Effect of genetic type and low protein diets on the environmental footprint of intensive medium-heavy pig production system

• Main Authors: Marco Berton, Luigi Gallo, Giuseppe Carcò, Stefano Schiavon, Enrico Sturaro
• Format: Article
• Language: Bulgarian
• Published: University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture 2018-12-01
• Series: Journal of Central European Agriculture
• Subjects: feed efficiency; life cycle assessment; low protein diet; pig fattening
• Online Access: https://jcea.agr.hr/articles/773462_Effect_of_genetic_type_and_low_protein_diets_on_the_environmental_footprint_of_intensive_medium_heavy_pig_production_syste_en.pdf

This study aims to evaluate the effect of two different genetic groups and of the dietary protein content (16.1 vs 14%, conventional - CONV vs low crude protein - LCP) on the environmental footprint of the intensive medium-heavy pigs (final BW of 145 kg) system in northern Italy through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The experiment involved 92 barrows with the same age, originated by the same maternal line and by two different commercial paternal lines intended for medium-heavy pig production. Pigs were allotted 12 individuals per pen and fed according to the same feeding curve, based on a moderate restricted feed allowance increased on a week-by-week basis. The LCA model included emissions related to animal handling, manure storage and feedstuffs production. The functional unit was 1 kg of body weight gained (BWG). Impact categories assessed were (mean values into brackets): global warming (GWP, 2.3 kg CO2-eq), acidification (AP, 48 g SO2-eq) and eutrophication (EP, 24 g PO4-eq). Impact values were analyzed with a mixed model testing the effect of diet and genetic group. All the impact categories were affected by diet (P<0.001) and genetic group (P<0.05). The LCP diet showed lower values of GWP, AP and EP than CONV diet (-18, -12 and -3%, respectively). Low protein diets can effectively reduce the environmental footprint of intensive pig production, with no effects on productive performances. However, feedstuffs type and origin should be considered to not nullify the emissions savings.