Tray Systems for Insect Farming FAcilities

Insect farming includes the breeding of insects for substances that the insects produce, or for the insects themselves for use as a e.g. feed or food source, Adult insects are bred to produce larvae eggs, which hatch into larvae. Food and water are provided to the larvae to facilitate growth and development. After some time, larvae metamorphose into pupae and then into adults. Before the larvae transform into pupae, a large portion of the larvae are collected to be e.g., processed into a rich protein source. A small portion of the larvae are allowed to mature to reproduce, ensuring the self-sustainability of the farm's` insect colony. Larvae skin and frass may be collected to be used as a raw material to produce organic fertilizer.

Tenebrio molitor, commonly referred to as the flour worm (in german "Mehlwurm"), is best known for its larval form. The flour worm itself is often used as living food for insectivorous pets, or as fishing bait. However, Tenebrio molitor is a prime natural source of proteins. The high concentration of proteins in Tenebrio molitor, its composition and a lipid profile that includes most of the essential fatty acids, make it a feed/food with interesting nutritional benefits. 

There are a number of considerations for maximizing the output and efficiency of insect farming facilities. For instance, farming environmental conditions must be taken in to account: temperature, light, and ventilation. Larvae and adult insects may be housed within trays, stacked in space-effcient containers that are components in a larger facility. The insect farming facility includes all of the components required for insect production, such as food and water sources, temperature control, etc. A typical insect farming facility may therefore be large and manage a great quantity of insects. Given the manifold operations to be manually performed by facility workers, it is thus key to maximize the efficiency of rack systems to maximize the rearing facility's output and efficiency.