Enviropig - Environmental Impact

Environmental Impact

Approximately 50-75% of the phosphorus present in cereal grains, corn, and soybeans is present in an indigestible compound called phytate that passes through the pig digestive tract and is enriched in the manure approx. 4-fold because the protein and carbohydrates in cereals are digested and absorbed. When manure from ordinary pigs is spread on land in areas of intense swine production, there is a build up of phosphorus in the soil. During spring run off or during a heavy rain, the phosphorus may leach into ponds, streams, and rivers increasing the phosphorus content, an essential nutrient for algae growth. With an excess of phosphorus there is increased algal growth that eventually causes a reduction in oxygen concentration in the water that results in the death of fish and other aquatic animals. Often toxins are produced by the algae and the water is no longer safe to drink. Since the Enviropigs excrete less phosphorus in the manure, there is less opportunity for pollution of water sources.

In 1940 the food system produced 2.3 calories of food energy for every calorie of fossil-fuel energy used in production. The energy cost included all aspects of production and delivery. In 2008 only one calorie of food energy at the supermarket was produced for every 10 calories of fossil-fuel energy used in production. The Enviropig is an example of how to reduce the energy requirement for meat production by eliminating the feed additive phosphorus. The reduction in phosphorus demand is also important due to peak phosphorus.