Periodic Reporting for period 1 - CowficieNcy (Upgrading and implementing mathematical models to increase nitrogen use efficiency of lactating dairy cows.)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2018-01-01 al 2019-12-31
The overall aim of our project is to use modern and sophisticated modelling tools to accelerate the nutrition management of the dairy herd leading to improved farmer profitability and nitrogen use efficiency. We focus on both replacement heifers, which represent a significant portion of nitrogen pollution at the farm level, and lactating cows, which are the principal unit of nitrogen pollution.
Research Plan
Our main overall objectives are to upgrade nutrition tools that will lead to increased nitrogen use efficiency of dairy farming, and to help dairy practitioners to implement them. We have selected two basic models to work with: (i) the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS), and the Cattle Nitrogen use Efficiency model (CNE). We have dedicated a project work package (WP) to train participants on current model use (WP2: Training). The main focus of our work is to apply these models at a farm base. This is planned within WP3 (Field Research), which will transfer knowledge to several farms and feed-consulting companies across participating countries. At the same time, academic and non-academic partners will collaborate to further improve these models in WP4 (Model Research). Once the upgraded models are developed, the final implementation will take place on selected dairy farms.
Dissemination Plan
Dissemination and communication of our research findings to the public is an integral part of CowficieNcy, and a specific work package is dedicated to it. A number of traditional and non-traditional tools are used to approach not only the scientific community but also any citizen concerned with environmental issues related to dairy farming.
During the first two project years we have developed links with the dairy industries of Greece, Italy, Spain and the UK by implementing a detailed on-farm sampling and data collection protocol that allows us to define nitrogen use efficiency through diet evaluation and whole-herd nitrogen balances. This on-going step resulted in working with more than 60 farms in the countries of interest, promoting holistic nutritional management. The first results of on-farm nutrition evaluation have suggested that there is good potential to improve whole-herd nitrogen use efficiency, and thus, reduce nitrogen pollution from dairy farming. Future steps of the project will include dietary improvement and implementation plans with the objectives to reduce nitrogen pollution in real farming situations.
Finally, part of our on-farm work is dedicated to heifer growth. Even though the on-farm data development for this part of the project is more difficult than that for lactating cows, a first set of farms from Italy and Greece have been recruited to the study. Analysis with both the CNE and CNCPS models has revealed that this stage of the dairy animals life also holds potential for improvement. This can be achieved through accurate feeding that will adjust offered diets to actual needs of different growth rates and growth stages. Forthcoming research will require development of protocols to overcome issues related to the capacity of participating farms to implement potential improvements in nutritional management.