OVOCHAIN Operational Group: Circular valorization of egg by-products using insects to obtain high-quality eggs

The project provides a practical framework that enables poultry producers to implement circular strategies based on egg by-products. Clear tools and recommendations are developed to transform low-value waste into new animal feed ingredients. The main benefit is facilitating decision-making and reducing uncertainty in the adoption of new practices. This allows for less dependence on external raw materials and improved farm efficiency. Users can apply the results by following the defined guidelines and incorporating these ingredients into their feeding systems, thus improving the sustainability and profitability of their operations.

This activity generates new insect feed ingredients from unmarketable eggs, transforming them into a useful and manageable resource. These ingredients are safe and stable, facilitating their use in rearing systems. The main benefit is reducing the costs associated with waste management and converting it into a valuable input. This allows for improved resource efficiency and reduced feed costs. Users can apply the results by incorporating these treated byproducts into insect diets, replacing conventional raw materials and generating new economic opportunities within their operations.

The project develops high-value ingredients for chicken feed derived from insects fed with egg byproducts. These ingredients offer a sustainable alternative to traditional sources like soy. The main benefit is improved feed efficiency and reduced costs, as well as a lessened environmental impact. Producers can use these ingredients to diversify their feed formulations and reduce their reliance on external raw materials. Their application allows them to maintain productivity and incorporate innovative solutions that improve profitability and market positioning in increasingly demanding markets.

This process allows for the direct transformation of egg byproducts into stable feed ingredients for hens, without the need for insects. These ingredients are obtained in formats that are easy to store and use. The main benefit is offering a simple and economical solution for reusing waste within the production chain itself. Producers can reduce raw material costs and improve resource utilization. The application involves incorporating these ingredients into hen diets, decreasing the need to manage waste and generating immediate economic value.

The project provides clear information on the nutritional value and behavior of new ingredients derived from egg by-products and insects. This allows producers to understand their actual impact on animal feed. The main benefit is reducing the risk associated with introducing new raw materials, ensuring that animal productivity and health are not compromised. Users can leverage this data to adjust their formulations and improve efficiency. This facilitates the safer adoption of innovative ingredients and contributes to more sustainable production.

This activity analyzes how new ingredients affect egg quality, considering aspects such as shell strength, nutritional profile, and final product characteristics. The main benefit is enabling producers to adopt new feeding strategies without compromising quality or market acceptance. The results reduce uncertainty when introducing new ingredients. Application involves adjusting formulations based on the recommendations obtained, maintaining quality standards and improving sustainability and economic efficiency.

The project incorporates communication initiatives aimed at disseminating the results to producers, feed manufacturers, and other stakeholders in the sector. These initiatives ensure that the information is accessible and understandable. The main benefit is facilitating access to knowledge and accelerating the adoption of new feeding strategies. Users can utilize these materials to better understand how to implement the developed solutions, reducing the effort required to incorporate new practices into their operations.

The project develops practical materials such as guides, technical documents, and explanatory content that facilitate the implementation of the solutions. These materials transform the results into useful information for the end user. The main benefit is reducing complexity and facilitating the adoption of new strategies based on circular resources. Producers can use these documents as reference tools to incorporate new ingredients and adapt their practices with greater confidence and clarity.

The training activities enable users to understand and effectively apply the project's results. These sessions provide practical knowledge on using new ingredients and adapting feeding strategies. The main benefit is improving users' capacity and reducing barriers to adoption. Participants acquire skills to introduce changes in their operations, facilitating a faster transition to more sustainable and efficient practices.

The project defines a strategy that allows the results to be used beyond their initial duration. Application opportunities, potential users, and ways to expand the use of the solutions are identified. The main benefit is maximizing the impact of the innovations developed. Industry stakeholders can use this strategy as a guide to adopt and expand the use of circular ingredients, improving their competitiveness and long-term sustainability.