Sustainable Animal Feed Through Food Waste, BSFL & Seaweed?

Enhancing Food Security and Sustainability in Southeast Asia: A Conceptual Framework for Poultry Feed Utilizing Food Waste, Black Soldier Fly Larvae, and Seaweed

Vincent BoonSeng LIM, Singapore, Vincent@VincentLim.com 

Zihan POH, Singapore, Zihan.Poh@TheFrass.com

Abstract

This conceptual paper explores the potential of using a sustainable poultry feed solution for smallholder farmers in Southeast Asia, specifically Indonesia and Cambodia. The formula utilizes readily available and underutilized resources: food waste, this approach not only significantly reduces feed costs but also addresses waste management issues by diverting food waste from landfills. Together with black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), and seaweed, the feed boasts a longer shelf life, enhancing its practicality for farmers in remote areas. Preliminary field experiments in Bintan, Indonesia, and Phnom Penh, Cambodia, demonstrate the formula's potential to improve poultry health and farmer incomes. While further research is needed to assess economic viability and market acceptance, this innovative feed solution offers a promising path towards a more sustainable and food-secure poultry sector in Southeast Asia.

Keywords: Sustainable animal feed solutions, Black soldier fly larvae 

Introduction 

1.1 Importance of sustainable animal feed solutions

In today's world, where sustainability is at the forefront of global conversations, the agricultural industry faces mounting pressure to adopt practices that minimise environmental impact while ensuring food security. Among the critical aspects of agricultural sustainability is the production of animal feed, which plays a pivotal role in livestock farming, aquaculture, and other animal-based industries. As the demand for animal-derived products continues to rise with growing populations and changing dietary preferences, the need for sustainable solutions in animal feed production becomes increasingly urgent.

Traditional methods of producing animal feed often entail significant environmental costs, including deforestation, habitat destruction, excessive water usage, and greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, reliance on conventional feed sources such as soybeans, maize, and fishmeal contributes to biodiversity loss and exacerbates issues like land degradation and overfishing.

Recognizing these challenges, researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders are actively exploring innovative approaches to develop sustainable animal feed solutions.(Andrianou et al., 2023; Nath et al., 2023) These solutions aim to reconcile the growing demand for animal protein with the imperative of environmental stewardship.

In pursuing sustainable animal feed solutions, several key strategies are emerging to address traditional feed production's environmental and ethical challenges. One pivotal approach involves diversifying protein sources beyond conventional options like soybeans and fishmeal. Embracing alternative protein sources such as insects, algae, and microbial biomass offers a promising avenue to reduce reliance on resource-intensive feed ingredients. (Arnold et al., 2016; Saadaoui et al., 2021; Van Huis & Oonincx, 2017) These alternatives often require fewer inputs, emit fewer greenhouse gases, and can be produced using underutilised or waste streams, contributing to a more sustainable feed supply chain.

Another critical strategy revolves around adopting circular economy principles in feed production. (Burggraaf et al., 2021; Kusumowardani & Tjahjono, 2020) The circular economy maximises resource efficiency while minimising waste by repurposing agricultural by-products, food waste, and other organic materials as feed ingredients. This approach reduces the environmental footprint associated with feed production and addresses pressing challenges related to food security and waste management.

Furthermore, precision feeding technologies are pivotal in optimising nutrient utilisation and minimising feed wastage. By tailoring feed formulations to meet specific nutritional requirements, precision feeding enhances animal health and productivity while reducing the environmental burden of excess nutrient excretion. This approach represents a significant advancement in promoting resource efficiency and mitigating environmental impacts across the livestock value chain.

Promoting agroecological farming practices is crucial for fostering sustainability in animal feed production, in addition to technological innovations. Diverse cropping systems, integrated pest management, and rotational grazing prioritise biodiversity conservation, soil health, and natural resource management. Agroecological approaches contribute to more sustainable and resilient feed production systems by reducing reliance on external inputs and enhancing ecosystem resilience. (Altieri et al., 2017; Dumont et al., 2013)

Lastly, establishing transparent and resilient supply chains is essential for ensuring the sustainability of animal feed production. By promoting ethical sourcing, traceability, and fair trade practices, companies can mitigate risks associated with deforestation, land conversion, and social conflicts. Collaborative partnerships across the value chain and engagement with stakeholders are vital for driving positive change and fostering a more sustainable future for animal feed production.

