Register      Login
Animal Production Science Animal Production Science Society
Food, fibre and pharmaceuticals from animals
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Trends in the environmental impacts of the Australian pork industry

S. G. Wiedemann A * , K. Watson A B , L. Biggs https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7674-2903 A C , E. J. McGahan A and M. A. Copley https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9748-3197 A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Integrity Ag., 10 Neil Street, Toowoomba City, Qld 4350, Australia.

B Present address: WaterNSW, Paramatta, NSW 2150, Australia.

C Present address: Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Qld 4350, Australia.


Handling Editor: Surinder Chauhan

Animal Production Science 64, AN23361 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN23361
Submitted: 31 October 2023  Accepted: 5 September 2024  Published: 7 October 2024

© 2024 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing

Abstract

Context

Over the past four decades, major changes have occurred in Australia’s pork industry, affecting productivity and environmental performance.

Aims

This study determined long-term changes in greenhouse gas and key resource use efficiency indicators.

Methods

Life cycle assessment was used to determine impacts at decadal intervals between 1980 and 2010, and are presented alongside results for 2020 and 2022.

Key results

Over 42 years since 1980, greenhouse gas emissions, excluding land use and direct land use change (dLUC), fell by 74% from 11.7 to 3.0 kg CO2-e/kg liveweight. Land use and dLUC emissions declined by 92%. Fossil energy use decreased from 35 to 13 MJ/kg liveweight between 1980 and 2022. Freshwater consumption and water stress fell from 506 L and 671 L H2O-e in 1980 to 52 L and 43 L H2O-e/kg liveweight in 2022, respectively. Land occupation decreased by 42% from 22 m2/kg liveweight in 1980 to 13 m2/kg liveweight in 2022. Over the analysis period, emissions per kilogram of liveweight fell by an average of 1.8% per year, land use and dLUC emissions by 2.2%, greenhouse gas including land use and dLUC emissions by 1.9%, fossil energy use by 1.5%, and freshwater consumption, stress, and land occupation by 2.1%, 2.2%, and 1%, respectively. Between 2010 and 2020, uptake of covered anaerobic ponds resulted in an annual rate of improvement in emissions (excl. land use and dLUC) of 2.9%, however, the rate of improvement fell to 1.4% between 2020 and 2022.

Conclusions

Long-term improvements were principally driven by improved herd productivity and feed production systems, and changes in housing and manure management. Herd and system efficiencies led to better feed conversion ratio, resulting in lower feed requirements, reduced manure production and lower feed wastage, which reduced manure greenhouse gas emissions. Concurrently, reduced tillage, higher yields, and a decrease in the proportion of irrigation water used for grain production resulted in lower impacts of feed grains.

Implications

Ongoing changes and improvements in production efficiency have resulted in large gains in environmental performance in the Australian pork industry but new strategies will also be needed to maintain these trends into the future.

Keywords: agricultural systems, carbon footprint, energy, greenhouse gases, greenhouse gas emissions, land use change, life cycle assessment, pigs, pork, water.

References

ABARES (2023) Agricultural Commodities: March 2023 edition, Pig and poultry. Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics. Available at https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-topics/agricultural-outlook/pig-and-poultry

ABS (1999) 7121.0 - Agricultural Commodities, Australia, 1997-98. Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics. Available at https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/7121.0Main+Features11997-98?OpenDocument=

ABS (2001) 7121.0 - Agricultural Commodities 1999-2000. Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia. Available at https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/7121.0Main+Features11999-2000?OpenDocument=

ABS (2005) 4618.0 - Water Use on Australian Farms, 2002-03. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Available at https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4618.0Main+Features12002-03?OpenDocument=

ABS (2011a) 7121.0 - Agricultural Commodities, Australia, 2009-10. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Available at https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/7121.0Main+Features12009-10?OpenDocument=

ABS (2011b) 4168.0 - Water use on Australian farms, 2009–10. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Canberra.

