SUSTAINABILITY FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2024 79 duced in microbial methane production by using rumen-active feed additives like 3-NOP Bovaer®, which blocks the production of methane by the rumen microflora. • Land-use change emissions: Land-use change (LUC) assesses carbon dioxide emissions from converting permanent grassland and rainforest into cropland. Depending on the feed composition, this can account for 5% to 10% in dairy and beef production, but over 30% in poultry and pork production due to protein sources like soy meal grown on deforested land. In Europe, land conversion for cultivation occurred centuries ago, so feed of European origin typically has low land-use change emissions. SIMPLIFIED EMISSION CALCULATIONS WITH TECHNOLOGY Calculating the carbon footprint of animal protein production involves assessing the consumption of energy, feed, and inputs to determine the amount of ‘black’ carbon dioxide per kilogram of milk or live weight. This process, once very time-consuming and costly, has been significantly simplified and accelerated by online digital environmental foot-printing platforms like Sustell™ by dsm-firmenich. These programs also help adhere to various norms and standards in this field (ISO 14044, EU-PEFCR, FAO-LEAP). SUSTELL™ – EASY & PRECISE ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINTING Within animal farming, feed related emissions are the primary source of CO₂ emissions across any species in livestock farming, contributing anywhere from 50% to 80% of the environmental footprint of meat, eggs, milk, and farmed seafood. Hence, improving feed efficiency through better feed hygiene and better rumen and gut health can also improve the CO₂ balance. Rather than forgoing modern inputs, a resource-efficient and location-adapted approach to animal feed using modern production methods helps reduce emissions from livestock farming. Today's concept of sustainability is far removed from the “Jute-statt-Plastik” (Jute instead of Plastic) movement of the 90s and has become a modern, cool, and fact-based domain. LIVESTOCK'S ROLE IN CLIMATE CHANGE Individuals may vary in their views on the human contribution to global warming. However, in today’s economic world, much is assessed, measured, and valued for its environmental impact, including food – which is understandable considering up to 30% of an individual’s GHG footprint is associated with the food consumed. Animal protein production and animal-based foods are often criticized for significantly contributing to global warming. Part of this footprint is associated with animal protein, but it should also be noted that, animal-based foods often have a much better environmental profile than commonly perceived in public discourse and have an important, vital role to play in a circular economy. That’s why it is crucial for the livestock sector and each farm to build a robust knowledge and data foundation to take a proactive stance in communication and leadership on this topic.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUxNjkxNQ==