In recent years, the global demand for meat, dairy, and other animal products has surged due to population growth and changes in dietary preferences. Consequently, the demand for animal feed has risen substantially, putting immense pressure on our already limited water resources.
It is essential for the agricultural and animal feed industry to adopt sustainable practices to minimize its water footprint (WF).
Understanding the Water Footprint of Animal Feed
Before delving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand the concept of a WF. It refers to the total freshwater used directly and indirectly to produce goods and services. In the case of animal feed, it includes water used to grow crops, process ingredients, and produce the final feed product.
There are three main factors that determine the WF of meat:
- Feed conversion efficiencies (feed amount per unit of meat obtained)
- Feed composition
- Feed origin
The first one refers to moving from grazing to mixed to industrial systems to improve efficiency. This is because animals in the industrial system get better and concentrated feed, move less, and are bred to grow faster and be slaughtered at a younger age. This leads to a decrease in the water footprint of overall meat production. The second factor refers to the main two types of animal food – concentrates or formulated feeds to roughages – their ratio. As we move from grazing to mixed to industrial systems, the proportion of concentrates to roughages increases, leading to a higher WF. Feed origin is an important factor as it varies across geography and thus overall resultant WF may be more.
Here are some innovative and practical solutions to reduce water usage in animal feed production, ultimately paving the way for a more environmentally friendly future.
1. Sustainable Crop Selection
The foundation of animal feed production lies in the crops used as primary ingredients. Farmers and feed manufacturers should prioritize drought-resistant and low-water-consuming crops such as millet, sorghum, and legumes. These crops require less irrigation, making them more environmentally friendly than water-intensive grains like corn and soybeans.
2. Efficient Irrigation & Rainwater Harvesting
Traditional flood irrigation can be highly wasteful, with a large portion of water lost to evaporation or runoff. Modern irrigation methods, such as drip irrigation and precision sprinklers, deliver water directly to the plant roots, minimizing waste and ensuring optimal water usage.
In regions with seasonal rainfall, rainwater harvesting systems can be an excellent way to supplement water supplies for crop irrigation.
Collecting rainwater during the wet season and storing it for use during dry periods can reduce the reliance on groundwater and other freshwater sources, helping to conserve water resources.
3. Improved Feed Formulation
Optimizing animal feed formulations can lead to increased efficiency in animal digestion and reduced water usage. By balancing the nutritional content and eliminating unnecessary additives, feed manufacturers can minimize the overall amount of feed required per animal, thereby reducing the water needed to grow the feed ingredients.
4. By-Product & Waste Utilization
Incorporating agricultural by-products and food waste into animal feed can serve two purposes: reducing waste and conserving water. By reusing materials that would otherwise be discarded, the demand for water-intensive primary feed ingredients can be decreased, indirectly reducing the water footprint of feed production.
5. Local Sourcing and Shorter Supply Chains
Choosing locally sourced feed ingredients can substantially reduce the water footprint associated with transportation. Additionally, supporting local farmers fosters regional economic development and promotes sustainable agriculture practices, further contributing to environmental conservation.
6. Adopting Innovative Technologies
Advancements in technology can significantly impact water usage in animal feed production. Techniques such as hydroponics and aeroponics, which grow crops without soil and with minimal water, hold promise for more sustainable feed production. Moreover, the implementation of artificial intelligence and data analytics can help optimize irrigation schedules and improve overall water management
How is Noval Feeds Reducing Its Water Footprint
Noval Feeds’ Advanced Rendering Unit employs a process called ‘Dry Rendering’. Under this, waste products are treated using batch processing techniques that do not require water. Meanwhile, 80% of wastewater generated in other processing stages goes through ultra-modern sewage treatment plants.
Noval Feeds’ Take
Each stakeholder in the animal feed supply chain plays a vital role in driving these sustainable solutions. Governments can incentivize and support water-saving practices, while consumers can make informed choices by supporting brands that prioritize water conservation. By collectively working towards reducing the water footprint, we can create a more resilient and eco-friendly future for both agriculture and the planet.
About Us: Noval Feed is a Global marketplace for animal feed raw materials. We use an Advanced protein extraction tech process that converts animal waste into 150+ high-protein animal feed products. Request a free sample here.