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.
Highlights
Public concern about food safety and the impacts of agriculture on the environment focuses on the appropriate use and efficient recycling of animal manure, in regions with high animal density [1,2,3]
86% to 93.3% [4] of the ammonia (NH3 ) emissions in Europe are caused by agricultural activities [5]. Foodborne pathogens such as Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes can survive in the soil for several months following the manure application [6,7,8,9] and contaminate the vegetables grown in the soil fertilized with manure [10,11]
Alternative uses of composting bedding material from compost bedded-pack barns (CBP) barns other than as a lying bed for cattle were studied
Summary
Public concern about food safety and the impacts of agriculture on the environment focuses on the appropriate use and efficient recycling of animal manure, in regions with high animal density [1,2,3]. 86% to 93.3% [4] of the ammonia (NH3 ) emissions in Europe are caused by agricultural activities [5] Foodborne pathogens such as Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes can survive in the soil for several months following the manure application [6,7,8,9] and contaminate the vegetables grown in the soil fertilized with manure [10,11]. This has prompted governments, agricultural advisors, developers of treatment technologies from industry, researchers, and livestock farmers to develop and apply strategies, technologies, and practices as a means to mitigate the environmental and food safety risks from livestock operations.
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