Including CO2-emission in the formulation of animal feed: methodology and critical issues for translating theory into practice

Feed production has a major contribution in the total energy use and related CO2-emissions of intensive animal production systems. Hence, CO2-emission from intensive animal production could be substantially decreased if compound feeds would be used that result in less CO2-emission during manufacturing, compared to the feeds that are currently used in farming practice. To achieve this, we propose a methodology to formulate CO2-low pig feeds that can readily be used in farming practice. A life cycle assessment will be performed for different feed components, starting with soybean meal. In this research, we pay specific attention to the transfer of the theoretical knowledge and methodology into a practical tool to be implemented by compound feed producers to decrease the CO2-emission of their products. While performing this research, some major bottlenecks, related to the choice of boundaries, the availability of data and the development of a shared vision, became apparent that may prevent implementation of the proposed methodology in practice. These involve mainly statements and choices that have to be made by the intended end-users of the tool. Therefore, this study is performed in collaboration with experts and stakeholders from the animal feed industry.

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