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Emissions from feed are the largest source of UK free range egg production’s carbon footprint, comprising 80 and 85%, finds a new report.
Sustainability consultancy, Promar International, carried out the study on behalf of the British Free-Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA) over the past six months using figures provided by two free range egg units – a 64,000-bird multi-tier operation across two sheds, and a 12,700-bird flat-deck system.
Laying poultry diets typically contain 16% to 19% protein and the main source of protein is often soy derived, according to the research.
Soybean meal (SBM) imported into the UK comes primarily from South American countries such as Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Imported SBM from these areas can attract a very high carbon footprint of 9kg to 15kg of CO2e/kg due to significant emissions from land-use change (Carbon Trust, 2010), read the
New report looks at egg sector s environmental footprint
12 May 2021 |
The findings show that the largest contributor to emissions on a free range egg farm is bought-in feed
A new report has highlighted where the bulk of the free range egg industry s carbon emissions are generated and how producers can make environmental gains.
The study identifies practical management practices and capital investments that farmers can make to improve their footprint while also promoting business efficiency.
The largest contributor to emissions on a free range egg farm is bought-in feed, which typically makes up more than 85% of an egg’s carbon footprint.
New campaign urges British consumers to buy range of egg sizes to support hen welfare Ref:RH210321147 Rob Haining / The Scottish Farmer HUNDREDS OF thousands of British consumers have been told to end their obsession with buying large eggs and shop for mixed weight and medium instead, in order to support hen welfare. More than 13 billion eggs are eaten in Britain every year, but research has revealed that shoppers prefer to buy large or very large eggs rather than medium or mixed weight boxes, despite the fact hens naturally lay a range of egg sizes. A free range hen will typically lay 55% large or very large eggs and 45% medium, smalls and second quality eggs.
Consumers urged to eat a wider range of egg sizes
28 April 2021 |
A new collaboration is urging the public to buy a wider range of egg sizes
Consumers are being urged to buy a variety of egg sizes rather than always opting for large, as this in turn benefits the welfare of the hens laying them.
The British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) and British Free Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA) have come together to raise awareness of the issue.
The BHWT explained that consumers had little or no idea that eating a range of egg sizes benefited hen welfare.
It added that even making a small change to shopping habits and recipes would make a big impact.