FROM NUCLEUS TO PRODUCTION

Scaling Genetic Gains in BSF Farming

Dr Maria Martinez Castillero – Head of Genetics & Breeding Programme, Beta Bugs Ltd

Dr Maria Martinez Castillero speaks to Beta Buzz about her presentation at this years’ BSF CON, “Genetic Selection Drives Scalable Gains in BSF Production,” where she explored how the principles of livestock and aquaculture breeding; nucleus, multiplication, and production are being adapted for insects, and why scalability is key to turning genetic potential into real-world impact.

From breakthroughs in technology to growing global interest, the conference also highlighted just how quickly Black Soldier Fly farming is maturing. Among the standout themes was the increasing focus on genetics and breeding, a critical step in moving the sector from promising innovation to large-scale commercialisation.

“We are now moving BSF Genetics from academic theory to industry application. Scaling is the bridge between genetic potential and commercial reality.”

 

BSFCon 2025: Momentum and Optimism in Cambridge

The recent BSFCon concluded on a high note, leaving attendees energised and optimistic about the future of the insect industry. While challenges remain, as they do in any sector, the enthusiasm and commitment from those involved were clear. One particularly encouraging takeaway was the growing interest in genetics and breeding.

A special shout-out goes to the event organisers for hosting such a well-run conference in the beautiful city of Cambridge.

Shifting the Lens: From Controlled Environments to Real-World Impact

My talk was scheduled for the final day, under the Genetics and Genomics section, and it was a pleasure to share the stage with colleagues presenting exciting work in this space.

My presentation, titled “Genetic Selection Drives Scalable Gains in BSF Production,” focused on a topic that is central to our mission as a genetics company: how to translate genetic progress from controlled environments to real-world production systems.

In previous conferences, we have focussed on the nucleus level (the heart of our selective breeding programme) where we work on creating long-term genetic gain, and improved genetic performance, by selecting for key traits. For this conference, I wanted to shift the lens to a very critical step: scaling and transmitting those gains through multiplication.

Three Levels, One Goal: Turning Genetics into Scalable Performance

The nucleus-to-multiplication pipeline is well established in livestock and aquaculture, but remains underexplored in insect farming. Yet, it is essential. Without a robust multiplication strategy, even the most promising genetic improvements may not deliver their full value.

In Black Soldier Fly (BSF) production, we recognise three distinct levels: nucleus, where we select and improve traits; multiplication, where we validate those traits in a scaled-up setting; and production, where we deliver consistent performance at commercial scale. Each level has its own focus, outcomes, and data resolution.

• At the nucleus, we collect detailed data across families and individuals.

• At multiplication level, data is gathered at the rearing and breeding unit level.

• At production scale, we focus on high-level key performance indicators across the facility.

In summary, genetic improvement begins in the nucleus, is scaled in multiplication, and delivers impact in production (see table 1).

Proof in the Data: Selected Lines Outperform the Baseline

To demonstrate this pipeline in action, we benchmarked a HiPer-Fly®️ selected line (under selective breeding) against an unselected line. We tested both under nucleus conditions to measure genetic potential and multiplication conditions to assess scalability. We focused on two traits: body weight at day 14, a commercially relevant trait, and pupae yield per tray, which we know is a suitable proxy for overall mass gain because larval mass at day 14 and pupal mass are are strongly correlated.

This means that gains in one trait often translate to gains in the other trait. This is crucial for breeding programmes, where some traits are difficult or costly to measure directly.

“A product that performs well but is difficult to scale would have limited commercial potential.”

 

Under nucleus conditions, the selected line showed 24.0% higher body weight at day 14 (wet) and 19.5% higher body weight at day 14 (dry) than the unselected line. We then moved the selected line into a routine multiplication setting.

The results were encouraging: 86.7% of trays outperformed the multiplication baseline set by the unselected line, and 69.7% of those trays exceeded the maximum baseline. These are positive early indicators that genetic gains achieved at the nucleus level can indeed be scaled, a key first step on the path to commercialisation.

From Grams to Kilograms: Meeting Multiplication Demands

As a genetics company, we are not only focused on developing high-performing lines. We are also thinking about scalability. How do we go from a low-gram amounts in a nucleus facility to meeting the demands of a full-scale multiplication operation that will run at kg/day of egg output? Understanding this transition is critical, which is why we have also shown, that it only takes a small number of scale-up runs to reach those multiplication demands.

This means that supply and scale-up of genetics within multiplier or producer operations can be achieved within a realistic timeline. This is important, because a product that performs well but is difficult to scale would have limited commercial potential.

“By demonstrating improved performance at nucleus and multiplier level, we are able to show how genetics can be integrated into the marketplace.”

 

Moving from Theory to Application: Genetics for the Industry

Put together, this work, and the talk given, demonstrated how we at Beta Bugs are moving the conversation on BSF genetics from academic theory to industry application.

By demonstrating improved performance at nucleus and multiplier level, we are able to show how genetics can be integrated into the marketplace in a meaningful, scalable way, in the same language that producers, operators and partners can understand.

Check out our socials

In this issue, we spotlight companies and experts leading these developments – from innovative screening technologies and waste-to-protein case studies, to the evolving regulations shaping the future of insect-based bioconversion. You’ll also find insights into the role genetics plays in scaling production efficiently across diverse waste streams.

At Beta Bugs, we’re proud to contribute to this fast-moving ecosystem supporting the development of practical, scalable solutions that make circular economy principles a reality. Together, we’re not just making better insects – we’re building a more sustainable, resource-efficient world.

Read Issue 6 here

Enjoy this issue, and keep driving the BSF sector forward. It’s here to stay, and will play a vital role in feeding our growing population while managing the wastes it creates.

If you have any questions about Beta Bugs or require any further information on our products, please do get in touch at info@betabugs.uk, outlining your query and one of the Beta Bugs team members will get back to you.

Best regards,

Beta Bugs Limited