WP1: Tannin profiling and variety selection
Lead: PGRO
This work package profiles condensed tannin and nutrient content across UK faba bean varieties. The goal is to identify the varieties with high tannin levels and with strong protein quality for feed use. A desk-based review establishes the existing evidence on agronomic, environmental, genetic and geographic influences on tannin and protein content. Small plot trials at PGRO test varieties from the Field Bean Descriptive List under different agronomic conditions across multiple sites. Parallel work examines the effect of sulphur and amino acid nutrient treatments on grain quality. Field-scale trials by W & JC Harrison produce the bean material used in the WP3 and WP4 feeding trials.
WP2: In vitro assessment of methane and nutrition
Lead: SRUC
This work package uses laboratory fermentation studies to rank faba bean hulls and heat-treated whole beans for their effect on methane production and nutritional value. Short-term batch incubations using rumen fluid measure methane output and volatile fatty acid production across a range of bean fractions and varieties. The most promising samples progress to longer-term RUSITEC continuous fermentation systems, where digestibility, methane reduction and nutrient utilisation are quantified under simulated rumen conditions. Detailed chemical analysis measures protein, starch, tannin content, amino acid balance and rumen degradability. Together these outputs identify the inclusion levels and combinations to carry forward into the controlled dairy cow trials in WP3.
WP3: In vivo assessment of dairy cow performance
Lead: SRUC
This work package translates laboratory findings into controlled dairy cow experiments at SRUC's Barony research dairy. Test diets are formulated using the inclusion levels identified in WP2 and tested both individually and in combination. A short-term Latin square experiment establishes immediate effects on methane rate, yield and intensity, dry matter intake and feed conversion efficiency, with methane measured directly using GreenFeed systems. A longer-term experiment of 10 to 12 weeks quantifies the persistence of effects on milk yield, milk composition, live weight, body condition and nitrogen balance. The combined dataset provides validated performance evidence for the on-farm trials in WP4 and the lifecycle assessment in WP5.
WP4: On-farm assessment of dairy cow performance
Lead: Muller UK and Ireland
This work package transfers research findings into commercial dairy settings. Five dairy farms within the Tesco Sustainable Dairy Group are selected to reflect a range of herd sizes, management systems and regions, ensuring results are broadly applicable. The faba bean feed ingredients are introduced into existing rations with technical guidance from SRUC, and key performance indicators are monitored including feed intake, milk output, animal health and farmer experience. Data is captured using practical and scalable methods suitable for commercial operations. The resulting case studies demonstrate technical feasibility under real farm conditions and provide the evidence base for wider supply chain adoption across the Muller and Tesco Sustainable Dairy Group networks.
WP5: Lifecycle assessment and techno-economic analysis
Lead: McArthur Agriculture
This work package delivers a full environmental and economic evaluation of the faba bean feed ingredients in UK dairy systems. Lifecycle assessment is conducted to ISO 14040 and 14044 as a comparative attributional analysis against soybean meal-based baselines, using the ReCiPe Midpoint H impact method. Techno-economic analysis follows ISO/TS 14076. Boundaries run cradle-to-farm-gate, integrating primary data from agronomic trials, in vitro studies, controlled dairy trials and commercial on-farm work. Results are expressed as CO2e per kilo of fat- and protein-corrected milk and as cost per tonne of CO2e abated. Scenario and sensitivity analyses test allocation methods, inclusion rates and energy assumptions across multiple adoption pathways.
WP6: Valuing on-farm emissions reductions
Lead: Farm Carbon Toolkit
This work package integrates the new feed ingredients and their emission factors into the Farm Carbon Toolkit calculator, the carbon accounting tool used widely across UK agriculture. Outputs from the lifecycle assessment and trial work are translated into updated emission factors and formulae that allow the calculator to recognise the potential reductions associated with using the two ingredients. The work also develops a supply chain business model setting out how arable farmers, dairy farmers, processors and retailers might share the value of verified emissions reductions. The aim is a practical, scalable mechanism that rewards low-emission feed adoption at farm level and supports milk price differentiation tied to verified carbon outcomes.
WP7: Knowledge exchange
This work package communicates the project's findings to the UK dairy sector through a coordinated programme of engagement. The InFaba website, quarterly newsletter and PR activity provide the digital and media backbone. Technical guidance on feed formulation, methane reduction and economic outcomes is translated from the research work packages into resources for farmers, nutritionists and feed businesses. Sector engagement runs through industry events, retailer briefings, the NFU Dairy Board and AHDB Dairy, supported by direct outreach to feed compounders and on-farm mixers. Academic outputs through SRUC publications reach the technical research community. Activity is monitored through web analytics, partner feedback and event records to evidence ongoing engagement and impact.
WP8: Project management
This work package coordinates delivery, governance and reporting across the consortium. A three-tier structure supports management. An independent steering committee provides strategic oversight. The project manager and work package leads coordinate delivery and integration across partners. Partner teams deliver tasks and report progress through monthly partner updates covering work completed, upcoming activity and updates on dependencies and risks. Quarterly review meetings consolidate progress against milestones, budget and risk register. SharePoint provides document control, dashboards and progress tracking. The project manager maintains contact with the Innovate UK Monitoring Officer and ensures compliance with grant terms.