.
- Animal Feed and Organic Fertilizer Production:
- BSFL digest nutrients in PKM and convert them into valuable proteins and fats.
- These by-products can be used to produce animal feed, while BSFL residue serves as organic fertilizer
Why use PKM instead of food waste
To produce 1 kg of fresh BSF larvae, 4-8 kg of food waste is needed, resulting in a food conversion ratio (FCR) of 4-8. However, by using palm kernel meal (PKM) as a substitute, FCR decreased significantly to 1.6 kg PKM per 1 kg larvae. This reduction in FCR is achieved if PKM is fermented well, making it our daily operational standard.
We chose PKM over food waste because of the significant cost savings. Getting food waste requires additional costs, such as tip fees, which increase the overall cost. By using PKM, we can reduce the production costs of fresh BSF larvae making it a more viable and cost-effective option.
The important thing about using PKM is that it has a stable nutrient content in BSF larvae, and is easier for pet food industries to use.
Citations:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8880436/
- https://www.insectschool.com/uncategorized/how-much-protein-does-a-bsf-contain/
- https://www.insectschool.com/feed/black-soldier-fly-larvae-meal-and-oil/
- https://jasbsci.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40104-022-00682-7
- https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9717/9/1/161 “”
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10668-023-04306-6 “”
- https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s42690-023-01032-4.pdf “”
- https://jurnalkelapasawit.iopri.org/index.php/jpks/article/view/199
- https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjn.2019.753.760
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s42690-023-01032-4
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