1.2 Introduction to the innovative feed formula: dried BSFL, seaweed, and food waste

The feed formula utilising dried black soldier fly, seaweed, and food waste without any requirement for heating equipment presents a significant innovation in terms of commercialization within the animal feed industry. Firstly, this formulation offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional feed ingredients. By utilizing insect protein, seaweed, and food waste, which are abundant and often underutilized resources, it can potentially reduce their reliance on costly and resource-intensive feed ingredients like soy and fishmeal. This not only lowers production costs but also aligns with consumer demand for environmentally friendly and ethically sourced products.

Moreover, the absence of heating equipment in the production process streamlines manufacturing operations, reducing capital expenditure and operational costs for commercial producers. Traditional feed processing methods often involve complex heating and drying procedures, which require significant investment in equipment and energy consumption. By eliminating the need for heating equipment, commercial producers can simplify their production processes, increase efficiency, and potentially enhance profit margins.

Additionally, the innovative nature of this feed formula offers a competitive edge in the market by tapping into the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products. With increasing consumer awareness of environmental issues and animal welfare concerns, there is a rising preference for products that are produced using environmentally sustainable practices.(Harper & Makatouni, 2002; Schröder & McEachern, 2004) By offering a feed formula that utilizes sustainable ingredients and reduces waste, commercial producers can differentiate themselves in the market and attract environmentally conscious consumers.

Furthermore, the commercialization of this innovative feed formula opens up opportunities for partnerships and collaborations across various industries. For example, partnerships with food processing companies, waste management facilities, and seaweed cultivation farms can facilitate the sourcing of ingredients and optimize supply chain logistics. Collaborations with retailers, distributors, and marketing agencies can help promote the product and expand its reach in the market.

2. Development of the Feed Formula 

Traditional animal feeds primarily rely on grains (corn, wheat, barley) and soybean meal, with added vitamins and minerals. While meeting basic macronutrient needs (carbohydrates, proteins), they often lack the diverse nutrients found in alternative ingredients (Den Hartog & Sijtsma, 2013; Ravindran, 2013b). Our innovative feed formula, composed of Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL), seaweed, and food waste, offers a significantly more comprehensive nutritional profile.

BSFL are a powerhouse of protein, essential amino acids, and beneficial omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Seaweed adds vitamins (A, C, E, B complex), minerals (iodine, iron, magnesium), antioxidants, and additional omega-3 fatty acids. All of these are vital for animal health and well-being. Food waste, while variable, adds carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and fiber, further boosting nutrition and sustainability. By upcycling food waste, we prevent disposal issues while enhancing the feed's value.

In contrast, traditional feeds offer a narrower nutritional spectrum. Their focus on grains and soy lacks the micronutrient diversity of our formula. Furthermore, traditional production is resource-intensive, demanding vast land, water, and energy (Nijdam et al., 2012; Stevanović et al., 2017). Our formula's ingredients (BSFL and seaweed) are sustainably sourced with a smaller footprint. Eliminating heating equipment in our production process further cuts energy use and carbon emissions.

3. Environmental Benefits

The feed formula, with its focus on insect protein, seaweed, and local food waste, and its production without heating equipment, offers substantial advantages in waste reduction and recycling compared to traditional feed manufacturers.

Insect farming significantly reduces organic waste. Specific species convert up to 90% of organic matter into protein-rich biomass (Chavez, 2021; Surendra et al., 2016). Our formula integrates this, diverting agricultural by-products, food scraps, and processing residues from landfills. This is crucial, as the FAO estimates 1.3 billion tons of food waste annually—insect farming helps address this critical issue.

