9 Role of livestock in a circular bioeconomy.

Abstract Role of Livestock in a Circular Bioeconomy T. A. McAllister1 Barbara Renate Amon2 and Philippe Becquet,3 1Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1J 4B1 2 Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy, Max-Eyth-Allee 100, 14469 Potsdam, Germany 3 Regulatory Strategy Adviser, EI, 8, Place des Tonneliers, 68100 Mulhouse, France ABSTRACT Redesigning livestock systems that integrate circularity principles into livestock production is a critical step toward a more resilient and sustainable food system. The UN Food & Agriculture Organization’s Livestock Environmental Assessment & Performance (LEAP) Partnership have published a new guideline that provides insights into the measurements and products used to strengthen circularity within the livestock sector. It explores the synergies, trade-offs, and interactions of livestock within a circular bioeconomy framework. Livestock play a fundamental role within a circular bioeconomy by converting non-edible biomass, such as pastures and forages, agricultural residues, and food industry by-products into high-value animal-sourced foods (ASF), organic fertilizers, and renewable energy. By recycling nutrients and utilizing low-opportunity-cost biomass, livestock contribute to reducing food-feed competition, enhancing soil health, and closing nutrient cycles, improving the sustainability of agricultural systems and strengthening global food security. Beyond food production, livestock systems support bio-based industries by valorizing animal by-products (ABP) such as hides, bones, and fats into materials for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and bioenergy. Additionally, manure-based biogas production provides renewable energy while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The guideline presents an overview of widely used metrics and indicators for assessing the environmental impact of livestock production in a circular bioeconomy. The use of plant-based and animal-based by-products as feed, as well as the valorization of residuals such as manure within circular bioeconomy systems are outlined. Additionally, the document analyzes political and regulatory implications, discusses policies that promote the circular economy and bioeconomy, and outlines the strengths and challenges in supporting the use of by-products and residuals. The document is relevant to livestock producers, supply chain partners (e.g., feed producers), farming organizations, processors, and retailers seeking to enhance the environmental performance of livestock production systems. Non-livestock stakeholders can also benefit from insights into creating synergies within this sector through recycling and upcycling of residuals and waste. The guidelines will serve as a valuable tool for policymakers interested in fostering circular bioeconomy strategies for livestock supply chains.