The insect farmers turning to AI to help lower costs
Felix Collins' job would not be suitable for anyone who is squeamish about insects.
The founder and boss of a company called Full Circle Biotechnology, he is in charge of 20 million black soldier fly larvae.
Based at a small, indoor facility on the outskirts of Bangkok, the firm rears the insects to produce animal feed for the country's shrimp and pig farms.
The larvae, which live in a dark, warm and humid environment, feed on fruit and vegetable waste sourced from food and drink manufacturers, before being harvested and combined with probiotic bacteria and mushrooms.
Mr Collins says the product is a more environmentally-friendly alternative to the soybean-based animal feeds that dominate the market. The latter have been repeatedly linked to deforestation in South America., external
He also claims that the firm's insect-based feed has a carbon footprint that is "100 times lower than that of soymeal".
Studies agree that insect-based feed generally does have a lower carbon footprint, but only if the larvae have been fed natural food waste. If the insects have been given a processed food source, then one report says that soybean-based feed produces less carbon., external
Mr Collins adds that the feed made by Full Circle, contains up to 70% protein, compared with soy, which has less than 50% protein, external - making the insect feed more filling and nutritious.
