A Composting Bedding System for Animals as a Contribution to the Circular Economy

Abstract

By-products from forestry, agriculture and nature areas are used in compost bedded-pack housing (CBP) systems for animals. In this communication, we discuss the application of a CBP system to animal farms and aspects related to the recycling and reuse of the materials in the context of a circular economy. This study is based on data from ongoing projects and literature. The following systems are discussed: (i) composting material applied to a specialized animal housing system; (ii) adding a horticultural component to the animal farm by reusing the compost, and (iii) a cooperative mixed cattle and crop farming system. The success of integrating a compost bedding component in the system depends largely on the skills of managing the composting process, the application of the material in the field, and the cost of acquiring the material. When materials are amply available, then a real contribution to the circular economy can be made. Cooperation between farmers in the utilization of by-products is another route to a more circular economy. Moreover, the analyzed systems can be seen as a Greenhouse Gases (GHG) mitigation practice because they store carbon in the soil and improve soil quality.

Understanding Compost-Bedded Pack Barn Systems in Tropical Climate Regions: A Review of the Current State-of-the-Art

“…The success of the bedding component of open and closed CBP systems depends on the management of the composting process, the application of the material in the field, and its acquisition cost [1]. When materials are widely available, the system can substantially contribute to the globally discussed circular economy [2].…”

“…The success of integrating bedding material into the system largely depends on the skills of those managing the composting process, the application of the material on the field, and the cost of acquiring the material [2]. Importantly, the incidence of mastitis in CBP is directly linked to the quality of the bedding.…”

“…Simultaneously, a search is ongoing for breeding systems that reduce emissions, reuse waste, and ensure efficiency of the return on invested capital [1]. Notably, the livestock sector represents an important source of ammonia emissions, greenhouse gases, and other impacts on the environment [2].…”

Understanding Compost-Bedded Pack Barn Systems in Regions with a Tropical Climate: A Review of the Current State of the Art

“…The success in the bedding component of open and closed CBP systems depends on the management of the composting process, the application of the material in the field, and its acquisition cost [ 1 ]. When materials are widely available, a system can substantially contribute to the globally discussed circular economy [ 2 ].…”

“…Simultaneously, there is an ongoing search for housing systems that reduce emissions, reuse waste, and ensure the efficiency of the return on invested capital [ 1 ]. Notably, the livestock sector represents an important source of emissions of ammonia and greenhouse gases and other impacts on the environment [ 2 ].…”