Relação da produtividade com o potencial de mudanças climáticas na suinocultura – um recorte da produção de leitões desmamados

Abstract

Pig farming plays a significant role in economic and social development across various regions of Brazil. Boasting a progressive approach to productivity, a promising economic future, and a vast international market, Brazil ranks fourth globally among pork producers and exporters. Despite the environmental concerns associated with Brazilian animal production, the pig farming industry has made strides in reducing its environmental impact while increasing production efficiency. However, the main challenge remains balancing ever-increasing production efficiency with environmental considerations. To resolve this, this study focused on identifying critical points in the pig production process, particularly those productivity indicators that have the greatest potential for optimization to minimize environmental impact. To this end, the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method was used. A systematic review of existing research using carefully chosen descriptors revealed significant areas where national pig farming's life cycle assessment remains understudied. Each sow in the study herd produced an average of 187.77 kilograms of weaned piglets per year, with associated emissions of around 3.28 kilograms of CO2 equivalent per kilogram of product. Analysis of reproductive indicators suggests potential for improvement, which could also lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Many traditional reproductive indicators fail to adequately explain variations in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). However, the use of Principal Components Analysis (PCA) has allowed for the exploration of new reproductive indicators that demonstrably influence both weaned piglet production and GHG emissions.