Completed Competitive Grant

Energy use and nutrient cycling in pig production systems

Project ID: E2008-03

Abstract

Researchers explored all aspects of energy use in hog production from the perspective of two systems currently in use in Iowa—conventional confinement systems and bedded hoop barns.

Key Question: How much energy does it take to raise a pig in different systems in Iowa?

Findings: The project answered the question by calculating direct and indirect energy flows into and through pig production systems based on physical material flows.

Lead investigator: Mark Honeyman, ISU Agricultural Research Farms

Co-Investigator(s):

Year of grant completion: 2011

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Ecology Initiative.

Topics: Climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, Life Cycle Assessment, Hoops and alternative livestock systems

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The Leopold Center was established by the 1987 Iowa Groundwater Protection Act as a research and education center at Iowa State University to develop sustainable agricultural practices that are both profitable and conserve natural resources. Iowa State does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Vietnam Era Veteran. Any persons having inquiries concerning this may contact the Director of Affirmative Action, 3210 Beardshear Hall, (515) 294-7612.

This page was found at http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/grants/e2008-03 on 01/21/2013