2 results
BSFL proteins for sustainable local fish and chicken feed production A major challenge for fish and chicken farming in sub-Saharan Africa is the lack of a consistent and reliable supply of feed throughout the year. The rising cost of feed, which makes up 60-70% of total production expenses, adds to this problem. At the same time, about 30-40% of food produced today is lost or wasted, leading to large amounts of organic waste and animal manure that harm the environment if not properly managed. The traditional way of producing and consuming goods also creates issues for the economy, ecosystems, and society. To address these challenges, Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae composting offers a smart solution. This technology tackles two key problems: managing organic waste and reducing the high cost of animal feed in the region. BSF larvae turn organic waste into valuable protein feed for animals and nutrient-rich fertilizer, cutting down on waste sent to landfills and reducing environmental harm. The larvae are highly efficient at transforming organic by-products into protein-rich feed, providing a more sustainable option for fish and chicken farming. By reusing agricultural waste, BSF technology supports a circular economy that benefits both the environment and the economy.
Low-cost vaccination for poultry The technology is a universal vaccination against Newcastle Diseases, a viral disease that severely undermines poultry production in Africa. The disease is highly contagious, spreading through airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing among infected birds . It affects chickens of all ages, but young chicks are most susceptible, with mortality levels as high as 00%. The disease can be controlled through vaccination, and the recent development of a thermostable vaccine, ND I-2, has resulted in proactive and strict control of this disease threat. The ND I-2 vaccine was developed using a temperature-tolerant strain of the Newcastle Disease virus, resulting in thermostability of the antigen. The vaccine is low-cost, available in smaller vials containing 00-200 doses, suitable for chickens of all ages, and can be easily applied using plastic eye droppers.