Composting provides unexpected benefits to dairy farms in New Zealand

Published 2023년 1월 27일

Tridge summary

Research in New Zealand has found that keeping cows in composting shelters not only helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also provides a better living condition for the cows, leading to improved welfare, body condition, and milk production. The study also noted a 45% reduction in nitrogen leaching from the integrated compost shelters. However, more research is needed to evaluate the shelters' impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Despite the additional costs, the study shows a good return on investment for farms in terms of reduced maintenance costs, improved milk production, and a more sustainable and environmental-friendly farming practice.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Dairy farms emit vast quantities of carbon dioxide and methane, making them one of the leading agricultural industries contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Composting has long been known to help reduce emissions and turn organic waste into more beneficial products. Research in New Zealand determined the feasibility of using composting shelters to house cows, a practice becoming popular among smallholder farmers. To reduce methane emissions and use animal and plant waste for fertilizer production, farmers typically compost organic waste in composting shelters. However, some farmers noticed that many cows seem to love the environment inside the composting shelters. The research showed that the heat from the composting process inside the shelters provided cows with a more regulated resting environment, especially during cold nights. During blistering summer days, the wood chips and sawdust bedding inside the shelters also provide cows with cooler ground to rest on compared to ...

Source: Mb