The EU published the EU Feed Protein Balance Sheet for 2017/2018 this week. A total of 85 million tonnes of crude protein were used in the production of animal feed in the EU in this period.
The majority of this protein came from roughage – 45%. The remaining protein sources were oilseed meals – 24%; crops – 22%; other co-products – 6%; and other sources accounted for 3% of the total.
- Roughage – grass; maize silage; leguminous fodder;
- Crops – cereals; oilseeds; pulses;
- Co-products – meals from crushing soya; rapeseed; sunflower; protein rich materials that result from processed arable crops (e.g. distillers grain);
- Non plant-based sources – processed animal proteins; whey; skimmed milk powder; former foodstuffs.
This is the first time that roughage has been included on the balance sheet.
Self-sufficiency
The EU’s self-sufficiency rate is high for some protein sources. The EU is 97% self-sufficient in protein products with less than 15% protein content and 92% self-sufficient in products with a protein content greater than 50%.
However, the EU is only 29% self-sufficient in products with a protein content between 30% and 50%.
The EU commission showed that the union is 100% self-sufficient in roughage and 90% self-sufficient in cereals.
91% of “other co-products” used in the production of animal feed in the EU are produced there. However, just 26% of oilseed meals come from the EU.
In total 78% of the protein sources in the EU come from the EU, while 22% of the protein sources are imported.
To view the full EU Feed Protein Balance Sheet for 2017/2018 click here