Similarly, seaweed cultivation tackles waste while improving water quality. Seaweed absorbs excess nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus) from aquatic environments, mitigating pollution (Harrison & Hurd, 2001; Morais et al., 2020). Our formula can utilize nutrient-rich wastewater from aquaculture or industry. A study in Environmental Science & Technology highlights seaweed aquaculture's potential to remove 173,000 tons of nitrogen and 19,000 tons of phosphorus from coastal waters annually.

Food waste is directly reduced by its inclusion in the formula. The World Resources Institute estimates that around one-third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted – our feed addresses this critical problem. This aligns with the circular economy, where resources are reused, not discarded.

Eliminating heating equipment further supports sustainability. Traditional feed manufacturing is energy-intensive due to heating/drying. Our streamlined process cuts energy consumption and lowers associated greenhouse gas emissions. With the food and agriculture sector accounting for 30% of global energy use (International Energy Agency), our formula's production process can significantly contribute to emissions reduction goals.

4. Nutritional and Health Benefits for Chickens

Poultry feed is carefully designed to meet the specific needs of birds at various life stages (broilers, layers, breeders). It varies by age, breed, goals, and environment, but core nutrients are essential:

Protein: Crucial for muscle growth, feathering, and egg production, poultry feeds utilize sources like soybean meal, fishmeal, and meat/bone meal (Alhotan, 2021; Ravindran, 2013b). Supplemental amino acids (lysine, methionine, threonine) ensure a balanced profile.

Carbohydrates: Grains (corn, wheat, barley) provide readily available energy for metabolism, growth, and production (Alhotan, 2021). Importantly, carbs also add fiber for gut health and digestion.

Fats and Oils: A concentrated energy source, these also provide essential fatty acids for growth, feathers, and egg production. Examples include vegetable oils, animal fats, and distillers' grains. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are key for bird health and immunity (Alhotan, 2021; Ravindran, 2013a).

Vitamins and Minerals: These cofactors power numerous body functions. Vitamins (A, D, E, B-complex) are supplemented for growth, immunity, and reproduction. Minerals (calcium, phosphorus, trace minerals like zinc/selenium) are vital for bones, eggshell quality, and overall health (Alhotan, 2021; Ravindran, 2013a).

Antibiotic Considerations: Antibiotics were once widely used in feed but are being phased out due to antimicrobial resistance concerns and consumer demand. Probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, and organic acids are becoming popular alternatives, boosting gut health, nutrient use, and overall bird performance.

5. Economic Analysis 

The feed formula, utilizing insect protein, seaweed, and food waste, offers significant economic advantages for producers and consumers. 

Ingredient Costs: These alternative ingredients are often less expensive than traditional feed staples like soy and corn (Halmemies-Beauchet-Filleau et al., 2018; Nagarajan et al., 2021). This directly lowers production costs for farmers. Additionally, these ingredients can offer improved nutritional value, potentially boosting animal health and productivity – further enhancing the farmer's bottom line.

Environmental Benefits = Market Potential: Reducing food waste and using sustainable resources (seaweed) aligns with the rising demand for eco-conscious products (Harper & Makatouni, 2002; Schröder & McEachern, 2004). This lets farmers differentiate their products in the marketplace, potentially commanding premium prices.

The Growing Sustainable Market: Consumers increasingly seek out sustainably produced food. Farmers who adopt our formula and market their products accordingly can tap into this expanding market, increasing sales and profitability.

Financial Incentives: Government programs or grants focused on sustainable agriculture may offer financial support, easing the transition to the new formula. This demonstrates policy-level commitment to innovation, making the adoption even more attractive to farmers.

6. Technological and Operational Aspects of Feed Production 

Enzymes are essential for large-scale production of food waste-derived animal feed. Their benefits span efficiency, sustainability, and nutritional quality:

Unlocking Nutritional Potential: Enzymes (proteases, carbohydrases, lipases) break down complex food waste components into readily digestible forms. This maximizes the nutritional value of waste streams, crucial when processing large volumes of material (Thapa et al., 2019).

Combatting Anti-Nutrients: Enzymes like phytase, xylanase, and glucanase degrade anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) that hinder nutrient absorption (Thakur et al., 2019). This ensures the feed delivers optimal nutrition, supporting animal health and performance at scale.

