The survey shows that 13 000 tonnes (42%) of the edible by-products from cattle slaughter and 24 000 tonnes (47%) from pig slaughter were not utilized for food in 2020. The by-products that accounted for the biggest losses in terms of weight were for cattle: blood, omasum - and abomasum, tallow and legs, and for pigs: intestines (without contents), blood and stomach. The majority of the edible by-products from cattle and pigs that was not used for food, was used for biogas production, while only a small share was used for feed (pets and fur animals) or incineration.
The reason why almost half of the by-products was not used for food was that there was no profit. One area of action could be to develop the demand and markets for these by-products, where, according to the meat industry, increasing the export opportunities lies closest at hand. Another measure is to investigate more cost-effective ways of processing the by-products, as for example blood and intestines are costly to handle. The study is performed by researchers at the Swedish University of Agrocultural Sciences on a mission by the Swedish Board of Agriculture.
Name of organisation : Swedish Board of Agriculture
Contact email: karin.lindow@jordbruksverket.se
Further information: https://jordbruksverket.se/jordbruket-miljon-och-klimatet/matsvinn-och-forluster-vid-livsmedelsproduktion
Date of publication: 2022-10-22
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