SUSTAINABILITY 84 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE April 2025 “Sustainability in animal nutrition is essential for reducing the industry’s environmental impact. Through the adoption of alternative proteins, feed efficiency improvements, and emission-reducing innovations, the sector is working toward a more sustainable future. Continued investment in research, collaboration, and regulatory alignment will be key to lasting progress in sustainable animal nutrition.” The global demand for food is increasing, and the animal nutrition industry must evolve to meet this need sustainably. By improving feed sourcing, reducing emissions, and optimising nutrition, the sector is making strides toward a more eco-friendly future. This article explores key innovations and challenges shaping sustainable animal nutrition. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF ANIMAL NUTRITION Livestock farming is responsible for about 14.5% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Feed production requires large amounts of land, water, and energy, contributing to deforestation and biodiversity loss. To address these issues, the industry is adopting innovative feed ingredients and emission-reducing solutions. Research shows that adding seaweed to cattle diets can cut methane emissions by 40%. These efforts help improve sustainability while aligning with growing consumer demands for environmentally friendly food production. SOURCING SUSTAINABLE RAW MATERIALS • Alternative Proteins Traditional feed ingredients like soybean meal are being supplemented with more sustainable alternatives. Insect proteins, single-cell proteins from microbial fermentation, and algae-derived proteins use fewer resources and produce fewer emissions. Companies like Innovafeed are leading the charge in scaling insect protein production for animal feed. Additionally, advances in precision fermentation are allowing researchers to create lab-grown proteins that mimic the nutritional benefits of traditional feed without the environmental drawbacks. • Utilising Agricultural Byproducts Incorporating agricultural byproducts such as rice bran and wheat middlings into livestock feed reduces waste and lessens dependence on traditional crops. Upcycling these materials provides cost-effective and sustainable nutrition solutions. Food waste from the human supply chain, such as fruit and vegetable peels, is also being explored as a viable feed source, further enhancing sustainability efforts. SUSTAINABLE ANIMAL NUTRITION: INNOVATIONS & CHALLENGES Joe Hugill Associate Director - Animal Health Skills Alliance
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