Reduced Manure Treatment Needs with Compost-Bedded Pack Systems in Dairy Cows

Kellen R. Oliveira, Marcelo S. Rodrigues, Luís H. R. Silva, Poliana T. R. Salgado, Alex L. Silva and Polyana P. Rotta ()
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Kellen R. Oliveira: Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, Brazil
Marcelo S. Rodrigues: Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, Brazil
Luís H. R. Silva: Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, Brazil
Poliana T. R. Salgado: Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, Brazil
Alex L. Silva: Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, Brazil
Polyana P. Rotta: Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, Brazil

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 23, 1-10

Abstract: The compost-bedded pack (CBP) system offers a sustainable solution for dairy farms by enhancing cow welfare and health while promoting environmental sustainability and improving manure management for agricultural reuse. This study aimed to evaluate the reduction in manure treatment required for agricultural use by analyzing manure excretion patterns in lactating cows. We compared seven Holstein and six Holstein × Gyr cows, divided into two CBP groups, and monitored their feces and urine behaviors over a 48 h period. Manure excretion was recorded across four farm areas: (1) feeding area, (2) resting area (composted bed), (3) path to the milking parlor, and (4) milking parlor. Both breeds predominantly excreted feces (45.03%) and urine (54.18%) in the resting area, which facilitated composting directly in the bedding. This resulted in a significant reduction in nitrogen requiring treatment, averaging 76.8–85.3 g per cow per day, accounting for 44–49% of total nitrogen excretion. The CBP system demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing environmental impact by minimizing nitrogen loss through volatilization and leaching, while also enhancing nutrient recycle in agriculture. These findings emphasize the CBP system’s role in foresting sustainable dairy farming and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

Keywords: compost-bedded pack; dairy cattle; environment; reuse; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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