Protein supply, emissions and control
Modern livestock production depends on globally traded protein commodities that deliver consistency, availability and competitive pricing. These inputs have supported productivity and growth across the feed sector for decades.
However, reliance on a narrow range of imported protein sources also brings increasing exposure to risks that sit largely outside the control of UK supply chains. These include embedded feed emissions, land use change associated with production in some regions and growing regulatory requirements such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
At the same time, governance frameworks that have historically helped manage land use risk in key producing regions are evolving. Changes in enforcement and voluntary agreements, alongside rising global demand, add further uncertainty to long-term supply, compliance and assurance.
None of this means that globally traded proteins no longer have a role. It does mean that system-level dependence increases exposure. As regulatory expectations tighten and scrutiny of supply chains grows, flexibility and diversity in protein options become increasingly important.
Building resilience does not mean abandoning what works. It means strengthening the system by broadening the range of protein sources available, improving control over specification and traceability and reducing exposure to risks that cannot be influenced directly.
What pulses can contribute
BritPulse feed ingredients are based on UK-grown pulses. They offer a scalable way to strengthen protein supply and deliver value in two places: in arable rotations and in livestock diets.
In arable rotations, pulses contribute benefits that extend beyond the harvested crop and across the wider system. They reduce reliance on synthetic fertilisers, support soil health, protect water quality and contribute to biodiversity. These system benefits make pulses an important component of regenerative arable rotations.
At the point of inclusion in livestock diets, processed pulses can partially replace imported protein sources such as soya bean meal while maintaining animal performance. Research and commercial trials show that, when processed appropriately, pulses can deliver meaningful feed emissions reductions without compromising performance or welfare.
This is increasingly important as retailers and food businesses work to meet Scope 3 emissions commitments across their supply chains. Feed is a major contributor to livestock footprints, and ingredients that deliver measurable emissions reductions provide a practical route for progress within existing production systems.
Used alongside established protein ingredients, BritPulse feed ingredients help strengthen feed systems today and support the transition towards a more resilient and sustainable food system over time.
Making Pulses Practical at Scale
The potential of homegrown pulses in livestock diets is well understood. The challenge has always been consistency and confidence at scale.
Raw pulses vary by variety, season and growing conditions. Without appropriate processing, specification and quality control, this variability limits inclusion levels and increases risk for feed formulators. For pulses to be used reliably alongside established protein ingredients, they must be delivered in a form that is consistent, predictable and easy to work with.
BritPulse focuses on addressing this challenge. By combining processing, standardisation and traceability, BritPulse feed ingredients are designed to reduce variability and make homegrown pulses dependable within commercial feed systems.
This approach allows nutritionists and feed businesses to incorporate pulses with greater confidence, supporting performance, emissions reduction and supply chain resilience without asking the sector to compromise on reliability.
Making pulses practical at scale is what turns opportunity into benefit. It is also what enables homegrown pulses to move from an underutilised break crop to a dependable component of a sustainable UK protein plan.
What BritPulse Makes Possible
Better Environmental Outcomes
When incorporated into livestock diets, BritPulse feed ingredients can deliver measurable reductions in feed-related emissions, while maintaining animal performance. Shorter supply chains and domestic production also reduce exposure to land use change risks that sit outside UK control.
By supporting the use of pulses grown within UK arable rotations, BritPulse helps bring wider environmental benefits into the feed system, including reduced reliance on synthetic fertilisers, improved soil health and better water quality. These benefits are evidenced at farm level and can be measured and reported through supply chains.
For businesses facing Scope 3 emissions commitments, this creates a practical route to action. Feed is a large contributor to livestock footprints and ingredients that deliver verified emissions reductions allow progress to be made within existing production systems.
Better for UK Food Security
BritPulse strengthens the UK’s ability to influence and understand a critical part of its protein supply. By increasing the role of homegrown feed ingredients, it reduces system-level dependence on imported proteins and exposure to global price volatility, regulatory change and climate-related disruption.
A traceable domestic supply chain gives feed businesses, retailers and foodservice operators greater confidence in provenance, compliance and assurance, particularly as regulatory and reporting requirements continue to tighten.
By improving resilience at feed level today, BritPulse supports the development of a food system that is better equipped to manage future risk while remaining grounded in commercial reality.
The long-term view
Livestock production will remain central to the UK food system for decades to come. Strengthening feed supply is therefore one of the most practical starting points for improving long-term food system resilience.
At the same time, protein demand is evolving. Alongside animal feed, pulses are increasingly used directly in food, and their role in human diets is expected to grow. Building scale, capability and confidence in homegrown pulse crops supports both animal agriculture today and wider food uses in the future.
By starting with feed, pulses create the volumes, infrastructure and expertise needed to support greater human consumption. BritPulse recognises this long view, turning research into consistent, traceable feed ingredients that strengthen feed systems today and help underpin a more resilient and sustainable food system.
Talk to Us
If you would like to explore how FabaPro™ can be used in your feed formulations we would be happy to talk.