ABS (2012) Historical Selected Agricultural commodities Australia: by State 1861-2010. Australian Bureau of Statistics.

ABS (2020) Water use on Australian Farms, 2018-19 - 4618.0. Australia Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Canberra, Australia. Available at https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/industry/agriculture/water-use-australian-farms/

ABS (2021a) 7121.0 - Agricultural Commodities, Australia, 2019-20. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Australia. Available at https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/industry/agriculture/agricultural-commodities-australia/2019-20

ABS (2021b) Livestock Products, Australia - December 2020. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Available at https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/industry/agriculture/livestock-products-australia/dec-2020

ABS (2021c) Water Use on Australian Farms, 2019-2020 - 4618.0. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Canberra, Australia. Available at https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/industry/agriculture/water-use-australian-farms/

ALCAS (2017) AusLCI. Australian Life Cycle Assessment Society (ALCAS), Australia. Available at http://auslci.com.au/

Alvarez-Rodriguez J, Hermida B, Parera J, Morazán H, Balcells J, Babot D (2013) The influence of drinker device on water use and fertiliser value of slurry from growing-finishing pigs. Animal Production Science 53, 328-334.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Amon B, Kryvoruchko V, Amon T, Zechmeister-Boltenstern S (2006) Methane, nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions during storage and after application of dairy cattle slurry and influence of slurry treatment. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 112, 153-162.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Angus JF, Grace PR (2017) Nitrogen balance in Australia and nitrogen use efficiency on Australian farms. Soil Research 55, 435-450.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

APL (2011) Australian Pig Annual 2010–2011. Australian Pork Limited.

APL (2012) Australian Pig Annual 2011–2012. Australian Pork Limited.

Apostolidis N, Hertle C, Young R (2011) Water recycling in Australia. Water 3, 869-881.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Arrieta EM, González AD (2019) Energy and carbon footprints of chicken and pork from intensive production systems in Argentina. Science of The Total Environment 673, 20-28.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Arrieta EM, Cuchietti A, Cabrol D, González AD (2018) Greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiencies for soybeans and maize cultivated in different agronomic zones: a case study of Argentina. Science of The Total Environment 625, 199-208.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Ballantyne ER, Wrathall LS (1984) ‘A postal survey of intensive pig accommodation in Australia: Part 1: the questionnaire and the responses.’ (CSIRO)

Bao Z, Li Y, Zhang J, Li L, Zhang P, Huang FR (2016) Effect of particle size of wheat on nutrient digestibility, growth performance, and gut microbiota in growing pigs. Livestock Science 183, 33-39.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Barson M, Mewett J, Paplinska J (2012) Land management practice trends in Australia’s broadacre cropping industries. Caring for our Country Sustainable Practices fact sheet 3. (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry: Australia)

Benoit M, Dakpo H (2012) Greenhouse gas emissions on french meat sheep farms: analysis over the period 1987–2010. In ‘Emissions of Gas and Dust from Livestock, Proceedings Emili 2012 congress’. (Eds M Hassouna, N Guigand), pp. 384–387. (Institut de l’Elevage (IDELE): Saint-Malo, France)

Bonesmo H, Enger EG (2021) The effects of progress in genetics and management on intensities of greenhouse gas emissions from Norwegian pork production. Livestock Science 254, 104746.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Boyd G, Cady R, Wittig L, Bryan G, Anderson D, Sutton A, Holden P, Thoma G (2012) A 50-year comparison of the carbon footprint and resource use of the US swine herd: 1959–2009. (Camco: North America, Colorado). Available at https://porkcheckoff.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/10-174-Boyd-Camco-final-5-22-12.pdf

Brumm M (2006) Patterns of drinking water use in pork production facilities. Nebraska Swine Report EC06-219. (University of Nebraska: Lincoln)

Brumm M (2010) Water recommendations and systems for swine. Available at https://porkgateway.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/water-recommendations-and-systems-for-swine1.pdf

