Research project reducing nitrogen emissions

Through this project the consortium will develop a toolbox of dietary strategies for dairy cows with the goal to realize a reduction in nitrogen emissions between 10% and 20% compared to the emission of cows managed with current nutritional practices. The consortium consists of Nutreco and Nutrivice. Nutreco is an international market leader offering feed solutions for sustainable nutrition. Nutrivice is an advisory organisation specialized in giving independent nutritional advice to farmers and feed suppliers. Both parties have a crucial role, where Nutreco delivers extensive knowledge and R&D and Nutrivice functions as an indispensable link to dairy farmers and their daily operations.

The four dietary strategies can be applied individually or in combination with one another:
1. Regulation of ruminal ammonia supply
Regulate the supply of ammonia in the rumen through a balance of dietary ingredients, with the goal to coordinate ammonia supply with the ruminal need for synthesis of microbial biomass and thereby reduce excessive waste of nitrogenous compounds.

2. Reduce dietary protein by quantifying responses
Develop a model and diet formulation system that gives evidence on the non-linear relation between dietary protein supply and milk production, thereby demonstrating improvements in conversion efficiency and resource use.

3. Leveraging interactions between energy and protein supply and source
Complement dietary protein with energy sources and supplies, resulting in optimum nitrogen utilization efficiency.

4. Manipulating frequency of protein and energy supplementation
Investigate temporal patterns of dietary protein supplementation where protein supply is low and nitrogen efficiency is high. Through an oscillating approach these temporal shifts may have a positive effect on nutrient digestibility and metabolic efficiency.

Existing solutions are often solely based on increasing milk protein by increasing dietary protein inputs, having minimal effects on nitrogen use efficiency. The toolbox aims to reduce dietary protein supply whilst having no losses in milk production, which is truly innovative. Moreover, combining four measures maximizes efficiency and flexibility for farmers. The activities are targeted at bringing scientific innovations to the next level, by extending fundamental research into practical evidence generated on commercial dairy farms. The latter is key in creating acceptance by farmers, and as such creating market share. By directly involving farmers, the consortium tackles the most prominent risks and generates not only growing profitability and reduced costs for commercial farmers, but also a positive impact on the environment.