11 ways pig farmers can aim for net zero

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the pig industry (for each unit of meat) are lower than the dairy, beef and sheep sectors.

However, there are still ways producers can reduce their carbon footprint.

Improving pig genetics and health, incorporating alternative protein sources into the diet and better handling of manure all have potential to cut GHGs.

But which have the greatest potential, and how do their costs compare?

Research into a range of mitigation strategies was carried out by a group of scientists for the Centre of Innovation and Excellence in Livestock (Ciel), headed by Professor Elizabeth Magowan from the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (see “Mitigation strategies to reduce GHG emissions in pigs”).

The research shows, for example, genetic improvement could be a low-cost way of reducing methane and nitrous oxide emissions associated with pork production and would also be very easy to implement now.

By contrast, precision feeding and management may be a costly strategy to reduce emissions and is not yet feasible for widescale adoption.

This series takes as its starting point the Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock’s recent report Net Zero and Livestock: How Farmers Can Reduce Emissions.

Expert’s view: Stephen Hall, independent pig consultant

Stephen Hall says there is a real opportunity for pig producers to improve the efficiency of their systems, while reducing the emissions associated with pork production.

Below, Mr Hall gives his advice on the strategies for success when it comes to tackling net zero in the pig sector.

Genetic and health improvements

A weakness in our industry is rate of sow retention – it averages around 50% to the fifth parity. There is scope to lift this to about 85%.

Traditionally, we have selected for bigger litters and better feed efficiency in the progeny, but this has compromised the ability to reach the “optimums” that will now help with carbon emissions.

Breeding for longevity now has to be a priority.

Improvements in genetics are happening, and breeding companies are at the frontier of genetic science. But now progress is about working with producers at farm level to get the benefits from this.

By increasing the retention rate, we can reduce the number of sows required within the herd to keep production at the same level. This will be an important mitigation for reducing carbon emissions.

Feeding for efficiency

Simply feeding animals more efficiently for the stage of life they are at will really help on the emissions front. It is possible to be more precise without technology if investment is a barrier.

Practically, this could mean staged feeding during the development of the gilt and then, once she is in her production cycles, feeding her relative to her continued physical development. Factors to consider here are her age at first service, weight, backfat and so on.

Other technologies available now can also help efficiencies. Individual and group sow feeding technology is beneficial for the pig, and also enables producers to develop feed curves for individual animals – driving the overall feeding efficiency.

Managing manure better

One pig unit in China is capturing manure at the point of defecation, by training the pigs to toilet in one specific area. From here, it is separated, and the water purified.

As well as a notable lack of smell reported at these units, it has reduced the lying around and leaking of manure [which is directly related to emissions].

Pigs are clever animals and there is scope to manage them in different ways to benefit emissions.