Climate protection in pig farming

The aim of the survey was to find out which climate and environmental protection measures the participating companies from Germany and other countries have already implemented or are planning to implement in their company.

Of the participating companies, 41% have already implemented energy efficiency measures and a further 46% are planning to do so. In addition to climate protection, the reduction of energy costs can certainly also be cited as a motivation for energy efficiency measures.

An increase in efficiency through improved feeding with a feed conversion ratio of less than 1:2.6 has already been implemented by almost half of the participants. The aim here is to achieve demand-oriented feeding with as little feed wastage as possible, whereby a target value of 1:2.5 is aimed for in pig fattening. An improvement in feed conversion by 0.25 points reduces the amount of greenhouse gases produced by 3 %, and the amount of feed is also reduced by 5 %, which reduces feed costs. Adjusting feeding until the optimum feed conversion rate is reached is therefore worthwhile for the farms not only from a climate protection perspective, but also for economic reasons. Accordingly, a further 40% plan to increase efficiency through improved feeding.

In addition, around 30% are planning to create microclimate areas or have already done so. A clear pen structure in the barn, divided into different functional areas such as lying, defecating, eating and activity, also creates different “climate zones”. While the temperature in the activity and eating areas, where the pigs produce heat, can be lowered, it should be warmer in the resting area. These microclimate zones can be created in piglet rearing, for example, by adding slats to existing covers in the lying area; a heater can also be fitted under the covers to keep the lying area at the right temperature and create an ideal retreat for the animals.

An improved pen structure can also lead to a reduction in emitting surfaces in the barn. Around 30% of respondents have already implemented this measure or are planning to do so.