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Sarpong N, Seifert J, Bennewitz J, Rodehutscord M, Camarinha-Silva A. Microbial signatures and enterotype clusters in fattening pigs: implications for nitrogen utilization efficiency. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1354537. [PMID: 38659980 PMCID: PMC11040106 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1354537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
As global demand for pork continues to rise, strategies to enhance nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) in pig farming have become vital for environmental sustainability. This study explored the relationship between the fecal microbiota, their metabolites, and NUE in crossbreed fattening pigs with a defined family structure. Pigs were kept under standardized conditions and fed in a two-phase feeding regime. In each phase, one fecal sample was collected from each pig. DNA was extracted from a total of 892 fecal samples and subjected to target amplicon sequencing. The results indicated an influence of sire, sampling period (SP), and sex on the fecal microbiota. Streptococcus emerged as a potential biomarker in comparing high and low NUE pigs in SP 1, suggesting a genetic predisposition to NUE regarding the fecal microbiota. All fecal samples were grouped into two enterotype-like clusters named cluster LACTO and cluster CSST. Pigs' affiliation with enterotype-like clusters altered over time and might be sex-dependent. The stable cluster CSST demonstrated the highest NUE despite containing pigs with lower performance characteristics such as average daily gain, dry matter intake, and daily nitrogen retention. This research contributes with valuable insights into the microbiome's role in NUE, paving the way for future strategies to enhance sustainable pig production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Sarpong
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
- HoLMiR - Hohenheim Center for Livestock Microbiome Research, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jana Seifert
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
- HoLMiR - Hohenheim Center for Livestock Microbiome Research, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jörn Bennewitz
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
- HoLMiR - Hohenheim Center for Livestock Microbiome Research, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Markus Rodehutscord
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
- HoLMiR - Hohenheim Center for Livestock Microbiome Research, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Amélia Camarinha-Silva
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
- HoLMiR - Hohenheim Center for Livestock Microbiome Research, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
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Moungsree S, Neamhom T, Polprasert S, Suwannahong K, Polprasert C, Patthanaissaranukool W. Greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint of maize-based feed products for animal farming in Thailand. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:2657-2670. [PMID: 38066284 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31408-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Due to the growing demand for livestock products both within the country and in foreign markets, there is a need to boost the production of maize-based animal feed in Thailand. However, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the potential for reducing these emissions through the production of various types of animal feed remain ambiguous. Thus, this study is aimed at estimating GHG emissions from broiler, layer, and swine feed production in Thailand and identifying economic advantages of alternative methods to mitigate those emissions. Field surveys were carried out to quantify the input and output of energy and materials in 10 commercial feed mills so as to determine greenhouse gas emissions using proper emission factors. The scope of this study is based on the cradle-to-gate approach. The functional unit used for greenhouse gas evaluation was kg CO2-eq/t of feed. Total greenhouse gas emissions from broiler, layer, and swine feed production were found to be 650 ± 20, 706 ± 20, and 466 ± 20 kg CO2-eq/t of feed, respectively. Layer feed production created the highest greenhouse gas emissions, 1.09 and 1.52 times that of broiler and swine feed production, respectively. This is because layer feed required intensive fish meal (FM) as protein sources for improving egg quality. In broiler and swine feed production, the most significant emissions are attributed to the use of maize grain (MG) and soybean meal (SBM) as sources of carbohydrate and protein in those feeds. However, animal feed production operation at the existing condition still emits CO2 to the atmosphere as CO2 fixation efficiencies of 69.3, 67.5, and 75.9% for broiler, layer, and swine feed, respectively. From the sustainable resource consumption scenarios in broiler, layer, and swine feed production, approximately 39.6, 49.6, and 43.3% reduced carbon emissions could be achieved by using MG rotated with SB in the maize plantation phase and substituting FM, wheat grain and fossil fuel needed in the manufacturing process with SBM, locally-produced tapioca chips and biomass energy. Consequently, the potential cost savings of such replacements were determined to be 54.0, 62.5, and 29.7 USD/t of feed, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savitree Moungsree
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), OPS, MHESI, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thanakrit Neamhom
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), OPS, MHESI, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Supawadee Polprasert
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), OPS, MHESI, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kowit Suwannahong
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Burapha University, Chon Buri, 20131, Thailand
| | - Chongchin Polprasert
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), OPS, MHESI, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Sanitary Engineering, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Withida Patthanaissaranukool
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), OPS, MHESI, Bangkok, Thailand.
