Sustainability a key factor for animal nutrition

It is widely accepted that optimal feed formulation is essential for the reduction of environmental impacts associated with livestock production. However, general knowledge regarding feed production appears to be somewhat limited regarding what truly happens along the manufacturing process. Giving way to public demands that are somewhat void of strong foundations.

Therefore, claims like the ones stating that livestock and people are ‘in competition’ for food are very common. However, little known about the fact that for example, in the EU, 96% of animal feed ingredients are “non-food grade”. Which means these are unsuitable for human consumption. In 2017 FAO reported that 86% of what livestock eats at a global scale is effectively food that is not suitable for humans consumption.

Cereal varieties grown for animal feed usually don’t meet the quality requirements needed to produce human food, such as bread, beer and pasta. Thus, a significant share of cereals used in feed are downgraded from food to feed grade status because they do not meet the requirements. For such reason, from an economic point of view, feed production is never in direct competition with human consumption, hence the significantly lower quotations on the feed market. In that sense, animal feed use of the cereals will never drive shortages in the food market.

When feed ingredients with food grade are sold to feed operators, these usually derive from surpluses.  This means that it highly unlikely that these products will end up in the market for human consumption. The use of non-food grade or surplus ingredients not only allows to feed animals efficiently, but it contributes to reducing food waste.

An estimated 1.3 billion tons of food are wasted or lost every year. This represents one-third of all the food produced for human consumption.  Therefore one big target in FAO’s Sustainable Development Goals calls for halving per capita global food waste at retail and consumer levels by 2030, as well as reducing food losses along the production and supply chains. In this regard, FEFAC’s analysis is key, as it has revealed that practically none of the ingredients used by compound feed manufacturers can be considered to have a food grade. Therefore, if these are not used for animal feed they will most likely end up as food waste.

Since the last decade at the latest, minimising the emission of greenhouse gases such as methane has also become  a priority. agriculture. Like every other sector, agriculture and livestock production are called upon to develop and implement realistic approaches to minimisation with sustainability in mind. In recent years, a new field of activity has emerged, in which the development of innovative reduction strategies are a key focus point. Following suit, the European feed sector has set its sights on assessing the impact of innovative feed ingredients and nutritional strategies that can contribute to reducing methane and ammonia emissions. Focusing on improving nutrient digestibility at the livestock farm level.

According to the 2030 Climate Target Plan Impact Assessment in the Commission’s Methane Reduction Strategy, the EU plans to reduce methane emissions by 35–37% by 2030. Livestock can significantly contribute to achieving this goal, exhibiting constant progress in methane emissions reduction.  Developing novel feed additives, and high quality ingredients that contribute to reducing emissions derived from animal digestion.

Animal nutrition is a key factor for reducing antimicrobial use. Contributing to enhance animal health and welfare levels. The use of antibiotics in in European livestock farming has steadily declined over the past decade (-43% from 2011 to 2020). ESVAC also reported that APG inclusionin feed has reduced by 51% between 2011-2018 within the EU. SUch results have been achieved through preventive measures such as: higher biosecurity measures, vaccination programmes and developments in animal nutrition.

The FEFAC Feed Sustainability Charter establishes the year 2030 as its target for achieving the aforementioned goals. Nonetheless, FEFAC will publish annual progress reports with  key actions and activities in order to maintain an updated coverage and establish necessary modifications to help achieve the ultimate goal. It is undeniable that sustainable feed production is essential for the success of the livestock sector, as well as for the  feed and food industry!

Source: Excerpt taken and modified from: “SUSTAINABILITY A PRIORITY FOR THE ANIMAL FEED SECTOR”