Optimizing Formulation: Enzymes allow producers to tailor feeds to species and life stage needs. Carbohydrases improve complex carbohydrate utilization, while proteases boost protein digestibility. This precision means minimal waste and ensures the feed is ideally suited to maximize animal growth and productivity.

Sustainability Champion: Enzymes transform food waste into a valuable feed resource. This dramatically reduces disposal issues and reliance on resource-intensive traditional ingredients (soy, corn), promoting a more sustainable production model.

7. Policy and Regulation 

Sustainable feed innovation is essential and governments worldwide are increasingly enacting supportive policies. These focus on research funding, promoting alternative ingredients, and fostering collaboration. Let's analyze these and offer recommendations for further action:

Supportive Policies

Research Funding: Governments offer grants, subsidies, and tax incentives to propel research on new ingredients, technologies, and feed formulas. This helps mitigate the high costs of innovation, leading to affordable, eco-friendly solutions.

Regulation for Alternatives: Clear frameworks promote safe, high-quality alternative ingredients (insects, algae, food waste). These guidelines, standards, and certifications streamline the approval process, boosting producer and consumer confidence.

Collaboration is Key: Policies encouraging research partnerships between manufacturers, universities, farmers, and others are vital. This knowledge and resource sharing accelerates innovation and the development of scalable solutions.

Recommendations for Enhancement

While progress is evident, policy improvements can further fuel a sustainable feed industry:

Prioritize R&D Funding: Increase grants and establish dedicated funding for innovation. Tax credits and incentives can stimulate private investment. This drives solutions to address the livestock sector's environmental challenges.

Streamlined Regulation: Make the approval process for new ingredients efficient. Require clear labeling on the sustainability of feed products and create harmonized regulations for smoother international trade.

Sustainable Sourcing: Government institutions should lead by prioritizing sustainable feeds. Incentivize farmers to adopt these practices and build consumer awareness to drive demand for sustainably sourced products.

Transparency Through Tech: Utilize blockchain and tracking systems to verify sustainability throughout the supply chain. Enhance data collection and reporting systems to boost accountability.

8. Case Studies: Implementation in Bintan, Indonesia, and Phnom Penh, Cambodia 

Frass Pte Ltd is an animal feed company in Singapore that originally focused on composting organic waste using black soldier fly larvae. It realised the potential of these industrious insects in revolutionising animal feed production and used the nutrient-rich larvae of black soldier flies to produce high-quality animal feed while simultaneously addressing the pressing issue of food waste. 

The company transitioned from composting organic waste to breeding black soldier flies for their larvae. By optimising breeding conditions and scaling up production, the company was able to cultivate a thriving colony of black soldier flies capable of processing large volumes of food waste efficiently.

Unlike traditional feed manufacturing processes that rely on heat-intensive methods, the company pioneered a novel approach that eschewed the use of heating equipment altogether. Instead, they leveraged enzymatic processes to break down and dehydrate food waste, preserving its nutritional integrity while eliminating the need for heating.

Frass Pte Ltd improved their feed formulation that combined dried black soldier fly larvae with processed food waste, creating a nutrient-dense feed product suitable for a variety of livestock species. By utilizing enzymes to facilitate dehydration and preserve nutritional quality, the company achieved a breakthrough in sustainable feed manufacturing.

Embracing a circular economy mindset, the company forged partnerships with local food producers and waste management facilities to source organic waste streams for feed production. By diverting food waste from landfills and transforming it into valuable feed resources, the company not only reduced environmental impact but also created a sustainable solution to address the growing challenge of food waste.

