Synergetic Benefits for a Pig Farm and Local Bioeconomy Development from Extended Green Biorefinery Value Chains

James Gaffey (), Cathal O’Donovan, Declan Murphy, Tracey O’Connor, David Walsh, Luis Alejandro Vergara, Kwame Donkor, Lalitha Gottumukkala, Sybrandus Koopmans, Enda Buckley, Kevin O’Connor and Johan P. M. Sanders
Additional contact information
James Gaffey: Circular Bioeconomy Research Group, Shannon Application Biotechnology Centre, Munster Technology, V92 CX88 Tralee, Ireland
Cathal O’Donovan: Carhue Piggeries, Cooligboy, Timoleague, Co., P72 HD61 Cork, Ireland
Declan Murphy: Makeway Nutrition, Unit 6, Riverstown Business Park, Tramore, Co., X91 TRF9 Waterford, Ireland
Tracey O’Connor: Circular Bioeconomy Research Group, Shannon Application Biotechnology Centre, Munster Technology, V92 CX88 Tralee, Ireland
David Walsh: Barryroe Co-Operative, Lislevane House, Tirnanean, Bandon, Co., P47 YW77 Cork, Ireland
Luis Alejandro Vergara: BiOrbic Bioeconomy SFI Research Centre, O’Brien Centre for Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
Kwame Donkor: Celignis Analytical, Unit 11, Holland Rd., Castletroy, Plassey, Co., V94 7Y42 Limerick, Ireland
Lalitha Gottumukkala: Celignis Analytical, Unit 11, Holland Rd., Castletroy, Plassey, Co., V94 7Y42 Limerick, Ireland
Sybrandus Koopmans: Grassa BV, Villafloraweg 1, 5928 SZ Venlo, The Netherlands
Enda Buckley: Carbery Group, Phale Lower, Ballineen, Co., P47 YW77 Cork, Ireland
Kevin O’Connor: BiOrbic Bioeconomy SFI Research Centre, O’Brien Centre for Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
Johan P. M. Sanders: Grassa BV, Villafloraweg 1, 5928 SZ Venlo, The Netherlands

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 11, 1-22

Abstract: As the global population rises, agriculture and industry are under increasing pressure to become more sustainable in meeting this growing demand, while minimizing impacts on global emissions, land use change, and biodiversity. The development of efficient and symbiotic local bioeconomies can help to respond to this challenge by using land, resources, and side streams in efficient ways tailored to the needs of different regions. Green biorefineries offer a unique opportunity for regions with abundant grasslands to use this primary resource more sustainably, providing feed for cows, while also generating feed for monogastric animals, along with the co-production of biomaterials and energy. The current study investigates the impact of a green biorefinery co-product, leaf protein concentrate (LPC), for input to a pig farm, assessing its impact on pig diets, and the extended impact on the bioenergy performance of the pig farm. The study found that LPC replaced soya bean meal at a 50% displacement rate, with pigs showing positive performance in intake and weight gain. Based on laboratory analysis, the resulting pig slurry demonstrated a higher biogas content and 26% higher biomethane potential compared with the control slurry. The findings demonstrate some of the local synergies between agricultural sectors that can be achieved through extended green biorefinery development, and the benefits for local bioeconomy actors.

Keywords: bioeconomy; biorefinery; pigs; soya bean; grass; protein; biogas; biomethane (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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