The main goal of the project is to implement agroecological principles to mixed animal production systems (pig and poultry), specifically through the valorisation of waste streams via fermentation for use in feed. Fermentation is a simple technique that farmers can use. The main research questions are: Which residue streams are suitable for fermentation? Which fermentation process is the most suitable for which residue stream? How can fermented residue streams be included in pig and poultry feed, in combination with feed ingredients produced on the own farm? Can these fermented residue streams improve animal health and welfare? Do these fermented residue streams help improve animal nutrient utilization? and What is the ecological and socio-economic impact to the farm of these strategies?

Not all agricultural residue streams are suited for fermentation, and fermentation parameters will differ according to agricultural streams used. Consultation with farmers and stakeholders of the different LLs will deliver the most interesting agricultural residues. To suceed in the use of fermented products it is vital to look at feed composition and ingredient availability in the different production systems represented by the different participating countries. The combination of the fermented wastes with other feed ingredients needs to be matched to guarantee the positive effect on animal nutrient use efficiency, health and welfare, to help farmers in the transition to agroecological systems. The ecological and socio-economic impact that such an approach would have at farm level will be assessed, taking into account the impact for the farm nutrient cycle, the emission and carbon foot print balances, economic viability to the farmer and the social impact.

The results of this project will lead to a deeper understanding on how to integrate animal production in agroecological production systems. Throughout the project, the direct training and follow-up during implementation of the proposed methods will help to smooth the transition of animal production systems into agroecology at farm level, increasing their sustainability and decreasing environmental impact.