How flies are quietly transforming the future of animal feed

The article highlights how Nasekomo, a biotechnology company, is revolutionizing animal feed production by using the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae to convert organic agricultural by-products into nutrient-rich protein meal and insect oil. This sustainable approach addresses the growing global demand for animal feed amid challenges like climate change and resource scarcity. The process is circular and zero-waste: larvae feed on organic waste, and the residual frass is repurposed as organic fertilizer, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that transforms low-value biomass into high-value products. To scale this innovative feed production, Nasekomo partnered with Siemens, which developed a Digital Twin system and AI-driven franchise model to ensure precision, repeatability, and quality across multiple facilities. Siemens’ Solid Edge 3D CAD software enables custom design and virtual prototyping of equipment tailored to the biological needs of the larvae, optimizing conditions such as temperature and humidity. Meanwhile, Tecnomatix Plant Simulation software creates a virtual replica of