Advantages Of Entomophagy

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There are many possible solutions to the global food shortage of 2050, including hydroponics, aeroponics, in-vitro meat and- the most viable- entomophagy. Entomophagy is the concept of consuming insects. This practise can already be seen in many cultures today, but in the future, they may help solve the problem of food shortage ["How Entomophagy Works." ]. Insects are bred on insect farms, where they are placed in substantial numbers into trays or drawers and fed regularly. The most common food is chicken feed with 14-21% protein. A few days before harvesting, they are fed pumpkin, cassava, watermelon etc. They are also given water supplied in bowls. By controlling the diet in this way, the insects are bred to maximum nutritive potential. Between 7-14 days, the females lay eggs that are moved to a separate incubation tank where they hatch after around 10 days at an ideal temperature of 28-30 degrees. Each species is harvested differently depending of growth rate, for e.g. crickets are harvested at 45 days. Before being sent to …show more content…

The advantages of entomophagy are numerous. Insects, firstly, have high nutritional value. Most species contain between 30 and 70% protein as opposed to the 52 : 48 % protein-fat ratio seen in beef mince. Insects are a good source of vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc and an average grasshopper also amounts to approximately 189 kcals less than a serving of beef. Hence, from a nutritive aspect, entomophagy is highly advantageous ["Benefits." ].
In comparison to livestock, most edible insects don’t produce methane or other greenhouse gases, grow 20 times as fast as cattle, and have an overall smaller carbon footprint. In addition, insects not only require less space but also reproduce very quickly and in large numbers, thus combatting the problems of overpopulation and lack of land

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