Nitrogen and phosphorus consumption, utilisation and losses in pig production: France

Abstract Although pig density in France (80 pigs produced/year/km 2 ) is lower than on average in the European Union (140 pigs/year/km 2 ), some regions with intensive animal production (720 pigs/year/km 2 ) have to face environmental problems related to a surplus of animal manure. According to the legislation, the amount of nitrogen from animal manure should not exceed 170 kg/ha. The actual situation for nitrogen and phosphorus consumption, utilisation and losses in pig production in France is described in this paper. It was calculated that on average 67% of the N and 66% of the P consumed by the pigs is excreted in faeces and urine. Improvements in feeding techniques could reduce by 15 to 30% N and P excretion by the animals, and ammonia losses in the atmosphere. The nutritional basis for these improvements is described.