Philippines: Finding alternatives to conventional animal feed could make livestock and fisheries more sustainable

Published Feb 25, 2023

Tridge summary

A recent study published in Current Biology reveals that conventional animal feed is a major contributor to the environmental footprint of the chicken and salmon industries, accounting for 78% and 69% of their emissions, respectively. These industries' greenhouse gas emissions are also largely attributed to the type and processing of animal feed, with emissions from chicken and salmon industries being more than 55% and 53% respectively. The reliance on crops, fishmeal, and fish oil in feed production is the key factor. However, the study suggests that shifting to alternative feed sources like algae and insects could potentially reduce their environmental impact.

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Original content

Livestock and fisheries have long been called out for being the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the agriculture industry. New research suggests that it is all because of conventional animal feed. In a recently published study in the journal Current Biology, scientists share that at least 78% of chicken and 69% of salmon industries’ contribution to environmental degradation can be accounted to the animal feed used. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, more than 55% of both industries’ contribution also comes from the type and processing of animal feed. This comes as a surprise, especially since the chicken and salmon industries are known to be more environmentally efficient than beef, according to scientists. In addition to fish oil and fishmeal, the salmon industry also requires 2.3 million tonnes of crops for feed a year, mainly oil crops, soya beans, and wheat. Aside from crops, the chicken industry also relies on fishmeal and fish oil in producing animal feed. ...

Source: Mb