What do we see?
In 2021, the total use of raw materials for compound feed production in Belgium was 7.98 million tonnes. This figure has evolved little since 2011. In 2021, 42.9% of these raw materials came from by-products from the food and biofuel industry; in 2015, this figure was 50.0%. Almost half of these streams are oilseed by-products (46%), followed by grain products from milling (66%) and molasses (13%). Other by-product flows include bakery products, pasta, by-products from the biofuel industry and animal by-products.
What’s the aim?
Animal feed plays a crucial role in livestock production, with both the quantity and type of feed required depending on the size and composition of the sector. The circularity of this process is influenced by both the overall use and the origin of raw materials. With the use of residual streams in food production, the feed industry seeks to contribute to the principles of circular agriculture.
Traditionally, the demand for animal feed was met by using residual streams from the production and processing of food for human consumption. However, with the rise in consumption of animal products, these available residual streams can no longer fully meet demand in terms of both quality and quantity.
The Belgian Feed Association (BFA) aims to increase the share of residue streams in animal feed to 50% by 2030. In addition, the organisation aims to reduce the use of raw materials for feed production by optimising food conversion. The ambition is to improve food conversion for pigs and poultry by 10% compared to 2018 levels by 2028.
What does this indicator measure?
This indicator measures the proportion of residual materials used in the production of compound feed in Belgium. The data comes from the Belgian Feed Association (BFA).
