PigBal 5 has been released

To update the PigBal calculator so producers and businesses can accurately estimate waste outputs and nutrient flows, incorporate Scope 1 and 2 emission factors into PigBal, and revise outdated emission factors and formulas — giving regulators greater confidence when assessing nutrient impacts for planning and approvals.

The Australian pork industry now has access to PigBal 5, the latest version of the PigBal mass balance calculator designed to support on-farm environmental management and planning.
 

This project aimed to upgrade the previous PigBal version (4) released in 2013, to improve accuracy, usability, and alignment with current practices. This also included fixing minor errors reported by users. Some changes and upgrades in the new version of PigBal include:

• More accurate predictions for growth and feed waste, including finisher pigs over 100kg
• Updated diet formulations reflecting regional and industry trends, including 35 new/modified ingredients
• A new pig class for gestating sows, allowing differentiation between conventional and deep litter pigs
• Expanded Scope 1 emissions calculations for housing and manure systems, aligned with the National Inventory Report
• New capability to enter farm energy use to estimate total Scope 1 and 2 emissions 

Value for producers
 

• Higher detailed outputs with updated input fields
• Site-specific emissions calculations, allowing users to evaluate the effects of changes in manure management on Scope 1 emissions
• Step by step ‘how to’ videos outlining working through the calculator, accompanied by User and Technical manuals for clarification
   

Recommendations
 

• It was recommended that the PigBal calculator is regularly reviewed and updated at least every 5 years, to ensure formulations are up-to-date in terms of new piggery planning and the emerging biogas production systems at piggeries.

Future versions of the PigBal calculator should be updated to run on a different programming platform, to minimise issues with Macros and enable greater flexibility for user input.