INTERVIEW 22 F&A Alternative Proteins Edition October 2023 we personally captured in nature and have grown in a controlled and monitored environment since then. We grow them in a fully traceable manner, based on the tight proprietary protocols developed by our entomology team. This is done in our production sites both in Israel and in Germany (in collaboration with Hermetia GmbH). Our PauseM® units’ production capacity can already support the breeding streams required in several large-scale BSF facilities simultaneously. Are you considering other species? We are currently focused on BSF solely but we are also working to harness the power of molecular genetics to enhance the species' capabilities and create new genetic lines of BSF with improved industrial properties. As part of being focused on BSF, combined with our unique insect genetic expertise, we have embarked on the development of new BSF lines with enhanced properties. We wanted to improve the wild-type BSF qualities as protein supply and foodwaste reduction “machines”. We started this route with FreezeM’s genetic team developing a novel BSF genetic platform. Over the last two years, they have created a highly powerful platform for precise genome editing in BSF, using CRISPR-Cas9 as an exploratory R&D sandbox to identify the phenotype of potential new strains. The team has successfully edited over 400 gene targets since the platform was established in the lab and has made it possible to create multiple enhanced strains of BSF for various applications. Once the new strains’ phenotype has been laid out, although first discovered via CRISPR-Cas9, the development is also achievable via traditional pathways. This ensures our new strains align with European GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) regulations. Utilizing our advanced BSF genetic platform, we're proud to introduce our first revolutionary BSF strain: BSF-Titan. What is BSF-Titan and how does it enhance production efficiency compared to the wild type? BSF-Titan represents a leap in protein production. Designed with augmented rearing traits, it can attain 50% larger larvae sizes at the rearing final stage. This new designed strain promises significant cost savings and augmented feed conversion rates, promoting sustainable and efficient protein production. To quantify, current facilities require 15-20 tons of waste-based feed to produce a ton of insect meal, incurring feed costs of up to €600. However, with BSF-Titan's 25% improved FCR (Food Conversion Rate) relative to the wild-type, this can be cut to €450. Its increased larval size further cuts production expenses by shortening cycle times and yielding more protein. Overall, BSF-Titan enables the production of more protein with fewer resources (fewer larvae and less feedstock). When is BSF-Titan anticipated to be market-ready? BSF-Titan is presently undergoing intensive trials and further characterization. Preliminary results align with our projections. To further validate its ef-
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