Comparative financial and environmental life cycle assessment of three South African pork production chains
Date
2015-04
Authors
Muller, Johannes Christoffel
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The world demand for animal proteins and profit-driven production has led to producing animal
proteins intensively. Intensive pork production systems have traditionally had a poor image with
the public, because these production systems are associated with environmental pollution.
Currently, pigs are produced on highly specialised farms, and are fed concentrated (often
imported) pig feed. The resulting higher production and higher animal densities contribute to an
increased pollution of water, soil and air. The aim of this study is to determine the energy
balance and emissions of three case studies, and to compare these results with their financial
performance. The impacts will be recorded in the following impact categories: global warming
potential (GWP), acidification potential (AP), eutrophication potential (EP) and Energy Use
(EU). The case studies are three typical South African pig production facilities selected by the
South African pork producer’s organisation (SAPPO). The production inputs, from the feed
acquisition to the delivery of one kg of pig at the farm gate, were included. The three farms are
located in different areas in South Africa, namely KwaZulu-Natal province (Case study 1),
North-West province (Case study 2) and Western Cape province (Case study 3). The functional
unit (FU) for this study is defined as 1 kg of South African pig (live-weight) at the farm gate.
This study found that the GWP/FU of Case study 2 is 4 and 2 % higher than Case studies 1 and 3
respectively. The EP/FU of Case study 1 is 9 and 6 % higher than Case studies 2 and 3
respectively. The AP/FU of Case study 1 is 4 and 5 % higher than Case studies 2 and 3
respectively. The EU/FU of Case study 3 is 45 % and 16 % higher than Case studies 1 and 2
respectively. The major activities that contributed to the environmental impact categories were
the slurry management activity, followed by electricity usage. The financial and environmental
performance comparison did show deviations. Therefore, it is recommended that environmental
and financial performance measurements be made, in order to create a true reflection of the
impacts. The potential for improvement in financial and environmental performance proved to be
significant in the productivity of the sow herd, as well as in the management of the piglets. The
location of the production facility does not claim to hold have significant environmental or
financial implications. Management of the emissions produced by piggeries can offset the impact
of the piggery's location.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Nie beskikbaar.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Nie beskikbaar.
Description
Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2015.
Keywords
UCTD, Pork industry and trade -- South Africa -- Environmental aspects, Swine -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa, Swine -- Feeding and feeds -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa, Pork industry and trade -- Costs -- South Africa