Brumm MC, Dahlquist JM, Heemstra JM (2000) Impact of feeders and drinker devices on pig performance, water use, and manure volume. Journal of Swine Health and Production 8, 51-57.
| Google Scholar |

Bunter KL, Hermesch S (2017) What does the ‘closed herd’ really mean for Australian breeding companies and their customers? Animal Production Science 57, 2353-2359.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Bureau of Meteorology (2015) Recent rainfall, drought and southern Australia’s long-term rainfall decline. Available at http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/updates/articles/a010-southern-rainfall-decline.shtml

Canh TT, Aarnink AJA, Schutte JB, Sutton A, Langhout DJ, Verstegen MWA (1998) Dietary protein affects nitrogen excretion and ammonia emission from slurry of growing–finishing pigs. Livestock Production Science 56, 181-191.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Capper JL (2011) The environmental impact of beef production in the United States: 1977 Compared with 2007. Journal of Animal Science 89, 4249-4261.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Capper JL, Cady RA, Bauman DE (2009) The environmental impact of dairy production: 1944 compared with 2007. Journal of Animal Science 87, 2160-2167.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Carr J (2008) Management practices to reduce expensive feed wastage. The Pig Journal, Proccedings Supplement 1. https://www.thepigsite.com/articles/management-practices-to-reduce-expensive-feed-wastage

Chadwick D, Sommer S, Thorman R, Fangueiro D, Cardenas L, Amon B, Misselbrook T (2011) Manure management: implications for greenhouse gas emissions. Animal Feed Science and Technology 166-167, 514-531.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Cherubini E, Zanghelini GM, Alvarenga RAF, Franco D, Soares SR (2015) Life cycle assessment of swine production in Brazil: a comparison of four manure management systems. Journal of Cleaner Production 87, 68-77.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Cleary G, Godfrey A (2002) Pig Stats 2000 and 2001. Australian Pork Limited, Australia.

Cleary G, Meo H (1997) PigStats 96. Pig Research and Development Corporation, and Australian Pork Corporation, Australia.

Cleary G, Meo H (1999) PigStats 98. Pig Research and Development Corporation, and Australian Pork Corporation, Australia.

Cleary G, Meo H (2000) PigStats 99. Pig Research and Development Corporation, and Australian Pork Corporation, Australia.

Cleary G, Ransley R (1994) PigStats 93. Pig Research and Development Corporation, and Australian Pork Corporation, Australia.

Cleary G, Phillip G, McElhone C (2003) Pig Stats 2002. Australian Pork Limited, Australia.

Coffey RD, Parker GR, Laurent KM (2017) Phase-feeding of grow-finish pigs. Pork Business.

Commonwealth of Australia (2021) National inventory report 2019 Volume 2. Canberra, Australia. Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Available at https://www.dcceew.gov.au/climate-change/publications/national-greenhouse-accounts-2019/national-inventory-report-2019

Commonwealth of Australia (2023) National greenhouse accounts factors. Australia. Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Available at https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/national-greenhouse-account-factors-2023.pdf

Copley MA, McGahan EJ, McCormack K, Wiedemann SG (2024) Environmental impacts of Australian pork in 2020 and 2022 determined using lifecycle assessments. Animal Production Science 64, AN23352.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Dai X-W, Sun Z, Müller D (2021) Driving factors of direct greenhouse gas emissions from China’s pig industry from 1976 to 2016. Journal of Integrative Agriculture 20, 319-329.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Dalgeish M, Whitelaw A (2021) State of the Industry Report 2021. Australian Pork Limited. Available at https://australianpork.com.au/sites/default/files/2021-10/APLStateofIndustry-Report.pdf

DCCEEW (2021) History of Australian water markets. Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Available at https://www.dcceew.gov.au/water/policy/markets/history

