Government invests in biomass boiler plant for cattle producers

May 13, 2013

Quebec and Eastern Canadian cattle producers to benefit from the creation of new biomass boiler plant

The Government of Canada announced the opening of a biomass boiler plant in Lévis, Quebec. The Sanimax plant was created with the help of the federal government – a repayable investment of $7.6 million, which was announced in Feb. 2011. The plant will handle carcass disposal and related by-products and will benefit cattle producers in Quebec and Eastern Canada, abattoirs and meat processors.

The biomass boiler plant has the capacity to utalize animal waste and turn it into energy. Sanimax President Martin Courture says that the plant will reduce C02 emissions by 22,000 metric tones per year. MP Jacques Gourde (Lotbinière-Chutes-de-la-Chaudière calls this investment a cost effective opportunity for the cattle industry and provides a safe disposal of animal by-products.

The project was funded part of the 2011 Economic Action under the Slaughter Waste Innovation Program.

Video: Sow Welfare and Group Housing Systems - Dr. Laya Alves

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Laya Alves from the University of São Paulo, in Brazil, discusses how animal welfare regulations are evolving globally and their impact on pig production systems. She explains challenges in group housing, pain management, and euthanasia decisions, while highlighting the role of training and management in improving outcomes and economic sustainability. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Translating welfare requirements into daily farm routines without compromising economic sustainability remains one of the biggest challenges faced by producers globally today."

Meet the guest: Dr. Laya Alves / laya-kannan is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of São Paulo, Brazil, focusing on animal welfare in pig production, including pain management, euthanasia, and economic decision making. Her work integrates welfare science with practical farm management and sustainability. She collaborates globally to develop applied tools for producers.