Objective
Nitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient of food production, but its extended use led to the N cascade phenomenon with considerable effects on atmospheric, freshwater and marine systems. The increased efficiency of N use in dairy production is proposed as key action to reduce N contamination, and mathematical models provide a powerful tool to help with this. We are planning to use two models: The Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS; a cow based model) and the Lifetime Nitrogen Efficiency (LNE; a herd based model). The models will be updated on amino acid metabolism (CNCPS), heifer growth and cattle fertility and economics (LNE) increasing not only their accuracy but also their commercial potential. In parallel, an intensive outreach program will incorporate farms in each country to describe N balance situation. This step will provide the necessary time to familiarize and accommodate farms with current model use. The last phase of the project consists on the implementation of the upgraded models in our pilot farms. This will provide a real life example that can generate a shift in agricultural practice towards more efficient and less polluting dairy industry. The European Union has been taken several initiatives either at a research level (e.g. FP-7 project RedNex) or at a legislative level (e.g. the National Emission Ceilings directive 2001/81/EC; currently under revision) to reduce N pollution from dairy production. However, few strategies have been converted into agricultural practice because of the lack of an applied step linking research strategies with the dairy industry. This is the strength of the current project that includes four non-academic partners that consult on thousands of European dairy farms and six European and American academic institutions, two of which developed the models, but all highly prestigious in their countries and internationally.
Fields of science
- agricultural sciencesanimal and dairy sciencedairy
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculescarbohydrates
- agricultural sciencesanimal and dairy sciencedomestic animalsanimal husbandry
- natural scienceschemical sciencesorganic chemistryamines
- natural sciencesmathematicsapplied mathematicsmathematical model
Keywords
Programme(s)
Coordinator
38221 Volos
Greece
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Participants (13)
08193 Cerdanyola Del Valles
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11855 Athina
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43100 Parma
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SY23 3BF Aberystwyth
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19300 Aspropyrgos, Athens
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08140 Caldes De Montbui
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42123 Reggio Emilia
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Participation ended
EX36 3LH South Molton Devon
SY22 6AQ Powys
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L69 7ZX Liverpool
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546 36 Thessaloniki
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BA5 3EU Wells
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43126 Parma
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Partners (1)
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
14850 Ithaca Ny
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