Method of Planning and Scheduling the Production Process of Yellow Mealworm Larvae for a Small Enterprise

• Published in: Applied sciences 2024-08, Vol.14 (16), p.7051
• Main Author: Kowalski, Arkadiusz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal husbandry; Automation; Farms; Feeds; Food; indicators; Industrial production; Material requirements planning; Monitoring systems; Nutrition research; production plan; production process; production system design; Proteins; rearing of mealworm larvae; scheduling
• ISSN: 2076-3417; 2076-3417
• DOI: 10.3390/app14167051

In the context of the growing demand for alternative protein sources with the growth of the human population and increasing ecological awareness, the rearing of yellow mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) is a promising option for the production of sustainable protein. The article presents a comprehensive approach to planning and scheduling the production of yellow mealworm larvae in a small enterprise, focusing on the organizational, technical, and economic aspects of the production process. The production installation, the method of rearing using an automated feeding system, and the monitoring of larvae development were described and an attempt was made to identify the key parameters of the process that affect its efficiency. Particular attention was paid to the calculation algorithm implemented in the spreadsheet, which allows the selection of the production batch size and the frequency of their launch, so as to maximize the available capacity of storage racks for cuvettes. In addition, the article analyses logistical challenges related to the production of larvae, including transport activities in order to meet, among others, the demand for feed. Finally, the estimation of revenues and economic indicators, such as profitability and return on investment, is presented, pointing to the need for further improvements in the production process and cost optimization to achieve favorable financial results. The results of the research emphasize the potential of rearing yellow mealworm larvae as a sustainable source of protein while simultaneously pointing to key areas that require further research and development.