Fossil Energy Cost of Food Energy and Protein Production From Intensive Livestock Production

摘要

Paper presents models for evaluating fossil energy input into the production of food energy and protein by intensive livestock enterprises. Models include not only energy in feed and conversion efficiency of animals, but also the impact of housing, equipment, labor, supplies, energy inputs, resource recovery (manure management and energy production) and reproductive efficiency of breeding stock. The generalized equations presented in the analysis can be applied to unique management concepts to predict expected outcomes as management strategies change. Five U.S. Midwest livestock systems, Beef I, Beef II (grazing), Pork I, Pork II (manure recycling) and Chicken I (broiler) were analyzed. Results indicated 54-59% of fossil energy input is associated with feeding program. Order of fossil energy efficiency of species was poultry, swine, beef II (grazing) and beef I without recycling manure. Recycling manure to crops lowered fossil energy input for swine by 40%. Edible meat per fossil energy input was highest for swine production.