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van der Heijden I, Monteyne AJ, Stephens FB, Wall BT. Alternative dietary protein sources to support healthy and active skeletal muscle aging. Nutr Rev 2023; 81:206-230. [PMID: 35960188 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuac049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
To mitigate the age-related decline in skeletal muscle quantity and quality, and the associated negative health outcomes, it has been proposed that dietary protein recommendations for older adults should be increased alongside an active lifestyle and/or structured exercise training. Concomitantly, there are growing environmental concerns associated with the production of animal-based dietary protein sources. The question therefore arises as to where this dietary protein required for meeting the protein demands of the rapidly aging global population should (or could) be obtained. Various non-animal-derived protein sources possess favorable sustainability credentials, though much less is known (compared with animal-derived proteins) about their ability to influence muscle anabolism. It is also likely that the anabolic potential of various alternative protein sources varies markedly, with the majority of options remaining to be investigated. The purpose of this review was to thoroughly assess the current evidence base for the utility of alternative protein sources (plants, fungi, insects, algae, and lab-grown "meat") to support muscle anabolism in (active) older adults. The solid existing data portfolio requires considerable expansion to encompass the strategic evaluation of the various types of dietary protein sources. Such data will ultimately be necessary to support desirable alterations and refinements in nutritional guidelines to support healthy and active aging, while concomitantly securing a sustainable food future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ino van der Heijden
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, College of Life Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Alistair J Monteyne
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, College of Life Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Francis B Stephens
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, College of Life Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin T Wall
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, College of Life Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Pomar C, Andretta I, Remus A. Feeding Strategies to Reduce Nutrient Losses and Improve the Sustainability of Growing Pigs. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:742220. [PMID: 34778430 PMCID: PMC8581561 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.742220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficiency of pig production using nutrients has increased over the years. Still, better efficiency of nutrient utilization can be achieved by feeding pigs with diets adjusted to their estimated requirements. An increase in nutrient efficiency of utilization represents economic gains while maximizing environmental performance. The objective of this paper is to review the impact of different methods of diet formulation that provide farm animals with the amount of nutrients to satisfy their needs while minimizing nutrient excretion and greenhouse gas emissions. Diet formulation is one tool that can help to maximize nitrogen and energy utilization by decreasing crude protein content in diets. The use of local feedstuff and non-human-edible products (e.g., canola meal) associated with synthetic amino acid inclusion in the diet are valuable techniques to reduce carbon footprint. Precision feeding and nutrition is another powerful tool that allows not only daily tailoring of diets for maximal nutrient efficiency of utilization but also to reduce costs and improve nitrogen efficiency of utilization. In this review, we simulated through mathematical models the nitrogen and energy efficiency of utilization resulting from crude protein reduction in the diet. An 8% crude protein reduction in the diet can increase nitrogen efficiency of utilization by 54% while costing 11% less than a control diet without synthetic amino acids. The same reduction in crude protein represented a major improvement in available energy due to the decrease of energetic losses linked to protein deamination. Urinary and hindgut fermentation energy losses were 24% lower for pigs fed with low-protein diets when compared to control diets. In terms of modern feeding techniques and strategies, precision feeding and nutrition can decrease nitrogen excretion by 30% when compared to group phase feeding. The benefits of feeding pigs with low-protein diets and precision feeding techniques are additive and might result in a 61% nitrogen efficiency of utilization. There is room for improvement in the way nutrient requirements are estimated in pigs. Improving the understanding of the variation of nutrient utilization among pigs can contribute to further environmental gains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candido Pomar
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Ines Andretta
- Faculdade de Agronomia, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Aline Remus
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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Potential Development of Sustainable 3D-Printed Meat Analogues: A Review. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13020938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
To mitigate the threat of climate change driven by livestock meat production, a multifaceted approach that incorporates dietary changes, innovative product development, advances in technologies, and reductions in food wastes/losses is proposed. The emerging technology of 3D printing (3DP) has been recognized for its unprecedented capacity to fabricate food products with intricate structures and reduced material cost and energy. For sustainable 3DP of meat substitutes, the possible materials discussed are derived from in vitro cell culture, meat byproducts/waste, insects, and plants. These material-based approaches are analyzed from their potential environmental effects, technological viability, and consumer acceptance standpoints. Although skeletal muscles and skin are bioprinted for medical applications, they could be utilized as meat without the additional printing of vascular networks. The impediments to bioprinting of meat are lack of food-safe substrates/materials, cost-effectiveness, and scalability. The sustainability of bioprinting could be enhanced by the utilization of generic/universal components or scaffolds and optimization of cell sourcing and fabrication logistics. Despite the availability of several plants and their byproducts and some start-up ventures attempting to fabricate food products, 3D printing of meat analogues remains a challenge. From various insects, powders, proteins (soluble/insoluble), lipids, and fibers are produced, which—in different combinations and at optimal concentrations—can potentially result in superior meat substitutes. Valuable materials derived from meat byproducts/wastes using low energy methods could reduce waste production and offset some greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Apart from printer innovations (speed, precision, and productivity), rational structure of supply chain and optimization of material flow and logistic costs can improve the sustainability of 3D printing. Irrespective of the materials used, perception-related challenges exist for 3D-printed food products. Consumer acceptance could be a significant challenge that could hinder the success of 3D-printed meat analogs.
