Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Promotes Distribution of 'Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Feed' with 1-2%P Lower Protein Content

The government is promoting the distribution of 'greenhouse gas emission reduction feed,' which has a protein content 1-2 percentage points lower than the current feed.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 1st that it has revised the "Standards and Specifications for Feed, etc. (Feed Codex)" by establishing registration standards for nitrogen-reduction feed that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Nitrogen-reduction feed is an eco-friendly feed that reduces surplus nitrogen supplied as feed, thereby lowering emissions of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas generated during livestock manure treatment. It can be distinguished from conventional feed and labeled and sold as nitrogen-reduction feed.

Through experimental research (2021?2023, Seoul National University, Chungnam National University, Konkuk University) to determine the appropriate protein supplementation levels, the Ministry confirmed the suitable protein levels for each growth stage of Hanwoo cattle, pigs, and laying hens. Based on analysis of overseas cases and opinions from the National Institute of Animal Science, academia, and industry experts, the registration and labeling requirements for nitrogen-reduction feed were established.

In 2021, to induce greenhouse gas reduction, manure odor reduction, and appropriate nutrient supply, the government lowered the protein level of pig feed by 1-3 percentage points and newly set upper protein limits for chicken, duck, and cattle feed. The current nitrogen-reduction feed has a maximum protein content 1-2 percentage points lower than existing feed, and for pig feed, a minimum registration amount of lysine, an essential amino acid, was established to strengthen quality control standards.

Kim Jeong-wook, Director of Livestock Policy at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, stated, "We will continue to promote environmentally improved feed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the livestock sector," and urged, "Livestock farmers should actively participate in greenhouse gas reduction activities to revitalize low-carbon livestock production."

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