INMS LogoINMS Logo
Info

A2 Optimize the protein intake of pigs

Last Update:

A2 Optimize the protein intake of pigs

Next page

Sector

Livestock farming

Net Effect

1

NH3

1

N2O

1

NO2

Unknown

Nr to water

1

N2

1

Reliability

Robust

Tech. rqmts.

Low

Overview

Animal feed often incorporates protein levels that exceed minimal growth requirements (Bittman et al., 2014; Sutton et al., 2022). By matching the protein/amino acid content of the diet as closely as possible to the animal’s requirements, nitrogen excretion can be reduced, without impacting animal production or welfare (Han et al., 2001; Nahm, 2002; Clark et al., 2005; Philippe et al., 2011; Liu et al., 2017).  

By crafting diets with lowered protein content while preserving the essential amino acid balance, the microbial fermentation processes within the digestive system can operate with greater efficiency. Consequently, this results in reduced ammonia production during manure decomposition. Beyond its environmental benefits, this strategy enhances nutrient utilisation and animal performance, fostering responsible and eco-friendly practices in pig farming (Figure 1). Successful implementation hinges on meticulous consideration of nutritional requirements, precise feed formulation, and diligent monitoring of pig health and performance to ensure both animal welfare and productivity. 

This approach is deemed a robust and low-tech method.   

Pig feeding in barns in Hamberg, Germany. Image by pexels on www.pixabay.com

Figure 1. Pig feeding in barns in Hamberg, Germany. Image by pexels on www.pixabay.com

Measure Efficiency

A reduction of 2-3% in crude protein content in the feed is attainable, contingent upon the specific pig production category and the initial crude protein levels (Canh et al., 1998). Research has demonstrated that reducing the dietary crude protein by 1% for finishing pigs can deliver a 10% decrease in the total ammoniacal nitrogen concentration of pig slurry, and subsequently a 10% reduction in ammonia emissions (Canh et al., 1998). 

Feeding strategies and formulations to reduce ammonia emissions display variation based on factors such as live weight and reproductive stages (Han et al., 2001; Nahm, 2002; Clark et al., 2005; Philippe et al., 2011; Liu et al., 2017). These distinctions encompass a range of categories including young sows, mating and gestating sows, farrowing sows, piglets, weaners, and fattening pigs. Ensuring amino acid composition closely corresponds to the ideal profile, with particular attention to lysine, forms a critical component of these strategies (Bittman et al., 2014; Sutton et al., 2022). Young animals and high-productive animals require more protein concentration than older, less-productive animals. Special emphasis is placed on the nutritional needs of lactating sows requiring higher levels of nutrients, notably protein and lysine, due to the demands of milk production. Recommended crude protein content (% total feed) for lactating sow ranges from 16-18%, gestating sows 13-16% whilst piglets and weaners 18-22% (European Commission, 2003). Bittman et al., (2014) provide further details with ranges broken down into low, medium and high ambition levels. These values serve as indicative target ranges, subject to potential adjustments based on local conditions. 

How to implement

It is important to consider the following steps when implementing a strategy to adapt and reduce protein intake in pigs to mitigate ammonia emissions: 

  • Assess Current Protein Intake: Start by evaluating the current protein content in the pigs' diet and the associated ammonia emissions. Understand the specific pig production category (e.g., growing, finishing) and the baseline protein levels. 
  • Engage a Nutritionist: Collaborate with a qualified animal nutritionist who has expertise in pig nutrition and emission reduction strategies. Work together to determine the appropriate reduction in protein content that can be achieved without compromising pig health and growth. 
  • Formulate Adjusted Diets: With the nutritionist's guidance, formulate new diets that incorporate lower-protein ingredients. Balance the diets with essential amino acids and nutrients to ensure pigs' nutritional needs are met. 
  • Transition Gradually: Introduce the adjusted diets gradually over a period to allow pigs to adapt. Sudden changes in diet can negatively impact pig health and performance. 
  • Monitor Growth and Health: Implement a robust monitoring plan to track pigs' growth, health, and behaviour. Regularly assess metrics like weight gain, feed consumption, and overall health indicators. 
  • Ammonia Emission Measurement: Install ammonia sensors or monitoring equipment in the pig facility to measure ammonia levels before and after implementing the adjusted diets. This provides quantitative data on emission reduction. 
  • Manure Analysis: Collect and analyse manure samples to assess ammonia content. This data helps verify the effectiveness of the dietary changes on reducing ammonia emissions. 
  • Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of diet formulations, feed consumption, pig growth, health assessments, and emission measurements. This data is crucial for ongoing analysis and decision-making. 
  • Adjustments as Needed: Continuously evaluate the pigs' performance and emission levels. If necessary, make adjustments to the diet formulation based on observed outcomes and feedback from the nutritionist. 
  • Employee Training: Train farm staff on the importance of the dietary changes, how to implement them, and how to monitor pigs effectively. Proper execution ensures that the strategy is carried out correctly. 
  • Communication and Reporting: Keep stakeholders informed about the progress of the strategy. Share data on emission reduction, pig performance, and any modifications made to the diets. 
  • Periodic Review: Conduct regular reviews with the nutritionist and relevant experts to assess the strategy's success. Adjustments may be needed based on evolving conditions or new research findings. 
  • Continuous Improvement: Strive for continuous improvement by staying updated on advancements in pig nutrition, emission reduction technologies, and regulatory requirements. 

