PROCEED

Currently, the climate footprint of pork is primarily calculated by estimating the climate footprint of the feed until it is delivered to the feed trough. The lack of connection between methane production from the pig and the climate footprint of the feed means that farmers cannot make an informed decision when it comes to optimizing feed composition regarding a future CO2-tax.

The purpose of PROCEED

Aarhus University has an increased focus on the effect of allocating different types of fibers on methane emissions from pig digestion. Ongoing research suggests that enteric methane emissions are strongly influenced by the fiber composition and physical and chemical properties of different types of fibers. These results are particularly relevant for organic pig production, as organic feed often contains high fiber fractions, which may increase methane production compared to conventional pigs. Therefore, it is important to calculate the climate footprint with knowledge of both the climate footprint of the feed and how feed composition affects microbial turnover in the gut to estimate the actual climate footprint.

This project will establish a basis and highlight the opportunities to reduce the climate footprint of organic pig production by feeding pigs with feed that takes into account both the climate footprint of the feed and enteric methane potential.

PROCEED will include the generated values of enteric methane from predictive models in the Danish feedstuff table. To ensure the implementation of the results, the generated knowledge about feedstuff turnover in pigs will result in mathematical models and then in software updates for WinOpti, where it will be possible to calculate the total climate footprint. The development of WinOpti will enable the formulation of feed so that the animals' nutrient needs are met by allocating feed with minimal climate footprint, while also considering the upcoming climate levy. PROCEED will enable the influence of feed composition towards reduced climate impact. A reduction of 75,303 tons CO2eq per year is expected when both the climate footprint of the feed and enteric methane potential are considered, resulting in a 54% saving on organic pig production in Denmark by 2028, equivalent to 56 million/year.

Demonstration activities will show and communicate that organic pig production can feed with climate-friendly feed while maintaining production efficiency and the farm's economic sustainability.

The project step-by-step

PROCEED will:

• Generate new knowledge on the interaction between fiber composition and methane emissions using organic feedstuffs.
• Establish an in vitro model to simulate fermentation of feed in the large intestine to test differences in greenhouse gas emissions between feed mixtures effectively and inexpensively using a standardized method.
• Develop predictive models for enteric methane that consider feed composition and animal weight.

Project period

2024-2027