Consumers’ and Farmers’ Perceptions in Europe Regarding the Use of Composted Bedding Material from Cattle

Marija Klopčič, Karmen Erjavec, Megan Waldrop, Jutta Roosen, Petra Engel, Paul Galama and Abele Kuipers
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Marija Klopčič: Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, SI-1230 Domžale, Slovenia
Karmen Erjavec: Faculty of Economics and Informatics, University of Novo Mesto, SI-8000 Novo Mesto, Slovenia
Megan Waldrop: TUM School of Management, Technical University of Munich, DE-85354 Freising, Germany
Petra Engel: Institut für Tierzüchtung, Justus-Liebig Universität Gießen, DE-35390 Gießen, Germany
Paul Galama: Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, NL-6708 WD Wageningen, The Netherlands
Abele Kuipers: Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, NL-6708 WD Wageningen, The Netherlands

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 9, 1-18

Abstract: By-products like sawdust and straw are applied in compost bedded-pack barns (CBP) for cattle. These materials, which are gradually mixed with excreta and undergo a composting process, serve as a lying bed for the cattle. This study aims to assess the perception of consumers and farmers regarding the use of CBP during the grazing season of cattle for raising other animals or for growing food crops. This was examined by combining surveys with consumers from eight European countries and cattle farmers, focus groups with consumers, and in-depth interviews with individual farmers who implemented alternative uses of compost. The results showed that farmers preferred the compost bedded-pack system to the cubicle system in terms of sustainability and market aspects, although the cost of the bedding material required for CBP was seen as a significant negative aspect. Around half of all consumers indicated that the compost can be used for non-edible products and 26% indicated the compost can be used for raising other animals. Furthermore, 5% of consumers felt that compost should not be used for any other purpose. There were statistically significant differences between countries; therefore, regional specificities should be taken into account when marketing products from compost in CBP barns.

Keywords: composting material; cattle housing; alternative use; produce; circular economy; marketing; farmer and consumer; perceptions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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