Book Description

Livestock production systems are generally considered to have various negative environmental impacts, including nutrient leaching, and a significant contribution to global warming. In this respect, the reduction of gas or ammonia emissions can be achieved through improved efficiency in the choice of feedstuffs. The use of alternative feeds or additives can contribute to a more energy-efficient ration with lower emissions. Such strategies can contribute to improved animal production and health status. Studies have reported that feed additives such as nitrogen-containing compounds, probiotics, prebiotics, and plant extracts significantly reduce ruminant methane. Moreover, research suggested that fruit pomaces could be a low-cost fibre source in poultry nutrition, and that the inclusion of orange pulp in pigs’ diets can reduce the potential ammonia and methane emissions. To properly evaluate the most adequate reuse strategy it is necessary a specific life cycle assessment for each co-product.