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Abstract
The purpose of this review is to identify the main influencing factors related to dairy cow health as it impacts the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions considering known data presented in the literature. For this study, we define the emission intensity as CO2 equivalents per kilogram of milk. In dairy cows, a high dry matter (DM) intake (25 kg/d) leads to an higher absolute methane emission compared to a lower DM intake (10 kg/d). However, the emission intensity is decreased at a high performance level. The emissions caused by DM intake to cover the energy requirement for maintenance are distributed over a higher milk yield. Therefore, the emission intensity per kilogram of product is decreased for high-yielding animals with a high DM intake. Apart from that, animal diseases as well as poor environmental or nutritional conditions are responsible for a decreased DM intake and a compromised performance. As a result, animal diseases not only mean reduced productivity, but also increased emission intensity. The productive life-span of a dairy cow is closely related to animal health, and the impact on emission intensity is enormous. A model calculation shows that cows with five to eight lactations could have a reduced emission intensity of up to 40% compared to animals that have left the herd after their first lactation. This supports the general efforts to increase longevity of dairy cows by an improved health management including all measures to prevent diseases.
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Zhang H, Guo S, Qian Y, Liu Y, Lu C. Dynamic analysis of agricultural carbon emissions efficiency in Chinese provinces along the Belt and Road. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228223. [PMID: 32032386 PMCID: PMC7006910 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
To better understand the agricultural resources and environmental problems of the provinces along The Belt and Road in China, it is critical to investigate their agricultural carbon emission efficiency and evolutionary trends. Based on the panel data of 18 key provinces and cities between 2006 and 2015, this paper evaluated the agricultural carbon emission efficiency with the data envelopment analysis–Malmquist model and further explored their dynamic evolutionary trends. There were several main findings. First, the efficiency levels of agricultural carbon emissions showed significant regional differentiation among the areas, with that along the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road being much higher than that along the Silk Road Economic Belt. Second, technical efficiency was the key factor that restricted the improvement of the comprehensive efficiency of agricultural carbon. Third, most provinces invested in too many redundant and unreasonably allocated resources, showing a trend of diminishing returns to scale. Last, According to dynamic evolution analysis, the total productivity still demonstrated a diminishing trend. This paper provides some suggestions for effectively improve the efficiency of agricultural carbon emissions in China, such as optimize the agricultural industrial structure, increasing the investment of carbon emission reduction technology, and implementing a carbon emission quota clearing system. This paper contributes to the improvement of the environment in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Zhang
- Sichuan Circular Economy Research Center, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Sidai Guo
- Sichuan Circular Economy Research Center, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Yubing Qian
- Sichuan Circular Economy Research Center, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Sichuan Circular Economy Research Center, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
- School of Public Administration, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Chengpeng Lu
- Institute of County Economy Development & Rural Revitalization Strategy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Lab of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Lab for Environmental Computation and Sustainability of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- * E-mail:
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8
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Affiliation(s)
- Candido Pomar
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Aline Remus
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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9
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Response to dietary methionine supply of growing pigs fed daily tailored diets or fed according to a conventional phase feeding system. Livest Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2019.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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10
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Flachowsky G, Meyer U, Südekum KH. Invited review: Resource inputs and land, water and carbon footprints from the production of edible protein of animal origin. Arch Anim Breed 2018. [DOI: 10.5194/aab-61-17-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract. The objective of this review is to analyze crucial factors in the output from
the production of proteins in food of animal origin, such as milk, meat and
eggs. We then consider inputs such as land, water, fuel, minerals and feed,
as well as characterize emissions. Finally, we estimate footprints for
land (land footprint, LF), water (water footprint, WF) and greenhouse gas
emissions (i.e., carbon footprint, CF) during the production process. The
wide range of different land and water inputs per unit feed between various
studies largely influences the results. Further influencing factors are species and categories of animals that produce
edible protein, their yields and the
feeding of animals. Coproducts with no or low humanly edible fractions and
grassland as feed contribute to a lower need for arable land and lower LF, WF
and CF. The most efficient land use or the lowest LF per kilogram of edible
protein was estimated for higher milk and egg yields; the highest LF values
were calculated for beef, followed by pork. The lowest WF and CF were
calculated for edible protein of chicken meat and eggs. Edible protein from
ruminants is mostly characterized by a higher CF because of the high greenhouse
gas potential of methane produced in the rumen. A key prerequisite for
further progress in this field is the harmonization of data
collection and calculation methods. Alternatives to partial or complete replacement
of protein of terrestrial animals, such as marine animals, insects, cell
cultures, single-cell proteins or “simulated animal products” from plants,
as well as changing eating patterns and reducing food losses are
mentioned as further potential ways for more efficient feed production. For
all those dealing with plant or animal breeding and cultivation and all those
who are working along the whole food production chain, it is a major challenge to enhance
the production of more food for more people with, at the same time, less,
limited resources and lower emissions.
