Basic Info
DISTAL LAB – INSECT FARM
Bologna
26°
6°13'9.49"S
Cool
Short Description
DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY
The insect farm at the laboratories of the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Technologies (DISTAL) of the University of Bologna aims to find sustainable and circular ways to produce Galleria mellonella insect for scaling up in developing countries. This small but innovative facility at the University of Bologna is at the forefront of researching sustainable, circular, and cost-effective methods for the production of Galleria Mellonella for feeding purposes.
BACKGROUND
The insect farm was developed basing on the UNIBO team entomological knowledges on the life cycle and breeding of this specie, normally considered as a harmful insect for beehives.
LESSONS, REPLICABILITY AND SCALABILITY POTENTIAL
Scalable technologies: Developing technologies and farming practices that are scalable and adaptable to different environments, resource constraints, and socioeconomic contexts. This might involve designing modular systems or providing guidelines for customization based on local conditions.
Cost-effectiveness: Ensuring that the methods and technologies employed are cost-effective and accessible to a wide range of users, particularly in resource-constrained settings. This might involve optimizing resource use, reducing input costs, and identifying low-cost alternatives for equipment and materials
Main Goal
The primary objective is to investigate and develop sustainable methods for the production of Galleria Mellonella, integrating in the diet industrial wastes (e.g., bakeries wastes). Furthermore, the research wants to evaluate the nutritive properties in case of applications as fish and chicken feed.
ACTIONS TAKEN
Capacity building and pilot constructing in progress
Target Stakeholders
University researchers, students
Get involved
Contact the Domonstration Case directly to learn more about the project or to get involved
Project updates
Unveiling the Future of Sustainable Living in UNIBO
At FrontAg Nexus, we're excited to showcase the innovative strides made by our partner, the University of Bologna (UNIBO), in…
Partner in charge
University of Bologna
The Department of Agri-Food Science and Technology was born of the University reorganisation following the Gelmini Reforms: two departments were formed from the five existing ones, which were then combined into an integrated department incorporating all the teaching and research activities of the agricultural area. The department boasts strong research activities with more than twelve million Euros in annual revenues for research projects. Among these, it coordinates 12 European projects and is a partner in 34. It has just won 6 Prima and 12 PRIN. Distal is 2018-2022 Department of Excellence for MIUR and has contributed significantly to the University of Bologna attaining 48th position in the “Agriculture & Forestry” sector of QS World University Ranking 2018.