Frass Pte Ltd's innovative feed formula offers sustainable solutions to challenges faced by livestock farmers in Southeast Asia. Here, we examine its implementation in Bintan, Indonesia, and Phnom Penh, Cambodia, focusing on its ability to address:

· Limited access to quality feed

· High feed costs

· Environmental concerns

                    8.2 Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Poultry Farming and Community Benefits

Figure 1: Distribution of Poultry farms in Cambodia 2021

Backyard poultry farming is prevalent throughout Cambodia, especially in rural areas and peri-urban communities.(Heft-Neal et al., 2009; M Y Birhanu et al., 2021) These farms are typically small-scale operations managed by individual households or families who often rely on traditional farming methods, utilizing locally available resources such as kitchen scraps and natural foraging areas. Backyard farmers tend to purchase 3-5 days’ worth of spent grain/soybean pulp from the local market as part of their feed material. In this way, backyard farmers will be able to save on the logistic cost at the expense of the feed quality. As a result, morality rate of poultry in backyard farming can go up as high as 80%.(Khieu, 1999)

Figure 2: Distribution of Poultry farm size in Cambodia, 2020

In contrast, commercial poultry farms in Cambodia are concentrated in specific regions, particularly near urban centers and major transportation routes. (Heft-Neal et al., 2009) These farms operate on a larger scale, catering to the commercial market for eggs and meat. Commercial farms often employ modern farming techniques and technologies to maximize production efficiency. They have better access to veterinary services, quality feed, and market networks compared to backyard farms. Thus backyard farmers have a different requirement for animal feed as compared to commercial farms whereby morality is their main concern rather than the feed conversion ratio. 

Cambodian livestock farmers often lack affordable access to nutritious feed. Traditional sources may be inconsistent in quality and subject to price fluctuations. Frass Pte Ltd's solution offers several advantages:

Nutritional Value: Food waste, seaweed, and insect protein (black soldier fly larvae or mealworms) provide a balanced feed supporting optimal animal health. This source diversification enhances resilience in the face of supply chain disruptions.

Affordability and Accessibility: Local sourcing of ingredients, particularly abundant food waste from urban areas, lowers production costs and eliminates reliance on expensive imports. This benefits small-scale farmers, particularly those in remote regions.

Long shelf life animal feed: It enhances economic efficiency by allowing bulk purchasing and reducing storage costs. Additionally, it minimizes environmental impact through decreased spoilage and resource consumption in feed production and distribution.

Environmental Sustainability: Food waste diversion reduces landfill waste and methane emissions. Seaweed and insect farming require minimal land, water, and inputs compared to traditional crops, reducing livestock farming's environmental footprint.

  8.3 Bintan, Indonesia: Adoption, Production, and Impacts

Figure 3: Distribution of Poultry distribution in Indonesia, 2020(Rondhi et al., 2020)

The geography of Indonesia significantly influences the costing of animal feed due to its archipelagic nature and diverse landscapes. This impacts sourcing, transportation, and distribution, affecting feed prices and availability.(Ferlito & Respatiadi, 2019; Umboh et al., 2014) Indonesia's vast geography comprises thousands of islands, resulting in logistical challenges for transporting animal feed across regions. The need to navigate through waterways and diverse terrains increases transportation costs, which are often passed on to consumers. 

Additionally, the distribution of livestock across different islands and regions further complicates feed costing. Localized demand and supply variations based on livestock concentrations contribute to feed price fluctuations.

Figure 4: The non-recyclable waste rate in Indonesia.(Waluyo & Kharisma, 2023)

Indonesia's vast geography creates logistical difficulties in supplying quality feed, particularly for small-scale farmers on remote islands. As there is potential of converting 57 million ton of local food waste in indonesia, this will not only can significantly reduce the reliance on import of feed but also reduce the carbon emission ranging from Category 2 to 5. Frass Pte Ltd's approach aim tackles these challenges:

Efficient Distribution: A network of hubs and local partnerships ensures timely delivery to a geographically dispersed customer base. This model leverages economies of scale to minimize costs for remote farmers.

Reduced Import Reliance: Local sourcing of food waste, seaweed, and insect protein reduces the Indonesian sector's reliance on imported feedstuffs, lowering farmer costs and mitigating exposure to price fluctuations or currency exchange risks.

Environmental Focus: As in Cambodia, Indonesia benefits from this formula's waste diversion and focus on ingredients (seaweed, insects) with lighter footprints than traditional crops. This supports long-term sustainability and aligns with growing consumer preferences.

