Breakthrough in Smart Farm Breeding: Artificial Feed for Gosoae Developed

The Rural ​Development Administration‌ has made a significant breakthrough in smart farm breeding by developing an artificial feed exclusively for ‘gosoae’ in collaboration with the Gangwon-do Agricultural Products ‌Seed Center.

Gosoae, ⁢also known as ⁣brown beetle larvae, is a‍ highly nutritious edible insect that contains over ⁣75%‍ unsaturated fatty acids and‌ 51% protein. ‍It has been found to have numerous‌ health benefits, including suppressing muscle loss and anti-inflammatory effects.

According to recent statistics, 9% of domestic insect farms (278 farms) are ⁣currently ⁤raising gosoae, with sales of gosoae primary products accounting for 11% ​(KRW 5 billion) of the total‌ sales of insect primary products (KRW 47.3‍ billion).

Key Features of the Artificial Feed

The newly developed feed is made into ​a pellet ​form by mixing wheat bran with natural​ antibacterial agents⁤ and ‍vegetable powder for mineral supply. This innovative feed has been shown to significantly improve the growth and development of gosoae larvae.

Research has revealed that larvae fed medium-sized pellet feed from the third instar ‍gained up to 2.2 times more weight than those fed 100% wheat ⁢bran. Additionally, larvae fed 100% wheat bran survived as‌ larvae without ​pupating for 12 weeks, extending the harvest period.

Benefits of the Artificial Feed

The application of this new feed enables the uniform management of high-quality wheat flour, control of harvest ⁣time, ⁤and minimization of ⁤the impact of wheat⁣ bran powder on the respiratory‌ system of workers. Furthermore, the need to separately supply​ moisture with ​cabbage leaves is​ eliminated, reducing labor and facilitating hygiene management of breeding facilities.

According to estimates, the use of‌ this developed feed can generate an additional 4.5 million won‌ in annual profits⁢ compared to 100% wheat bran feed for ⁣100 boxes⁣ (581 kg) of Gosoaae.

Future Plans

The Rural Development Administration and Gangwon-do Agricultural Products Seed Center have applied for a patent on the results of this ‌study and plan to produce and distribute the feed‍ in the future at the feed manufacturing facility within the Gangwon-do insect industry ⁢hub complex.