Advanced Livestock Genetics Are Making Protein Production More Sustainable | Sustainable Brands
Advanced Livestock Genetics Are Making Protein Production More ... Sustainable Brands
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Genetic Innovations: A Key Strategy for Sustainable Livestock Production
Published Aug 4, 2023 11am EDT / 8am PDT / 4pm BST / 5pm CEST
Introduction
Historically, corporate carbon-reduction strategies haven’t looked to genetic innovations as a viable Scope 3 reduction opportunity; but it is one of the most important considerations for improving the sustainability of livestock production.
The Importance of Sustainable Protein Production
Investors, governments, and consumers worldwide are urging corporations to aggressively reduce their environmental footprints. Many sustainability-driven leaders are searching for scientifically sound carbon-intervention strategies to further their company’s environmental goals. To achieve these targets, every segment of the value chain needs to work together and apply new approaches and technologies that deliver holistic value to create and support a sustainable food system.
Agriculture as part of the solution
Improving animal genetics is crucial for raising healthier animals using fewer resources in protein production. Genetic improvements can contribute significantly to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other environmental impacts.
The Ripple Effect of Livestock Genetics
US pork producers have pledged to reduce GHG emissions by 40 percent by 2030. This ambitious goal can be achieved through a combination of on-farm best management practices, land-based conservation practices, and advanced livestock genetics. Genetic innovations play a vital role in improving the sustainability of livestock production by reducing the need for resources such as feed, water, and antibiotics.
Quantification Supports Ambitious Goals
To understand the impact of genetic improvements, PIC is undertaking a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to quantify environmental benefits, including GHG reductions. The National Pork Board (NPB) is partnering with PIC to create a Carbon Reduction Framework that allows corporations to claim reductions based on the demonstrated use of genetic innovations. This framework will outline the necessary steps for quantifying, verifying, and tracking reductions within the supply chain.
Setting the Standard for Sustainable Protein Production
PIC and NPB are working together to codify the Carbon Reduction Framework and are seeking partners to help pilot-test the framework. This collaboration aims to showcase the measurable carbon-reduction benefits that can be achieved through genetics within a functioning pork supply chain. The framework will be adapted for other protein species and replicated in other regions globally.
Conclusion
Genetic innovations in livestock production offer a promising solution for achieving sustainable protein production. By leveraging advanced livestock genetics, companies can reduce their environmental impact, improve animal welfare, and meet ambitious climate goals. To join this movement towards sustainable protein production or learn more about genetics as a sustainability solution, please contact Banks Baker, Global Director of Product Sustainability at Genus PLC.
About the Author
Banks Baker is the Global Director of Product Sustainability for Pig Improvement Company (PIC), the global porcine genetics business for Genus. Genus is a world-leading animal genetics and biotechnology company that breeds pigs and cattle with desirable genetic traits to help farmers produce meat and milk more efficiently and sustainably.
Sponsored Content
This article is sponsored by Genus. This article, produced in cooperation with the Sustainable Brands editorial team, has been paid for by one of our sponsors.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the importance of genetic innovations in livestock production to improve sustainability and reduce environmental footprints. This aligns with SDG 2, which aims to achieve zero hunger by promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security. It also relates to SDG 3, as healthier animals can contribute to better human health and well-being. Additionally, the article highlights the need for responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13), and preserving life on land (SDG 15) through reducing carbon emissions, water use, land use change, and the need for antibiotics.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 2.4: Sustainable food production systems
- Target 3.9: Reduce deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution
- Target 12.2: Sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
- Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce degradation of natural habitats
The article emphasizes the need for sustainable food production systems (Target 2.4) by raising healthier animals using fewer resources. It also addresses the reduction of illnesses and deaths related to pollution (Target 3.9) by promoting genetic improvements that lead to lower antibiotic use. The article advocates for sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources (Target 12.2) through genetic innovations that reduce feed and water requirements. Furthermore, it highlights the integration of climate change measures (Target 13.2) and the reduction of degradation of natural habitats (Target 15.5) through carbon reductions and land use change reductions.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- GHG emissions
- Water use
- Land use change
- Antibiotic use
The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These include greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, water use, land use change, and antibiotic use. Genetic improvements in livestock production can lead to reductions in these indicators, indicating progress towards achieving the targets.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.4: Sustainable food production systems | – GHG emissions – Water use – Antibiotic use |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: Reduce deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution | – Antibiotic use |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.2: Sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources | – GHG emissions – Water use – Land use change |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – GHG emissions |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce degradation of natural habitats | – Land use change |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: sustainablebrands.com
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