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Flachowsky G, Meyer U, Südekum KH. Land Use for Edible Protein of Animal Origin-A Review. Animals (Basel) 2017; 7:E25. [PMID: 28335483 PMCID: PMC5366844 DOI: 10.3390/ani7030025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The present period is characterized by a growing world population and a higher demand for more and better quality food, as well as other products for an improved standard of living. In the future, there will be increasingly strong competition for arable land and non-renewable resources such as fossil carbon-sources, water, and some minerals, as well as between food, feed, fuel, fiber, flowers, and fun (6 F's). Proteins of animal origin like milk, meat, fish, eggs and, probably, insects are very valuable sources of essential amino acids, minerals and vitamins, but their production consumes some non-renewable resources including arable land and causes considerable emissions. Therefore, this study´s objective was to calculate some examples of the land use (arable land and grassland) for production of edible animal protein taking into consideration important animal species/categories, levels of plant and animal yields, the latter estimated with and without co-products from agriculture, and the food/biofuel industry in animal feeding. There are large differences between animal species/categories and their potential to produce edible protein depending on many influencing variables. The highest amounts per kilogram body weight are produced by growing broiler chicken followed by laying hens and dairy cows; the lowest yields in edible protein and the highest land need were observed for beef cattle. This review clearly indicates that the production of food of animal origin is a very complex process, and selective considerations, i.e., focusing on single factors, do not provide an assessment that reflects the complexity of the subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Flachowsky
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 38116 Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Ulrich Meyer
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 38116 Braunschweig, Germany.
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Makkar HPS, Strnad I, Mittendorfer J. Proficiency Testing of Feed Constituents: A Comparative Evaluation of European and Developing Country Laboratories and Its Implications for Animal Production. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2016; 64:7679-7687. [PMID: 27649077 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.6b02452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Proficiency tests, with two feed samples each year, for various constituents (proximate, macro- and microminerals, feed additives, and amino acids) were conducted in 2014 and 2015. A total of 40 and 50 European and 73 and 63 developing country feed analysis laboratories participated in the study in 2014 and 2015, respectively. The data obtained from these two sets of laboratories in each year enabled a comparison of the performance of the European and developing country laboratories. Higher standard deviation and several-fold higher coefficients of variation were obtained for the developing country laboratories. The coefficients of variation for chemical composition parameters, macrominerals, microminerals, and amino acids were higher by up to 9-fold, 14-fold, 10-fold, and 14-fold, respectively, for the developing country laboratories compared with the European laboratories in 2014, while the corresponding values for 2015 were 4.6-fold, 4.4-fold, 9-fold, and 14-fold higher for developing county laboratories. Also, higher numbers of outliers were observed for developing countries (2014, 7.6-8.7% vs 2.9-3.0%; 2015, 7.7-9.5% vs 4.2-7.0%). The results suggest higher need for developing country feed analysis laboratories to improve the quality of data being generated. The likely impact of higher variability of the data generated in developing countries toward safe and quality preparation of animal diets, their impact on animal productivity, and possible ways to improve the quality of data from developing countries are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- H P S Makkar
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) , Animal Production and Health Division, Rome 00153, Italy
| | - I Strnad
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Institute for Animal Nutrition and Feed , Wieningerstrasse 8, 4020 Linz, Austria
| | - J Mittendorfer
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Institute for Animal Nutrition and Feed , Wieningerstrasse 8, 4020 Linz, Austria
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13
