National Pork Board
Jonathan Holt, North Carolina State University | May 06, 2021
For the swine industry to remain agriculturally sustainable in the future, considerable attention must be given to the feed ingredients used in pig diets. Soybean meal is the most common protein source used in livestock diets and makes up almost 70% of the world’s protein meal consumption. Intensive farming of crops can have a significant environmental impact. With swine production expected to continue its growth worldwide, alternative proteins will be needed in order to reduce the environmental footprint. For these alternative proteins to be widely accepted, they must be produced both sustainably and economically. The recent rise in the production of insect meals, algae and duckweed has given swine producers more options for proteins in their rations. Recent work conducted by researchers at North Carolina State University has evaluated a new protein source.
SHARING OPTIONS:
Although specific sectoral targets still have to be set, as the biggest source of emissions, many in the agriculture sector are concerned how the targets will impact on farming.
Senior officials in the Department of Agriculture are considering introducing a knowledge transfer scheme to encourage pig farmers to reduce crude protein in pig diets.
An internal document seen by the
Irish Farmers Journal reveals that Department officials are concerned about meeting climate targets and one of the considerations being deliberated is a 4% reduction in crude protein in pig diets.
The document states there would be a “4% reduction in CP [crude protein] of pig diet to reduce ammonia and N20 losses”.
Key issues to consider when buying ration
Get quoted the overall nutrient content i.e. UFL/kg, protein, minerals and fibre of your ration/meal.
A high energy meal/ration should be 0.94UFL/kg as fed.
Grass is a good source of protein and so low protein high energy rations should be fed to stock at grass.
The level of protein needed depends on stock being fed e.g. young stock will require higher protein in their diet to grow frame.
A cheaper ration/meal may not be better value than a more expensive ration if poorer quality ingredients are used.
February 8, 2021 4:31 pm
New regulations for farm roadways and waters came into effect last month on January 1, 2021 – but what does this mean for Irish farmers?
Mark Treacy, a Teagasc dairy advisor based in Clonakilty, provided an explainer for farmers as to what has changed.
“The new measures aim to further reduce Irish farming’s environmental footprint, with particular regard to water, climate and air quality,” Treacy said.
New on-farm measures aimed at further reducing Irish farming’s environmental footprint, with particular regard to water, climate and air quality, were signed into law by the government on November 20.
This, the advisor explained, introduced many new on-farm requirements, with effect from January 1, 2021. These on-farm requirements will vary from farm to farm depending on the farms stocking rate in the previous calendar year.