Environmental sustainability: farmers' views of housing systems for cattle

Benedičič, Janez; Erjavec, Karmen; Klopc̆ic̆, M.

doi:10.1080/1828051x.2021.2005470

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…Research [22] indicates that cows in freewalk systems experience fewer health issues, such as lameness and mastitis, common in conventional stall-based housing. Environmentally, freewalk systems offer benefits by promoting natural cow behaviors, leading to a more uniform distribution of manure and effective management, thereby helping in reducing ammonia emissions [23,24].…”

Section: Freewalk Housing Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Innovative Strategies for Sustainable Dairy Farming in Canada amidst Climate Change

Neethirajan

2023

Sustainability

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In recent years, the Canadian dairy sector has faced escalating challenges due to its significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane. This paper critically examines a spectrum of innovative techniques aimed at mitigating methane emissions within this sector, scrutinizing their cost-effectiveness, efficiency, compatibility with animal welfare standards, and adherence to both existing and prospective Canadian environmental legislations. The discourse begins with an exhaustive overview of contemporary methane reduction methodologies relevant to dairy farming, followed by a rigorous analysis of their economic feasibility. This includes a detailed cost-benefit analysis, juxtaposed with the efficiency and technological advancements these techniques embody. A pivotal aspect of this examination is the alignment of animal welfare with emission reduction objectives, ensuring that the strategies employed do not compromise the health and well-being of dairy cattle. Furthermore, the paper delves into the legislative landscape of Canada, evaluating the congruence of these techniques with current environmental laws and anticipating future regulatory shifts. Performance indicators for emission reduction are critically assessed, establishing benchmarks tailored to the Canadian context. This is complemented by an exploration of the market potential of these innovations, including factors influencing their adoption and scalability in the market. The analysis culminates with a synthesis of case studies and best practices within Canada, offering insights into successful implementations and drawing lessons for future endeavors. This comprehensive approach not only addresses the immediate environmental and health impacts associated with dairy farming emissions but also significantly contributes to the overarching goal of sustainable development in the agricultural sector. The research presented in this paper holds significant implications for the future of sustainable dairy farming, offering a model for addressing environmental challenges while maintaining economic viability and animal welfare.

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Section: Freewalk Housing Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Innovative Strategies for Sustainable Dairy Farming in Canada amidst Climate Change

Neethirajan

2023

Sustainability

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“…On buffalo farms, there are usually two commonly used types of flooring, namely: metal or concrete grids without coverings, or soft bedding (e.g., straw). The adoption of one type rather than another is related to a farm management choice made by the farmer [39]. In fact, while grids without coverings allow for more practical washing of resting environments, they may be less preferable in terms of animal health, because they are generally associated with higher levels of articular injury and postural changes, and lower levels of cattle cleanliness [40].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mats Made from Recycled Tyre Rubber and Polyurethane for Improving Growth Performance in Buffalo Farms

Masiello,

di Cicco,

Spagnuolo

et al. 2024

AgriEngineering

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This study focuses on anti-trauma mats designed for buffaloes’ comfort, using as raw materials rubber powder from end-of-life tyres (ELTs) and an isocyanate-based polyurethane resin binder. The first part of the study focused on mat formulation. Whilst it was possible to select a unique combination of raw materials and design features, it was necessary to investigate the relationship between three critical parameters affecting mat consistency and therefore buffalo comfort: binder quantity, mat thickness, and desired final mat density (bulk). In order to quantitatively assess the variation in hardness, various combinations were investigated within well-defined ranges based on the relevant literature. The results obtained from nine selected combinations indicate that increases in the three critical parameters do not induce a real phase transition in the final product consistency, although the hardness suggests an increasing trend. The mats consistently exhibited a moderately soft/hard consistency, offering environmental benefits in terms of increased rubber usage and potentially reduced chemical binder, depending on the desired thickness. The selected mixture showed excellent resistance to heavy chemical loads, suggesting reliability for frequent cleaning operations. The second part of the study involved field trials of the mats with calves. This involved monitoring their weight gain and appetite levels over a 90-day period. The results showed excellent growth performance compared to uncoated grids (i.e., weight gain was approximately 20% higher at the end of the observation period); this was similar to that achieved with the use of straw bedding. However, compared to straw bedding, the mats (i) exhibit long-term durability, with no signs of wear from washing or trampling over the months of the trial, (ii) allow for quick and efficient cleaning, and (iii) enable companies to save on labour, material (straw), and waste disposal costs, while maintaining (or even improving) the same welfare levels associated with the use of straw.

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“…Still, the majority of them are not concerned by the multifaceted crisis of agriculture-related to its influence on the climate crisis and loss of biodiversity [16][17][18][19]. Conventional farmers' primary motives for adopting an animal and environmentally friendly housing systems for dairy cattle are to achieve higher production and profits and to receive full direct payments [20,21]. A study on farmers' opinions regarding cubicle and compost-bedded housing systems in Austria, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Sweden found that farmers judged the compost bedded-pack system (CBS) as more sustainable than the cubicle housing system [6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Views of Consumers, Farmers and Stakeholders on Alternative Dairy Cattle Housing Systems

Erjavec¹,

Klopc̆ic̆

2022

Animals

Self Cite

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Alternative housing systems for dairy cattle have recently emerged, such as compost-bedded packs and artificial floor ones. To determine their acceptability among categories of people with a connection to animal husbandry, this study aimed to identify and compare the acceptability of (alternative) housing systems and attitudes to aspects of housing systems for dairy cattle among Slovenian consumers, farmers, and stakeholders. Farmers (N = 306), consumers (N = 508), and stakeholders (N = 40) were interviewed about their views on the main aspects (animals, farmers, products, environment) of housing systems for dairy cattle, the acceptance of four housing systems, and important housing features. The results show that consumers, stakeholders, and conventional farmers preferred housing systems with an artificial floor, while organic farmers preferred a housing system with a compost-bedded pack. Consumers and organic farmers expressed the greatest acceptance of almost every aspect of the housing system, except for a sufficient income for farmers and a low workload. Conventional farmers and stakeholders hold similar views, except for the expectation that the animals have enough space to move around, the image of the landscape, and the animals’ health and wellbeing, where stakeholders showed more acceptance than conventional farmers. The results imply that systematically planned information aimed at different target categories is needed to increase the acceptance of (alternative) housing systems for cattle.

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Environmental sustainability: farmers' views of housing systems for cattle

Cited by 5 publications

References 29 publications

Innovative Strategies for Sustainable Dairy Farming in Canada amidst Climate Change

Innovative Strategies for Sustainable Dairy Farming in Canada amidst Climate Change

Mats Made from Recycled Tyre Rubber and Polyurethane for Improving Growth Performance in Buffalo Farms

Views of Consumers, Farmers and Stakeholders on Alternative Dairy Cattle Housing Systems

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