Dennehy C, Lawlor PG, Jiang Y, Gardiner GE, Xie S, Nghiem LD, Zhan X (2017) Greenhouse gas emissions from different pig manure management techniques: a critical analysis. Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering 11, 11.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Denton JH, Coon CN, Pettigrew JE, Parsons CM (2005) Historical and scientific perspectives of same species feeding of animal by-products. Journal of Applied Poultry Research 14, 352-361.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Department of Industry Science and Resources (2022) National Inventory Report 2021 Volume 1. Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources 1, 11. Available at https://www.dcceew.gov.au/climate-change/publications/national-inventory-report-2021

Dept. Env and Energy (2006) Agricultural chemical usage database. Australian Government, Department of Environment and Energy. Available at http://www.environment.gov.au/protection/chemicals-management/agricultural-chemical-usage%20database

DeRouchey J, Richert BT (2010) Feeding systems for swine. Available at https://porkgateway.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/feeding-systems-for-swine1.pdf

Dones R, Bauer C, Bolliger R, Burger B, Heck T, Röder A, Institut PS, Emmenegger MF, Frischknecht R, Jungbluth N, Tuchschmid M (2007) Life cycle inventories of energy systems: results for current systems in Switzerland and other UCTE Countries. Ecoinvent. Available at https://www.ecolo.org/documents/documents_in_english/Life-cycle-analysis-PSI-05.pdf

Dorca-Preda T, Mogensen L, Kristensen T, Knudsen MT (2021) Environmental impact of Danish pork at slaughterhouse gate – a life cycle assessment following biological and technological changes over a 10-year period. Livestock Science 251, 104622.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Dowling D (2006) Australian Pig Annual 2005. Australian Pork Limited.

DPIRD WA (2018) Reducing livestock greenhouse gas emissions. DPIRD WA.

Fan Y, Guo P, Yang Y, Xia T, Liu L, Ma Y (2017) Effects of particle size and adaptation duration on the digestible and metabolizable energy contents and digestibility of various chemical constituents in wheat for finishing pigs determined by the direct or indirect method. Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences 30, 554.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Fan H, Chen K, Ma H, He J, Li H, Yang Z, Wu Q, Zhang C, Zhang S, Huang T, Gao H, Ma J (2023) Carbon footprints in pork production and consumption in China from 2005 to 2020. Journal of Cleaner Production 419, 138252.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

FAO (2013) Food wastage footprint: impacts on natural resources: summary report. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, Italy.

Garcia-Launay F, Van der Werf HMG, Nguyen TTH, Le Tutour L, Dourmad JY (2014) Evaluation of the environmental implications of the incorporation of feed-use amino acids in pig production using Life Cycle Assessment. Livestock Science 161, 158-175.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Gardner JAA, Dunkin AC, Lloyd LC (1990) ‘Pig production in Australia.’ (Butterworths) doi:10.1016/C2013-0-04257-0

Garnett T (2011) Where are the best opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the food system (including the food chain)? Food Policy 36, S23-S32.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Gerber P, Vellinga T, Opio C, Steinfeld H (2011) Productivity gains and greenhouse gas emissions intensity in dairy systems. Livestock Science 139, 100-108.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Gerber PJ, Steinfield H, Henderson B, Mottet A, Opio C, Dijkman J, Falcucci A, Tempio G (2013) ‘Tackling climate change through livestock – a global assessment of emissions and mitigation opportunities.’ (FAO)

Goodband RD, Tokach MD, Nelssen JL (1995) Effects of diet particle size on animal performance. Feed Manufacturing. Available at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237294026_The_Effects_of_Diet_Particle_Size_on_Animal_Performance_Robert_D_Goodband

Groen EA, van Zanten HHE, Heijungs R, Bokkers EAM, de Boer IJM (2016) Sensitivity analysis of greenhouse gas emissions from a pork production chain. Journal of Cleaner Production 129, 202-211.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Gustavsson J, Cederberg C, Sonesson U, Van Otterdijk R, Meybeck A (2011) Global Food Losses and Food Waste. Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, Italy.

