Reducing GHG emissions through animal feed

Feed production accounts for over 50% of GHG emissions in pig farming — making it the biggest target for reducing your operation's carbon footprint.

Researchers found two practical approaches: replacing traditional grains with local co-products (like corn distillers' grains), and improving feeding efficiency to reduce crude protein waste. Both strategies also lower nitrogen emissions from manure.

Since finishing pigs contribute 70% of livestock emissions, that's where these strategies make the biggest difference.

The bottom line: Smarter feed choices — using by-products and reducing crude protein — can meaningfully cut your farm's environmental impact without hurting performance.