We offer the opportunity to work independently on a 6- to 12-month project in the field of data science in an innovative and exciting environment.

Poultry meat is one of the most consumed animal foods. As far as poultry rearing is concerned, feed production gives the most important contribution to all different environmental categories. New environmentally friendly sources of protein for feed are required to reduce the ecological footprint of poultry production. The use of insects as feed ingredients is a very hot topic for 5 to 10 years already. The progress made has led to authorization and use of insect processed animal protein in feed for farmed fish, with feed for other domestic animals expected to follow soon. In addition to being a nutritious feed, some insect species are interesting because of their ability to convert wide range of organic side-streams. As insects are natural part of poultry diet, feeding insects to chicken doesn’t only provide necessary nutrients but also has positive impact on animal health and welfare.

The work on thesis "Chicken or Egg? Sustainability of insects feeding to poultry" will initially include comprehensive literature review of insect utilization in poultry feed. Further, it will include work on life cycle assessment with available and modelled data, measuring and comparing environmental impacts of utilization of different poultry diets, starting from conventional feed to different options of insect-based feed. Finally, the thesis (Bachelor / Master) will estimate the most environmentally beneficial poultry nourishment option and recommend ways to decrease environmental impact through use of insects for adjustments of poultry diet.

The German Institute for Food Technology (DIL e.V.) is involved in the breeding of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) and the fattening of its larvae. Breeding and fattening are to be further expanded and scientific approaches are to be pursued.