Harrison MT, Cullen BR, Tomkins NW, McSweeney C, Cohn P, Eckard RJ (2016) The concordance between greenhouse gas emissions, livestock production and profitability of extensive beef farming systems. Animal Production Science 56, 370-384.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Hermesch S (2004) Genetic improvement of lean meat growth and feed efficiency in pigs. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 44, 383-391.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Holyoake T, Kruger I, Morgan J, Laffan J (2018) ‘Pig Production: the basics: AgGuide - a practical handbook.’ (New South Wales Government - Department of Trade & Investment). Available at https://books.google.com.au/books?id=kNRJDwAAQBAJ

Hyland JJ, Styles D, Jones DL, Williams AP (2016) Improving livestock production efficiencies presents a major opportunity to reduce sectoral greenhouse gas emissions. Agricultural Systems 147, 123-131.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Index Mundi (2023) Australia soybean meal imports by year. Available at https://www.indexmundi.com/agriculture/?country=au&commodity=soybean-meal&graph=imports

ISO (2018) ISO 14067:2018 - Greenhouse gases - Carbon footprint of products - Requirements and guidelines for quantification. International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), Geneva, Switzerland.

Kaufmann T (2015) Sustainable livestock production: low emission farm – the innovative combination of nutrient, emission and waste management with special emphasis on Chinese pig production. Animal Nutrition 1, 104-112.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Kingston C, Meyhoff Fry J, Aumonier S (2009) Scoping life cycle assessment of pork production, Final Report. Available at https://www.nlaf.uk/Library/content/GetDoc.axd?ctID=ZWVhNzBlY2QtZWJjNi00YWZiLWE1MTAtNWExOTFiMjJjOWU1&rID=MTg3MA==&pID=MjI5&attchmnt=False&uSesDM=False&rIdx=MTc2NA==&rCFU=

Lamnatou C, Ezcurra-Ciaurriz X, Chemisana D, Plà-Aragonés LM (2016) Environmental assessment of a pork-production system in North-East of Spain focusing on life-cycle swine nutrition. Journal of Cleaner Production 137, 105-115.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Lapidge S (2015) Primary production food losses: turning losses into profit. Department of Primary Industries and Regions, South Australia (PIRSA), South Australia.

Le PD, Aarnink AJA, Jongbloed AW, Van der Peet-Schwering CMC, Ogink NWM, Verstegen MWA (2008) Interactive effects of dietary crude protein and fermentable carbohydrate levels on odour from pig manure. Livestock Science 114, 48-61.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Li YZ, Chénard L, Lemay SP, Gonyou HW (2005) Water intake and wastage at nipple drinkers by growing-finishing pigs. Journal of Animal Science 83, 1413-1422.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Llewellyn RS, D’Emden FH, Kuehne G (2012) Extensive use of no-tillage in grain growing regions of Australia. Field Crops Research 132, 204-212.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

MacLeod M, Gerber P, Mottet A, Tempio G, Falcucci A, Opio C, Vellinga T, Henderson B, Steinfeld H (2013) Greenhouse gas emissions from pig and chicken supply chains – a global life cycle assessment. Food and Agriculture Organization. Available at www.fao.org/publications

Manyi-Loh C, Mamphweli S, Meyer E, Okoh A, Makaka G, Simon M (2013) Microbial anaerobic digestion (bio-digesters) as an approach to the decontamination of animal wastes in pollution control and the generation of renewable energy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 10, 4390-4417.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

McElhone C, Philip G (2004) Australian Pig Annual 2003. Australian Pork Limited.

McElhone C, Philip G (2005) Australian Pig Annual 2004. Australian Pork Limited.

McGahan EJ, Phillips FA, Wiedemann SG, Naylor TA, Warren B, Murphy CM, Griffith DWT, Desservettaz M (2016) Methane, nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions from an Australian piggery with short and long hydraulic retention-time effluent storage. Animal Production Science 56, 1376-1389.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

McLaren DG (2007) Recent developments in genetic improvement of pigs. In ‘Manitoba Swine Seminar’.

