Edycja projektu EPI

Details of the project EPI

Name of EPI Operational Group

Project title

Development of an innovative way of feeding calves that improves production efficiency.

Project type

Category

Main geografical location

Main location of projct implemntation (NUTS3)

Additional location of projct implemntation (NUTS3)

Okres realizacji projektu od

01-04-2023 do 31-12-2024

Total budget (PLN)

2 510 788,04

Main funding source

EFRROW; national public funds; own funds

Website

www.zdrowycielak.pl

Obiective of the project

The aim of the activities is to implement a new way of feeding calves that improves the welfare of farmed animals and reduces methanogenesis on a farm. This effect will be associated with the introduction of probiotic strains of microorganisms capable of biosynthesis of SCFA (including butyric acid and propionic acid) and linolenic acid into the roughage. The new procedure will apply to both calves and young cattle.

Description of project activities

As a result of the conducted research, we want to confirm the effectiveness of the use of microbial strains, including probiotic strains, in cattle nutrition. Improving resistance to infection with pathogens causing diarrhea and improving weight gain and feed conversion in calves. In the nutrition of adult calves (heifers), effectiveness in preventing rumen metabolic dysfunctions and in improving the health and productivity of high-production dairy cows. We also want to demonstrate that selected strains of microorganisms will be effective in reducing methane emissions.

Description of the context of operations

The EU's Farm to Fork Strategy, as part of the Green Deal, takes into account the challenges of sustainable food systems and emphasizes the importance of the link between the health of society and the health of the planet. In turn, the 2021 report prepared under the UN Environment Program states that greenhouse gas emissions from livestock (including from the digestive tract) account for about one third of methane emissions. Therefore, there is a constant need to develop agrotechnologies that are conducive to protecting the natural environment and climate, as well as improving the efficiency of agricultural production. These needs are met by a strategy to increase the use of feed nutrients and improve animal welfare.
These goals are supported by the implementation of modern nutrition systems, which include TMR (Total Mixed Ration). Such nutrition ensures that all nutrients are given in one dose at the right time. The traditional system of feeding dairy cattle does not give contro

The EU's Farm to Fork Strategy, as part of the Green Deal, takes into account the challenges of sustainable food systems and emphasizes the importance of the link between the health of society and the health of the planet. In turn, the 2021 report prepared under the UN Environment Program states that greenhouse gas emissions from livestock (including from the digestive tract) account for about one third of methane emissions. Therefore, there is a constant need to develop agrotechnologies that are conducive to protecting the natural environment and climate, as well as improving the efficiency of agricultural production. These needs are met by a strategy to increase the use of feed nutrients and improve animal welfare. These goals are supported by the implementation of modern nutrition systems, which include TMR (Total Mixed Ration). Such nutrition ensures that all nutrients are given in one dose at the right time. The traditional system of feeding dairy cattle does not give contro

The main benefits of the project

Practice summary on final or expected results

A website of the project will be created, on which we will present information about the course of development works carried out by the consortium members and, after their completion - the effects. It is planned to prepare reports and scientific publications describing the obtained results. The developed innovative solutions will be tested and implemented on the farm. The innovative feed for calves, the method of its production, storage and dosage will be described in detail, broken down into individual breeding groups of dairy cattle. This knowledge will be presented to the interested target group of the operation - agricultural producers engaged in cattle breeding. Support will be provided by the members of the consortium - the Department of Environmental Biotechnology of the Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences of the Lodz University of Technology and the Agricultural Farm conducting research in the project. The plans for the implementation of the project met with the favor of agricultural producers, who are waiting for the results of the planned research. The implementation of the operation will allow for the development of effects that will give measurable benefits to farmers. The group's long-term goal is to popularize the proposed method of feeding calves on farms.

Keywords

animal husbandry and welfare