Analyzing Carbon and Nitrogen Balances in Swine Production Systems: A Methodology to Evaluate the Global Warming Potential of Swine Production in the Philippines

Abstract

 Understanding the carbon and nitrogen balance in a swine body can contribute greatly in quantifying and assessing greenhouse gas emissions in swine production. In this study, the carbon balance and nitrogen balance in swine were assessed using literature data and different case scenarios in the Philippines. GHG emissions from 10 backyard farms and 12 commercial farms in the country were quantified and emission per pig class from their manure management system were estimated. The routes of carbon and nitrogen in the pig’s body were presented through material balance. For nitrogen flow in the swine system, the majority of the consumed nitrogen is retained in the pig’s body and the rest is excreted in the manure. Similarly, most carbon in the swine system is retained in its body, while the rest goes out of the system by exhalation and enteric fermentation, or is excreted in the manure. The study provides a new framework for assessing the global warming potential through carbon and nitrogen balances. The output of this study could serve as a basis developing strategies for reducing GHG emissions, improving resource efficiency, and promoting sustainable livestock management.

Keywords: swine production, nitrogen flow, carbon flow, carbon footprint