Meul M, Ginneberge C, Van Middelaar CE, de Boer IJM, Fremaut D, Haesaert G (2012) Carbon footprint of five pig diets using three land use change accounting methods. Livestock Science 149, 215-223.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Muhlbauer RV, Moody LB, Burns RT, Harmon J, Stalder K (2011) Water consumption and conservation techniques currently available for swine production. Available at https://porkcheckoff.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/09-128-BURNS-ISU.pdf

Mullan BP, Moore KL, Payne HG, Trezona-Murray M, Pluske JR, Kim JC (2011) Feed efficiency in growing pigs-what’s possible? Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition 18, 17-22.
| Google Scholar |

Nguyen TLT, Hermansen JE, Mogensen L (2010) Fossil energy and GHG saving potentials of pig farming in the EU. Energy Policy 38, 2561-2571.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Noya I, Villanueva-Rey P, González-García S, Fernandez MD, Rodriguez MR, Moreira MT (2017) Life cycle assessment of pig production: a case study in Galicia. Journal of Cleaner Production 142, 4327-4338.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

OEC (2020) Where does Australia import Soybean Meal from? Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC). Available at https://oec.world/en/resources/about

OECD/FAO (2022) OECD-FAO agricultural outlook 2022–2031. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development/Food and Agricultural Organization, Paris.

Ogino A, Osada T, Takada R, Takagi T, Tsujimoto S, Tonoue T, Matsui D, Katsumata M, Yamashita T, Tanaka Y (2013) Life cycle assessment of Japanese pig farming using low-protein diet supplemented with amino acids. Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 59, 107-118.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Opio C, Gerber P, Mottet A, Falcucci A, Tempio G, MacLeod M, Vellinga T, Henderson B, Steinfeld H (2013) Greenhouse gas emissions from ruminant supply chains – a global life cycle assessment. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, Vol. 171, pp. 1–214. Available at www.fao.org/publications

Owsley WF, Knabe DA, Tanksley TD, Jr (1981) Effect of sorghum particle size on digestibility of nutrients at the terminal ileum and over the total digestive tract of growing-finishing pigs. Journal of Animal Science 52, 557-566.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Patience JF, Rossoni-Serão MC, Gutiérrez NA (2015) A review of feed efficiency in swine: biology and application. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology 6, 33.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Pexas G, Mackenzie SG, Wallace M, Kyriazakis I (2020) Environmental impacts of housing conditions and manure management in European pig production systems through a life cycle perspective: a case study in Denmark. Journal of Cleaner Production 253, 120005.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Pfister S, Koehler A, Hellweg S (2009) Assessing the environmental impacts of freshwater consumption in LCA. Environmental Science & Technology 43, 4098-4104.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Philippe F-X, Nicks B (2015) Review on greenhouse gas emissions from pig houses: production of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide by animals and manure. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 199, 10-25.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Piot-Lepetit I, Moing ML (2007) Productivity and environmental regulation: the effect of the nitrates directive in the French pig sector. Environmental and Resource Economics 38, 433-446.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Pirlo G, Carè S, Casa GD, Marchetti R, Ponzoni G, Faeti V, Fantin V, Masoni P, Buttol P, Zerbinatti L, Falconi F (2016) Environmental impact of heavy pig production in a sample of Italian farms. A cradle to farm-gate analysis. Science of The Total Environment 565, 576-585.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Putman B, Hickman J, Bandekar P, Matlock M, Thoma G (2018) A retrospective assessment of US pork productions: 1960 to 2015. Available at https://scholarworks.uark.edu/rescentfs/2

Pype M-L, Tait S (2018) Strategic evaluation of opportunities and R&D needs for water management in piggeries. Australian Pork Limited. Available at https://australianpork.com.au/sites/default/files/2021-07/2016-083.pdf

