Life cycle assessment of the Brazilian minipig bred for biomedical research and education: A case study

Abstract

Minipigs are gaining significant momentum in biomedical research due to advantages that make them an excellent model for studying human physiology and disease. However, the environmental impacts related to producing and maintaining these animals have received limited attention, as the primary focus has been on complying with strict animal welfare protocols. This paper aimed to estimate the environmental impacts related to the production of a specific breed of miniature pigs in Brazil (Minipig-br1). The methodology used in the study consisted of a life cycle assessment (LCA), considering the full spectrum of the impact categories while focusing on discussing impact categories relevant to pig production systems. The inventory was based on input-output data collected throughout 2022 and was performed at the company Minipig Research and Development in Sao Paulo countryside. A cradle-to-farm gate LCA was performed, also including transportation of the minipigs to the hospital in the capital megacity. Minipigs-br1 was raised on the farm and delivered to the hospital for two purposes: research and education. An economic allocation was applied to estimate the environmental impacts related to each type of use. The functional unit was one live animal delivered to the hospital gate for use in research and education. From the cradle to the hospital gate, a minipig delivered for education emitted 95 kg CO₂ eq. while a minipig used for research emitted 221 CO₂ eq. The main environmental hotspots were feeding the minipigs and manure management with approximately 65 % and 30 %, respectively. Mitigation options are discussed, focusing on input substitution of feed ingredients, system redesign, transport of minipigs, and manure treatment strategies.