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Makkar HPS. Smart livestock feeding strategies for harvesting triple gain – the desired outcomes in planet, people and profit dimensions: a developing country perspective. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.1071/an15557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Of the total greenhouse gas emission from the livestock sector, 45% relates to feed production and processing. Enteric methane (35%), land-use change (9%) and manure nitrous oxide and manure methane together (9.5%) are the other sources of greenhouse gas emissions, which to a large extent depend on feed types. Inefficient use of feeds reduces profitability. Increasing future feed demand and food-feed-fuel competition have environmental and social impacts. The growth for demand in livestock products comes with social, economic and environmental challenges. This paper argues that the efficient utilisation of feed resources and application of appropriate feeding strategies are vital for strengthening the three conventional pillars of sustainability (environment, social and economic). Towards this end, it identifies and explores a series of promising innovations and practices in feed production and feeding including balanced and phased feeding; increase in the quality and level of use of forages in diets; reduction in use of grains; harvesting forages when nutrient availability per unit of land is maximum; targeted mineral feeding; reduction in feed losses; use of straw-based densified feed blocks; better recycling of human food wastes and human-inedible food components to feed; new business models for production and use of urea-ammoniated straws, urea-molasses blocks, forages and silages in smallholder farms; and use of underutilised locally available feed crops linked with strengthening of seed development and distribution infrastructure. The development of simple tools and on-site assays for correcting nutritional imbalances also offers interesting opportunities. Collection of data on feed availability at the national level, and generation of sound chemical composition and nutritional value data of feeds, are a prerequisite to innovate. The focus of the discussion will be on low-input livestock systems in developing world. A large number of livestock are found in such systems and small improvements can have high global impact. In addition to the technological aspects, policy and institutional building options required to realise large impact are also discussed.
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14
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GHG Mitigation Potential of Different Grazing Strategies in the United States Southern Great Plains. SUSTAINABILITY 2015. [DOI: 10.3390/su71013500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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15
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Effects of feeding nutritionally balanced rations on animal productivity, feed conversion efficiency, feed nitrogen use efficiency, rumen microbial protein supply, parasitic load, immunity and enteric methane emissions of milking animals under field conditions. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2012.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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16
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Vergé XPC, Dyer JA, Worth DE, Smith WN, Desjardins RL, McConkey BG. A Greenhouse Gas and Soil Carbon Model for Estimating the Carbon Footprint of Livestock Production in Canada. Animals (Basel) 2012; 2:437-54. [PMID: 26487032 PMCID: PMC4494297 DOI: 10.3390/ani2030437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2012] [Revised: 08/21/2012] [Accepted: 08/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To assess tradeoffs between environmental sustainability and changes in food production on agricultural land in Canada the Unified Livestock Industry and Crop Emissions Estimation System (ULICEES) was developed. It incorporates four livestock specific GHG assessments in a single model. To demonstrate the application of ULICEES, 10% of beef cattle protein production was assumed to be displaced with an equivalent amount of pork protein. Without accounting for the loss of soil carbon, this 10% shift reduced GHG emissions by 2.5 TgCO₂e y(-1). The payback period was defined as the number of years required for a GHG reduction to equal soil carbon lost from the associated land use shift. A payback period that is shorter than 40 years represents a net long term decrease in GHG emissions. Displacing beef cattle with hogs resulted in a surplus area of forage. When this residual land was left in ungrazed perennial forage, the payback periods were less than 4 years and when it was reseeded to annual crops, they were equal to or less than 40 years. They were generally greater than 40 years when this land was used to raise cattle. Agricultural GHG mitigation policies will inevitably involve a trade-off between production, land use and GHG emission reduction. ULICEES is a model that can objectively assess these trade-offs for Canadian agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James A Dyer
- AAFC Consultant, Cambridge, ON, N3H 3Z9, Canada.
| | - Devon E Worth
- Eastern Cereal and Oilseed Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Ottawa, ON, K1A 0C6, Canada.
| | - Ward N Smith
- Eastern Cereal and Oilseed Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Ottawa, ON, K1A 0C6, Canada.
| | - Raymond L Desjardins
- Eastern Cereal and Oilseed Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Ottawa, ON, K1A 0C6, Canada.
| | - Brian G McConkey
- Semiarid Prairie Agricultural Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Swift Current, SA, S9H 3X2, Canada.
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