QLD DAF (2013) Nutrients pigs need and diets. Queensland Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. Available at https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/animal-industries/pigs/feed-nutrition/nutrients-diets

Radcliffe GE, CSIRO AAC-PS, Robards JC (1987) Feeding standards for Australian livestock: Pigs. (CSIRO for the Standing Committee on Agriculture Pig Subcommittee: East Melbourne)

Ramírez-Islas ME, Güereca LP, Sosa-Rodriguez FS, Cobos-Peralta MA (2020) Environmental assessment of energy production from anaerobic digestion of pig manure at medium-scale using life cycle assessment. Waste Management 102, 85-96.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Reckmann K, Krieter J (2015) Environmental impacts of the pork supply chain with regard to farm performance. The Journal of Agricultural Science 153, 411-421.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Reckmann K, Traulsen I, Krieter J (2013) Life Cycle Assessment of pork production: a data inventory for the case of Germany. Livestock Science 157, 586-596.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Rigolot C, Espagnol S, Robin P, Hassouna M, Béline F, Paillat JM, Dourmad J-Y (2010) Modelling of manure production by pigs and NH3, N2O and CH4 emissions. Part II: effect of animal housing, manure storage and treatment practices. Animal 4, 1413-1424.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Ripoll-Bosch R, de Boer IJM, Bernués A, Vellinga TV (2013) Accounting for multi-functionality of sheep farming in the carbon footprint of lamb: a comparison of three contrasting Mediterranean systems. Agricultural Systems 116, 60-68.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Ritchie H, Roser M (2018) Meat and Seafood Production & Consumption. Our World in Data. Available at https://ourworldindata.org/meat-and-seafood-production-consumption

Roese GJ (1990) 17 - Feeding methods. In ‘Pig production in Australia’. 2nd edn. (Eds JAA Gardner, AC Dunkin, LC Lloyd) pp. 95–99. (Butterworth-Heinemann) doi:10.1016/B978-0-409-32525-6.50021-9

Sajeev EPM, Amon B, Ammon C, Zollitsch W, Winiwarter W (2018) Evaluating the potential of dietary crude protein manipulation in reducing ammonia emissions from cattle and pig manure: a meta-analysis. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 110, 161-175.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Schell T, van Heugten E, Harper A (2001) Pork industry handbook: managing feed waste. Purdue University. Available at https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/AS/07-04-01.pdf

Seradj AR, Balcells J, Morazan H, Alvarez-Rodriguez J, Babot D, De la Fuente G (2018) The impact of reducing dietary crude protein and increasing total dietary fiber on hindgut fermentation, the methanogen community and gas emission in growing pigs. Animal Feed Science and Technology 245, 54-66.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Simmons AT, Murray A, Brock PM, Grant T, Cowie AL, Eady S, Sharma B (2019) Life cycle inventories for the Australian grains sector. Crop & Pasture Science 70, 575-584.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Skerman A, Wilis S, Mcgahan E, Marquardt B (2015) PigBal 4. A Model for Estimating Piggery Waste Production. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Toowoomba, Australia.

Taylor G, Clark W (1990) Advantages of using wet and dry feeders. The Australian Pork Journal 12(9), 20.
| Google Scholar |

Taylor G, Kruger I, Ferrier M (1994) Plan it-build it. [Australian Pig Housing Series]. New South Wales Agriculture.

