Quantifying optimal thermal environments for crickets, a promising protein source

量化蟋蟀的最佳热环境，蟋蟀是一种有前途的蛋白质来源

• 批准号: 531336-2018
• 负责人: MacMillan, Heath
• 金额: $ 1.81万
• 依托单位: Carleton University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Engage Grants Program
• 财政年份: 2018
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2018-01-01 至 2019-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=658346
• 关键词: Quantifying; optimal; thermal; environments; crickets

A great deal of effort has allowed us to determine the optimal rearing conditions of many animals that are**raised for food. Insects are increasingly being reared as a useful and potentially more ecologically sustainable**source of protein for livestock and human consumption. Although more than a third of the world's population**eats insects on a daily basis, there has been little research on the ideal rearing conditions of many insects raised**for this purpose. Unlike most animals raised for meat, insects are ectotherms, meaning their body temperature**matches the temperature of their environment, and strongly influences their ability to move, eat, and reproduce.**In order to maximize insect farm yields, reduce costs, and ensure animal welfare, we are studying how**temperature influences cricket growth and survival throughout their lifecycle. First, we will examine the**current thermal environment of crickets grown at the farm. By mimicking those conditions in the laboratory,**we will determine the upper critical limits of survival for cricket eggs, juveniles, and adults. Finally, by**manipulating the thermal environment crickets are raised in, we will find rearing conditions for each life stage**that maximize animal welfare (survival to adulthood) and growth rates. This research will greatly benefit the**farm, as it will result in knowledge on the optimal rearing conditions of farm raised crickets and establish**temperature safety limits for raising crickets in high density.

大量的努力使我们能够确定许多动物的最佳饲养条件，这些动物被饲养用于食物。昆虫越来越多地被饲养，作为牲畜和人类消费的一种有用的、可能更具生态可持续性的蛋白质来源。尽管世界上超过三分之一的人口每天吃昆虫，但对于许多为此目的而饲养的昆虫的理想饲养条件却几乎没有研究。与大多数饲养的肉类动物不同，昆虫是外温动物，这意味着它们的体温与环境温度相匹配，并强烈影响它们的移动，进食和繁殖能力。为了最大限度地提高昆虫农场的产量，降低成本，并确保动物福利，我们正在研究温度如何影响蟋蟀在整个生命周期中的生长和生存。首先，我们将检查蟋蟀在农场生长的当前热环境。通过在实验室中模拟这些条件，我们将确定蟋蟀卵、青少年和成年人的生存临界上限。最后，通过操纵蟋蟀饲养的热环境，我们将找到每个生命阶段的饲养条件，最大限度地提高动物福利（存活到成年）和生长速度。这项研究将大大有利于 ** 农场，因为它将导致对农场饲养蟋蟀的最佳饲养条件的知识，并建立高密度饲养蟋蟀的温度安全限制。