Food waste is a global problem that affects both the environment and the economy.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), about one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted every year, equivalent to 1.3 billion tons of edible food.
This waste generates about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, contributes to land degradation and biodiversity loss, and costs about $940 billion annually.
One of the potential solutions to reduce food waste is to convert it into animal feed, especially for poultry, which is one of the most widely consumed and fastest-growing sources of animal protein in the world.
Poultry production requires large amounts of feed, which accounts for about 65% of the production costs and has significant environmental impacts.
Most poultry feed is based on crops such as soybean and corn, which require large amounts of land, water, fertilizer, and pesticides, and compete with human food demand.
How Food Waste Can Become Chicken Feed
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However, a new technology developed by an Australian start-up called Food Recycle Ltd. could change this scenario by transforming food waste into high-quality chicken feed using a patented process that dehydrates and granulates the waste into a powder that can be mixed with other ingredients, as per Slate.
The technology has been tested and proven by researchers from the University of New England (UNE), who found that feeding chickens with waste-based feed could not only save the poultry industry an estimated $500 million a year but also reduce the country's total greenhouse gas emissions by at least 5%.
The process of converting food waste into chicken feed involves several steps that ensure the safety, quality, and efficiency of the product.
The first step is to collect and sort the food waste from various sources, such as breweries, hospitals, nursing homes, and hospitality venues.
The waste can include fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products, meat, and fish, as long as they are not contaminated with hazardous substances or pathogens.
The second step is to dehydrate the food waste using a special machine that removes about 80% of the water content and reduces the volume and weight of the waste by about 90%.
The machine also sterilizes the waste by heating it to high temperatures that kill any harmful bacteria or viruses.
The third step is to granulate the dehydrated waste using another machine that grinds it into a fine powder that can be easily stored and transported.
The powder can also be mixed with other ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals and enzymes, to create a balanced and nutritious feed for chickens.
The final step is to distribute the feed to poultry farmers who can use it as a supplement or a replacement for conventional feed.
The feed can also be sold to consumers who want to raise their own backyard chickens in a more sustainable way.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Food Waste As Chicken Feed
Using food waste as chicken feed has several benefits for both the environment and the economy. Some of these benefits are:
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
By diverting food waste from landfills, where it decomposes anaerobically and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas, to chicken farms, where it is consumed aerobically and releases carbon dioxide, a less potent greenhouse gas, the technology could reduce Australia's total greenhouse gas emissions by at least 5%.
This could help the country meet its climate targets and commitments under the Paris Agreement
Saving money
By using food waste as a cheap and local source of feed, poultry farmers could save up to 50% on their feed costs, which account for about 65% of their production costs.
This could increase their profitability and competitiveness in the market. Consumers could also benefit from lower prices of eggs and chicken meat.
Improving animal welfare
By feeding chickens with natural and varied food sources, rather than processed and uniform ones, poultry farmers could improve the health and well-being of their animals.
This could reduce the need for antibiotics and other medications that are often used to prevent or treat diseases in poultry.
Enhancing food security
By using food waste as an alternative source of protein for poultry production, rather than relying on imported crops, such as soybean and corn, which are subject to price fluctuations and supply disruptions due to climate change or trade disputes, Australia could enhance its food security and self-sufficiency.
Supporting circular economy
By using food waste as a valuable resource rather than a burden, Australia could support a circular economy that minimizes waste generation and maximizes resource utilization.
This could create new jobs and businesses in the food waste management and poultry feed sectors, and contribute to the country's economic growth and social development.
