September 12, 2024

 

US$3.9 million FeedFlow project to address UK poultry welfare and sustainability

A GBP 3 million (US$3.9 million) initiative has been launched to tackle key health and welfare challenges in UK poultry production, Food & Drink International reported.

 

The 'FeedFlow' project, led by insect farming innovator Flybox, is funded by Innovate UK as part of the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs' (Defra) Farming Innovation Programme.

 

Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is a key partner in the project, which brings together industry leaders and academic institutions. The project will employ advanced technologies and black soldier fly (BSF) larvae to improve poultry welfare and promote sustainability within the sector.

 

Despite progress in production sustainability through genetic selection, the UK poultry industry continues to face persistent issues, including poor leg health, high mortality rates, and inconsistent feed conversion ratios. Additionally, poultry farming is a significant contributor to ammonia emissions in the UK.

 

To remain competitive against low-cost imports and address these challenges, the UK poultry production system must evolve continuously. Black soldier fly farming and artificial intelligence are emerging as potential game-changers in improving poultry welfare and performance, while also supporting environmental sustainability.

 

BSF larvae are known for their ability to enhance natural poultry behaviour and serve as a nutrient-rich protein source, bolstered with antimicrobial peptides. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence (AI) plays a critical role in precision agriculture by providing real-time data on flock welfare and offering early warnings of potential issues.

 

The FeedFlow project integrates these technologies into a rapid intervention system designed to optimise poultry health and productivity. Central to the project is the use of FLOX360, a computer vision platform driven by enterprise-grade AI algorithms, which complements the nutritional benefits provided by BSF larvae.

 

In addition, the project features a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to assess Global Warming Potential (GWP) and reduce emissions. This aspect of the project is led by Jess Callaghan from the University of Chester.

 

The partnership between Flybox and NTU's School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences enhances the initiative. It utilises fortified BSF larvae to deliver a rapid nutrient boost, addressing health challenges more effectively than traditional feed methods. The goal is to streamline feeding processes, enhance flock health, and support environmentally conscious decision-making throughout the supply chain.

 

Emily Burton, Professor in Sustainable Food Production at NTU's School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, highlighted the role of insects in the transition from linear to circular resource use. She stated, "Insects are an essential part of our transition from linear to circular resource use, and projects like this are accelerating insect production to commercial viability by thinking outside the box about how we can harness them to improve poultry production."

 

Supported by a consortium that includes Flybox, FLOX, the University of Chester, Courteenhall Farms, Menchine Farm, and Clarke Group Construction, the FeedFlow project aims to deliver a sustainable solution for the UK poultry industry.

 

Last year, Flybox and NTU initiated a study to feed BSF larvae food waste, enhanced with nanometre-sized natural minerals, before incorporating them into poultry feed. This feasibility study is part of ongoing research to increase the nutritional value of chickens while significantly reducing the carbon footprint of poultry feed ingredients.

 

-      Food & Drink International