Approaching Sustainable Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations Using a Triad Microcirculation Farm Model

The large quantity of manure generated from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) must be properly handled. Black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), has been widely used in treating such manure. However, while it can convert 90% of animal manure matter, the remaining waste must be further handled. In addition, powdered BSF larva feces continue to be problematic, as the reuse of such waste is inconvenient. To handle this waste, white-spotted flower chafer (WSFC), Postosia brevitarsis Lewis, is introduced to deal with BSF larva-eaten manure and poultry manure residue, thus forming a triad microcirculation. A farm engaged in this practice shows that for 16 U of duck manure treated by BSF larvae, 4 U of BSF larvae can be generated. Then, the remains are treated by WSFC larvae, and 1 U of WSFC larvae and 10 U of WSFC feces products can be obtained. The constant operation of a microcirculation farm must be both ecologically and economically sustainable. In this sense, the rearing of the appropriate insect species, the available technical capacity, and the economic feasibility of facilities and apparatus equipment should be the focus for this insect-based bio-resource approach.