LBTU researchers and industry partners study use of humic substances in pig farming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
In September 2024, researchers from the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU), in collaboration with pig farming industry representatives, launched a new project titled “Exploring the Genetic Potential of Pig Breeds and Crossbreeds for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Using Feed Additives Derived from Renewable Latvian Resources.” The aim is to develop science-based recommendations for optimal pig breed selection and the use of humic substances in feed, contributing not only to the advancement of climate-neutral pig farming, but also to enhancing the sector's competitiveness.
The project is implemented within the European Innovation Partnership framework and supported by the European Union and the Ministry of Agriculture. LBTU scientists are working together with the Latvian Pig Breeders Association, LLC “Cūku ciltsdarbu centrs,” LLC “Korkalns,” and LLC “PF Vecauce.”
In March, project partners visited the farm LLC “Kalniņkalni1” in Vērgale Parish to explore humate production technologies and their potential applications in pig farming. Farm owner Dairis Bēliņš and Dr. geol. Andris Karpovičš presented the entire production process, from raw material preparation to final product development.
Project leader and senior researcher at the LBTU Faculty of Agriculture and Food Technology, Dr. Ilze Vircava, explained:
“In the project, we explored four locally sourced raw materials for humate production: sapropel (from Tāši and Nūstiņi Lakes), peat (from Ploce bog), digestate, and pig manure. Based on data analysis, peat was chosen for further use due to its high concentration of humic and fulvic acids. However, the other materials also show promise for humate production in various agricultural sectors.”
During the visit, participants also discussed the experimental design, focusing on feeding practices and the integration of humates as feed additives. Field studies will be conducted at LLC “Korkalns” and LLC “PF Vecauce,” evaluating the genetic impact of various pig breeds and their crossbreeds on feed conversion and nitrogen emissions—factors directly linked to greenhouse gas (GHG) output.
The research will focus on Landrace, Yorkshire, Duroc, and Pietrain breeds and their hybrids.
Project No. 24-00-COLA1601-000003 is implemented under Activity LAD 16 – “Support for the Implementation of European Innovation Partnership Operational Group Projects.” The project runs from September 2, 2024, to February 28, 2029, with a total budget of €299,993.75 across all partners.