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Written question asked by Deidre Brock (Scottish National Party) on Friday, 23 November 2018, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 27 November 2018. It was answered by George Eustice (Conservative) on Monday, 3 December 2018 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Pigs: Animal Feed

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to reduce the use of soy in pig food to help combat climate change.

Answer

Soybean meal (SBM) is commonly used in animal feed, including for pigs, to produce high protein feed with favourable attributes, including suitable amino acid profile. In considering alternatives, it is important to have regard to the feed quality profile, as well as cost and availability. We want to ensure our farming industry is competitive, productive and profitable and that our environment is improved for future generations.

Defra has co-funded research with industry to examine UK grown alternatives to SBM in livestock diets. The Green Pig project investigated sustainable alternatives for SBM and looked at environmental consequences of using home-grown legumes as a protein source in pig diets. The project concluded that whilst peas and beans are viable home-grown alternatives to SBM in nutritionally balanced grower and finisher pig diets, costs and other supply chain issues present barriers for wider use.

Defra is continuing to invest in research to improve the productivity, sustainability, resilience and quality of UK grown peas and beans for livestock and human consumption. The Pulse Crop Genetic Improvement Network (PCGIN) provides a platform for the genetic improvement of legume crops in the UK.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
195107
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Climate change Animal feed Pigs
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk