November 1, 2019

Researchers in Spain develop recycled livestock feed that reduces greenhouse gas emissions

The team from Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) recycled discarded agricultural sub-products such as rice straw and pruned citric fruit leaves waste, reported Phys.org.

The new feed can be used for any ruminant animal and herbivores, decreasing 8 to 22% of greenhouse gas emissions emitted from these ruminants and from the burning of agricultural sub-products.

Other ingredients are added to the feed to ensure that the livestock's nutritional needs are met.

Carlos Fernández, researcher at UPV Animal Science and Technology Institute and head of this project said rice straw is disposed via controlled burning of crops, while waste from pruning citric fruit trees like orange and lemon are destroyed via crushing or burning. These contribute to major greenhouse gas emissions.

The new feed will benefit farmers as they are able to re-value a sub-product without harming the environment. Livestock farmers will also share the benefit of purchasing local feed at better prices.

He added that the proposal supports a sustainable agricultural farming system without affecting the livestock's productivity. 

Initial results for the feed are published in the Animal Feed Science and Technology journal.

-   Phys.org