Roughage management in a circular dairy system: reducing nutrient losses

Projecttitel: Roughage management in a circular dairy system: reducing nutrient losses
Projectnummer: LWV20.365
Missie: Kringlooplandbouw
MMIP:  A1 – Verminderen fossiele nutriënten, water en stikstofdepositie
Projectleider: Roselinde Goselink

Ensiling of roughages is the most important method of feed conservation. During the process of ensiling and feed out, losses will occur resulting in the release of greenhouse gases and ammonia and the loss of feed material. Exact measurements of gas emissions are unavailable and this information will help to find management interventions to promote farm sustainability and profitability.
In the present proposal the ensiling and feed out processes will be fundamentally examined in fully controlled climate respiration chambers, measuring the exact losses of dry matter and protein and the emissions of greenhouse gases and ammonia. Potential options for management interventions reducing feed losses will be investigated and the impact of feed losses and reduction options are demonstrated on a farm level. The results will help farmers to improve farm self-sufficiency, reduce the environmental impact and improve farm economy.

Website