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Improving dairy cattle management
Clemson
researchers are lowering the saturated fat content in milk - while it's
still in the cow - by adding fatty acid to the cow's diet. The scientists
have developed a patented feed formula that combines fatty acid and ammonia.
This combination uses the natural chemicals and processes in the cow's
digestive system to lower the overall fat content in the milk. The process
also changes the remaining fat to the more healthful monounsaturated form
found in canola or olive oil.
The
scientists are also studying the use of a pasture-based feeding system
that eliminates manure build-up in confined areas, improves animal health,
and lowers producer costs. By segmenting pastures into smaller sections
and moving cattle from one section to another, dairy farmers can provide
year-round grazing as the primary feed source, as an alternative to feeding
grain in confined areas.
Another
study is examining more environmentally sensitive ways to manage livestock
waste generated in confined areas. By passing the waste through a settling
basin and then through man-made wetlands, solids can be extracted for
use as organic fertilizer. Remaining water can be recycled to irrigate
pastures. This reduces the amount of waste sent to lagoons and reduces
the need for chemical fertilizers, while improving grass production in
dry months.
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