Optimization Models to Improve Estimations and Reduce Nitrogen Excretion from Livestock Production

Marina Segura, Concepción Maroto, Concepción Ginestar and Baldomero Segura
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Marina Segura: Department of Applied Statistics and Operational Research and Quality, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera, s/n 46022 Valencia, Spain
Concepción Maroto: Department of Applied Statistics and Operational Research and Quality, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera, s/n 46022 Valencia, Spain
Concepción Ginestar: Department of Applied Statistics and Operational Research and Quality, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera, s/n 46022 Valencia, Spain
Baldomero Segura: Department of Economy and Social Sciences, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera, s/n 46022 Valencia, Spain

Sustainability, 2018, vol. 10, issue 7, 1-14

Abstract: Sustainable food production plays a key role at different levels, such as countries, producers and consumers worldwide. Commitments of countries to reducing environmental impact include livestock production due to its contribution to greenhouse gases and other pollutants. The purpose of this research is to design and validate optimization models to improve assessments of emissions from livestock. As feed consumed is the principal source of the emissions, we have developed an aggregated optimization model to assess feed intake and therefore emissions at country level, by using the best technical and statistical data. This model provides a common framework to assess livestock emissions for all countries and in particular in the European Union. The model has been validated in the Spanish intensive pig sector, which is the principal producer by head count of the European Union. Results from several scenarios, which differ in animal protein and energy needs, have been compared to those from other methodologies and the Spanish National Inventory System, which assesses greenhouse gases and pollutants annually. This model can be adapted to other species, and applied to other countries and at farm level. Finally, this model is a useful tool to evaluate the effects on the emissions related to changes in animal nutrition, price and supply of raw materials, as well as agricultural and environmental policies.

Keywords: livestock; animal feed; optimization models; emission inventory; sustainable food production; linear programming models; pollutant (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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