News Pigs
Pig farming Mexico also focuses on circularity
Circular agriculture is not only a theme in the Netherlands, the way of working is also taking hold in Mexico. Granjas Carroll, one of the largest pig farms in the country, is applying more and more circular principles. In this way it wants to show that circular agriculture can also be profitable in Mexico.
Granjas Carroll is one of the largest pig farms in Mexico with 1,8 million pigs and a weekly birth rate of 4.000 piglets. It now has a share of more than 10% of the Mexican market, for which it mainly produces, and in addition 6% of production is exported to countries in Asia, according to Agrobericht Buitenland. Unique for the country is that this pig farming company has integrated every step in the production chain: from genetics to packaging and selling meat.
Save water, keep soil clean
In order to reduce the impact on the environment, the company is now implementing more and more circular applications. "We want to show that circular agriculture is also possible and profitable in Mexico." An example of how to prevent water wastage is that the pigs on the farm drink from so-called 'teats', instead of from large drinking troughs. The water flow is adjusted to the needs of a specific pig.
There is also a manure pit under the floor of the barn, where urine and faeces are 'collected'. †Urine consists of 95% water and 5% a mixture of mineral salts, urea and uric acid. The wastewater ends up in large lagoons where it is filtered and then reused in the stables. The lagoons used for the cleaning process are designed according to international standards. This guarantees that the wastewater does not soak into the soil," it describes.
Reduce odor, capture methane
All parts of Granjas Carroll have waste water systems and the focus is further on processing the manure in closed 'anaerobic biodigesters'. According to Rafael Patiño, Director of Environment & Energy of the company, this has 3 advantages: "It reduces unpleasant odors, it captures methane and it generates electrical energy (using the methane). In the end we produce about 3 times as much energy as our own need."
Another part of the manure (about 25%) is processed into fertilizer. "We use this in grain production and so we grow our own animal feed." According to Patiño, all these circular applications should ensure that the company does its part in Mexico's task to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to climate change control.
Rose scent in the pigsty
But, according to Patiño, there are still wishes for the company. "We would like it cleaned waste water, the fertilizers and the CO2 that is produced for the production of roses in greenhouses that have yet to be built. This is yet another step towards circularity. In addition, these greenhouses on location would contribute to less unpleasant odors: pigsties with a rose scent."
Kimberly Baker
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