Research

Program 4 - Carbon-Conscious Nutrient Inputs and Outputs

Program Leader : Dr Rob Wilson (Rob Wilson Consulting)

The research will develop commercially viable feeding and effluent management systems for pig production that significantly reduce the net carbon footprint whilst maintaining production efficiency. In particular, the research program will establish pork production systems that are carbon neutral through novel use of nutrient sources such as algae. The research program will transform the Australian pig industry to specifically address critical environmental and economic issues that confront its sustainability.

Research will cover three core areas:

Subprogram 4A - Future Feeds for Future Needs

Subprogram Leader : Mr Dave Henman (Rivalea)

Future Feeds for Future Needs will reduce competing demand on feed grains by establishing commercial quantities of algae products that meet the nutrient requirements of pigs. This program will also facilitate replacement of 10% of existing feed with ingredients that have been derived from waste streams. Two sources of algal products will be investigated – algae specifically grown using nutrients from piggery waste streams and processed on farm and algae or co-products that are derived from large scale production involved with industrial CO2 mitigation or biodiesel production.

Subprogram 4B - Enhanced Use of Traditional Protein and Energy Sources

Subprogram Leader : Dr John Black (JLB Consulting)

Enhanced Use of Traditional Protein and Energy Sources will build on specific outcomes from the CRC for an Internationally Competitive Australian Pork Industry, including development of real-time near infra-red (NIRS) analysis of feed ingredients, and better use of this information in new plant breeding programs. Further development of innovative processing methods will improve the nutritional yield from ingredients

Subprogram 4C - Carbon-Neutral Pork Production

Subprogram Leader : Ms Janine Price (APL)

Carbon-Neutral Pork Production will involve highly novel research to maximise methane production from effluent ponds so that collection and use of gas is economically viable. Alternative approaches to waste management will also be studied to develop solid-waste pork production systems that mitigate carbon outputs




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