By following these steps and closely collaborating with experts, a protein intake adaptation strategy to reduce ammonia emissions from pig production whilst maintaining pig health and productivity can be implemented. 

Benefits

The benefits of implementing this measure include the following: 

These benefits collectively contribute to a more environmentally friendly and efficient pig production system. 

Costs

Captial Costs

Implementing a plan to reduce protein intake of pigs to reduce ammonia emissions involves initial capital investments. The specific costs can vary based on the scale of the operation, existing infrastructure, and the level of implementation. Potential capital costs may include the following: 

    • Operational Costs

    Operational costs associated with implementing the measure may include the following.  

    • Operational costs can vary based on factors such as the size of the operation, the level of technology used, the efficiency of management practices, and the specific needs of the pigs and the environment. 

    Risks

    Potential risks of implementing this measure with explanations following straight on after each bold title: 

    Mitigating these risks involves careful planning, collaboration with experts, ongoing monitoring, and adaptation of strategies as needed. 

    References

    Bittman, S., M. Dedina, C.M. Howard, O. Oenema, and M.A. Sutton, editors. 2014. Options for Ammonia Mitigation: Guidance from the UNECE Task Force on Reactive Nitrogen. Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Edinburgh, UK. 

    Canh, T.., A.J.. Aarnink, J.. Schutte, A. Sutton, D.. Langhout, et al. 1998. Dietary protein affects nitrogen excretion and ammonia emission from slurry of growing–finishing pigs. Livest. Prod. Sci. 56(3): 181–191. doi: 10.1016/S0301-6226(98)00156-0. 

    Clark, O.G., S. Moehn, I. Edeogu, J. Price, and J. Leonard. 2005. Manipulation of Dietary Protein and Nonstarch Polysaccharide to Control Swine Manure Emissions. J. Environ. Qual. 34(5): 1461–1466. doi: 10.2134/jeq2004.0434. 

    European Commission. 2003. Reference Document on Best Available Techniques for Intensive Rearing of Poultry and Pigs. Integr. Pollut. Prev. Control. 

    Han, I.K., J.H. Lee, X.S. Piao, and D. Li. 2001. Feeding and Management System to Reduce Environmental Pollution in Swine Production. Asian-Australasian J. Anim. Sci. 14(3): 432–444. doi: 10.5713/ajas.2001.432. 

    Liu, S., J.Q. Ni, J.S. Radcliffe, and C.E. Vonderohe. 2017. Mitigation of ammonia emissions from pig production using reduced dietary crude protein with amino acid supplementation. Bioresour. Technol. 233: 200–208. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.02.082. 

    Nahm, K.H. 2002. Efficient Feed Nutrient Utilization to Reduce Pollutants in Poultry and Swine Manure. Crit. Rev. Environ. Sci. Technol. 32(1): 1–16. doi: 10.1080/10643380290813435. 

    Philippe, F.X., J.F. Cabaraux, and B. Nicks. 2011. Ammonia emissions from pig houses: Influencing factors and mitigation techniques. Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 141(3–4): 245–260. doi: 10.1016/j.agee.2011.03.012. 

    Sutton, M., C. Howard, K. Mason, W. Brownlie, and Cm. Cordovil, editors. 2022. Nitrogen Opportunities for Agriculture, Food & Environment. UNECE Guidance Document on Integrated Sustainable Nitrogen Management. UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh, UK. 

    Authors

    • Will Brownlie

      UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Scotland