Protix, which produces black soldier fly (BSF) larvae for the aquafeed sector, expects to boost production by 20 percent thanks to a successful genetic selection programme.

After only two years Protix has been able to improve growth rates by 39 percent
According to the Dutch firm, which currently produces 15,000 tonnes of BSF larvae a year, the two-year project with Hendrix Genetics is the first to demonstrate that genetically selecting the larvae for their ability to gain weight can greatly enhance the output of large-scale production facility.
“During the project larvae with desirable qualities were selected and bred to produce improved offspring, generation after generation. Due to the short life cycle and large reproductive capacity of BSF, there is huge potential to make the species even more sustainable, for example by using less feed, land, and water,” the company stated in a press release.
After running the selective breeding programme for two years, a large-scale, fully automated trial was undertaken at Protix’s €40 million production facility in Bergen op Zoom.
The latest batch of larvae were found to be 39 percent heavier, leading to 32 percent more protein and 21 percent more fat harvested than with conventional insects.
Based on the trial results, Protix estimates that using improved larvae will improve their annual production by 20 percent, without the need to use more energy.
“Being a pioneer in the insect industry means you must lead the way and drive the biggest and most ambitious programs across nutrition, technology and genetics. Our advancements in genetics are a great step forward for the insect industry and the environment. Animal breeding has a vital role to play in help solving the global food challenge,” said Protix founder and chief executive, Kees Aarts.
“We are really proud of the achievements of the collaboration with Protix,” added Johan van Arendonk, chief innovation and technology officer at Hendrix Genetics.
“The results clearly indicate that selective breeding on insects is not only possible, but also has significant benefits. Hendrix Genetics is truly multi-species focused and this collaboration demonstrated again that sharing knowledge across species speeds up innovation. Working on the genetics of insects adds a new dimension and opportunity to create added value,” he added.
By The Fish Site
Reference: https://thefishsite.com/articles/breeding-programme-boosts-insect-growth-by-20-percent
“Domesticated Shrimp Postlarvae – The Key To Success”
See more:
- UAE Set For Region’s First Shrimp RAS
- Shrimp And Salmon Farmers Are Set For A Year Of Profits And Plenty
- Acoustic Control Improves Feeding Productivity At Shrimp Farms
Tiếng Việt
中文 (中国)

SẢN PHẨM PHỤC VỤ NỀN NÔNG NGHIỆP XANH
TIN TỨC NỔI BẬT
Killing methods, post-slaughter quality, part 1
Developing a slaughter program Harvesting fish for slaughter usually requires some handling and concentration of [...]
Mar
Red hogweed fights WSSV, promotes growth in tiger shrimp
Herbaceous plant known to have medicinal properties, is used by indigenous people in India Medicinal [...]
Mar
Critical decisions for shrimp harvesting and packing, Part 3
Final stages include receiving protocols at processing plants, weighing, grading and freezing Reception As soon [...]
Feb
Critical decisions for shrimp harvesting and packing, Part 2
Melanosis, or blackspot, can be presented with antioxidant treatments like sodium metabisulfite Harvest In both [...]
Feb
Assessment of transmission risk in cooked, WSSV-infected shrimp
Results show shrimp meat not infectious after boiling for over 1 minute White spot disease [...]
Feb
Using genomic models to evaluate meat yield of Pacific white shrimp
Multi-trait genomic models show that meat yield has low heritability Among the many factors influencing [...]
Feb
How aeration intensity, water quality, nutrient cycling and microbial community structure of biofloc system impacts Pacific white shrimp
Lower aeration intensity produces larger, simpler flocs while higher intensity enhances DHA accumulation The Pacific [...]
Feb
Can brown mussel meal in feed promote growth and cold resistance of Pacific white shrimp?
Dietary addition of mussel meal resulted in a significantly higher final weight, weight gain, relative [...]
Feb
Study tests three natural minerals as feed additives to improve health and growth of Pacific white shrimp
Findings suggest that illite can be used as a functional and eco-friendly feed additive to [...]
Jan
Effect of feeding during off-flavor depuration on geosmin excretion by Nile tilapia
Nile tilapia fed during off-flavor depuration eliminate geosmin in ovaries faster than starved fish Geosmin [...]
Jan
Development of Lactococcus garvieae autovaccine for Nile tilapia
Results suggest protection for fish, alternative approach for testing vaccines Tilapia farming in Zambia is [...]
Jan
Assessing the bacterium Enterococcus faecium as a probiotic for Nile tilapia
Results show great potential to combat Francisellosis and Streptococcosis in Brazil’s aquaculture industry The Nile [...]
Jan