9. Industry and Consumer Perspectives 

9.1 Cambodia: Acceptance and Perceptions Among Poultry Farmers

Cambodian poultry farmers face serious issues with low-quality or expired feeds, leading to high mortality rates and economic hardship. Frass Pte Ltd's feed, made with food waste and insect protein, directly addresses this:

Improved Health, Reduced Loss: Quality controls ensure freshness, eliminating the risk of illness from contaminated feed. Studies indicate this feed drastically reduces mortality, improving farmer incomes and food security.

Word-of-Mouth Adoption: Early adopters' success stories, showing improved health and growth rates in their flocks, have fueled enthusiasm and wider usage of the feed.

9.2 Indonesia: Acceptance and Perceptions Among Poultry Farmers

Indonesian poultry farmers are challenged by traditional feeds' short shelf life (3 months), requiring frequent purchase, careful storage, and increasing spoilage risk. Frass Pte Ltd's feed offers clear advantages:

Practical and Cost-Effective: With a one-year shelf life, farmers benefit from bulk buying discounts, simplified storage, and less frequent transportation. This directly translates to cost savings and increased efficiency.

Challenges and Solutions: While awareness and access remain hurdles to full adoption, educational campaigns and distribution network expansion can address these.

10. Discussion  

The shelf life of animal feed and poultry mortality rates are critical, interconnected factors impacting the economic viability and sustainability of poultry farming.

Shelf Life Drives Efficiency: Longer shelf life means farmers can buy in bulk, minimize transport costs, reduce spoilage loss, and manage storage more efficiently. Conversely, short shelf life feeds lead to logistical headaches, wasted resources, and increased expenses. Feed shelf life directly impacts a farm's bottom line.

Sustainability Connection: Longer shelf life promotes more sustainable practices: it reduces waste, allows local sourcing (cutting down on transport emissions), and lets producers take advantage of seasonal pricing fluctuations.

Mortality's Cost: High mortality rates devastate poultry farmers financially. Feed quality plays a crucial role – expired or poor-quality feed leads to illness, production losses, and reputational harm hindering market access.

Holistic Approach Needed: Investing in quality feeds with longer shelf lives, alongside biosecurity and sound management, promotes poultry health, reduces mortality, and is key to a sustainable, profitable poultry sector.

11. Conclusion and Future Directions 

The growing interest in insect protein, seaweed, and food waste as poultry feed ingredients reflects their potential to transform the sector, addressing issues of sustainability, animal health, and economics. This transformation, however, necessitates continued research, industry-wide change, and policy support to maximize impact.

Insect protein, particularly from black soldier flies, offers a sustainable alternative to resource-intensive soymeal. Seaweed provides essential nutrients and environmental benefits like carbon sequestration. By upcycling food waste, feed producers reduce landfill contributions while lowering costs. This combined approach lessens the poultry sector's environmental footprint and contributes to a more sustainable food system.

Economically, alternative ingredients offer farmers significant advantages. Production costs for insects and seaweed tend to be lower than traditional feeds, minimizing exposure to volatile commodity markets. Repurposed food waste adds value while lowering input costs, enhancing profitability. These savings are compounded by the long-term benefits of reduced resource use, mitigating risks associated with climate change impacts.

To fully realize these benefits, ongoing research is crucial. Formulas must be optimized for nutrition, digestibility, and animal preference while considering their long-term effects on birds and consumer perception. Industry-wide collaboration between producers, farmers, researchers, and policymakers is essential to develop best practices, standards, and certifications. This builds trust and ensures these feeds are safe, effective, and meet sustainability goals.

Policymakers must create a supportive environment for the adoption of these innovations. Incentives for R&D, funding for pilot projects, and regulations that encourage the use of sustainable feedstuffs – including tax breaks, subsidies, and labeling – are all necessary tools.

The potential of insect protein, seaweed, and food waste in poultry feed is undeniable. By prioritizing research, industry collaboration, and proactive policies, the poultry sector can become more sustainable, resilient, and profitable. This will require concerted effort from all stakeholders, but the rewards – a healthier planet and a secure food system – make this transformation imperative.

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