Taylor G, Roese G, Kruger I (2006) Understanding the pork industry. NSW DPI. Available at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/62916/Understanding_the_pork_industry-Primefact_105-final.pdf

Trabue SL, Kerr BJ, Scoggin KD, Andersen D, van Weelden M (2021) Swine diets impact manure characteristics and gas emissions: Part I protein level. Science of The Total Environment 755, 142528.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Vergé XPC, Dyer JA, Desjardins RL, Worth D (2009) Greenhouse gas emissions from the Canadian pork industry. Livestock Science 121, 92-101.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Wall E, Simm G, Moran D (2010) Developing breeding schemes to assist mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. Animal 4, 366-376.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Walsh L, Bottari N (2008) Australian Pig Annual 2006–2008. Australian Pork Limited

Wang L-Z, Xue B, Yan T (2017) Greenhouse gas emissions from pig and poultry production sectors in China from 1960 to 2010. Journal of Integrative Agriculture 16, 221-228.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Watson WD, Reynolds RG, Collins DJ, Hunter RD (1983) Agricultural water demand and issues – Water 2000: Consultants Report No.5. Australian Government Publishing Service.

Watson K, Wiedemann S, Biggs L, McGahan E (2018) Trends in environmental impacts from the pork industry. Australian Pork Limited (APL).

Wei Y, Zhang X, Xu M, Chang Y (2023) Greenhouse gas emissions of meat products in China: a provincial-level quantification. Resources, Conservation and Recycling 190, 106843.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Wiedemann SG (2015) Soil nitrate and phosphorus accumulates rapidly with a non-uniform distribution in two outdoor pig areas. Animal Production Science 55, 1464.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Wiedemann S (2018) Analysis of Resource Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Four Australian Meat production systems, with investigation of mitigation opportunities and trade-offs. Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW. Available at https://www.mla.com.au/contentassets/c469ed3b077647c2998f789f01405c34/e.sub.0010---trends-analysis-of-the-australian-beef-industry-2020-final.pdf

Wiedemann S, Watson K (2018) The low emission future of pork: a consequential life cycle assessment study of Australian pork production. CRC for High Integrity Australian Pork (Pork CRC), Australia.

Wiedemann S, McGahan E, Murphy C (2012) Energy, water and greenhouse gas emissions in Australian pork supply chains: a life cycle assessment. Pork Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), Toowoomba, Qld.

Wiedemann S, Sullivan T, McGahan E (2014) GHG Prediction Methods for Feedlots, Poultry and Pigs. Technical Report for the Department of Environment Greenhouse Gas Inventory Team. Federal Department of the Environment (DofE), Australia.

Wiedemann SG, Henry BK, McGahan EJ, Grant T, Murphy CM, Niethe G (2015) Resource use and greenhouse gas intensity of Australian beef production: 1981–2010. Agricultural Systems 133, 109-118.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Wiedemann SG, McGahan EJ, Murphy CM (2016) Environmental impacts and resource use from Australian pork production assessed using life-cycle assessment. 1. Greenhouse gas emissions. Animal Production Science 56, 1418-1431.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Wiedemann SG, McGahan EJ, Murphy CM (2018) Environmental impacts and resource use from Australian Pork production determined using life cycle assessment. 2. Energy, water and land occupation. Animal Production Science 58, 1153-1163.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Wiedemann S, Neale L, O’Shannessy R (2023) Beef industry trends analysis - 2020. Meat and Livestiock Australia, North Sydney, NSW. Available at https://www.mla.com.au/research-and-development/reports/2023/e.sub.0010---trends-analysis-of-the-australian-beef-industry-2020/

Wiedemann S, Longworth E, O’Shannessy R (2024) Net greenhouse-gas emissions and reduction opportunities in the Western Australian beef industry. Animal Production Science 64, AN23111.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Willis S (1999) The use of AUSPIG to predict the extent and economic value of feed wastage in Queensland piggeries. In ‘Darling Downs pig science seminar 1999, proceedings of the third pig science seminar’. Department of Primary Industries.

Wondra KJ, Hancock JD, Behnke KC, Hines RH, Stark CR (1995) Effects of particle size and pelleting on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and stomach morphology in finishing pigs. Journal of Animal Science 73, 757-763.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Zervas S, Zijlstra RT (2002) Effects of dietary protein and fermentable fiber on nitrogen excretion patterns and plasma urea in grower pigs. Journal of Animal Science 80, 3247-3256.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |