strategies with dairy and beef farmers globally to address nitrogen losses. In- tegral to this has been the use of an in- novative protein ingredient called Opti- gen that provides a controlled release of non-protein nitrogen (NPN) over time. This promotes maximum nitrogen utilisation in the rumen, reduces nitro- gen excretion and reduces the risk of elevated nitrogen transfer into the blood and associated toxic effects. The controlled and continual supply of ru- minal ammonia serves to meet the ru- men microbes’ nitrogen needs. This leads to more efficient use of dietary nitrogen, an increase in microbial pro- tein supply to the cow and a reduction in nitrogen excretion.
A meta-analysis study examining the effects of Optigen supplementation in
an Alltech E-CO2 on-farm environmental assessment, Alltech
IFM is an effective tool for predicting farm- and feed-specific enteric methane emissions. Data on methane emissions cal- culated by using these tools together has been verified by the Carbon Trust to sit within tier 3 of an IPCC tier 2 farm model. Once a farm has undertaken such assessments and has iden- tified its carbon footprint, various ways to mitigate these emissions will become apparent. For instance, methane and nitrous oxide emissions can be reduced by strategically im- proving diets and manure management. Alltech E-CO2
,
which has conducted more than 10,000 farm assessments, can testify that the most environmentally efficient farms are often the most profitable farms as well.
Nitrogen efficiency Nitrogen is a key nutrient for both rumen and soil productivi- ty. In ruminant production systems, 75–95% of dietary nitro- gen consumed as feed protein is excreted in the manure. This wasted nitrogen in manure is due to the generally low nitro- gen utilisation efficiency of ruminants. For farmers, there are monetary and animal husbandry advantages to improving nitrogen utilisation. Mitigation measures already being im- plemented include dribble bar slurry spreading, low protein diets, protected urea fertiliser and multi-species swards; all of which have significant impacts. The challenge remains in be- ing able to measure this impact with accuracy on each farm. How can farmers and regulators understand in real time what is happening to nitrogen utilisation? The impact on the wider society is significant in the form of air and water quality, and biodiversity losses.
More rumen and environmentally friendly diets For more than a decade, Alltech has been working on feeding
dairy cows was recently completed based on the results of 17 studies carried out in six different countries. Results showed
many positive effects: ● Optigen partially replaced approximately 21% of soybean meal across all diets.
● Optigen diets decreased dry matter intake (DMI) and nitro- gen intake.
● Milk production was maintained, feed efficiency was im- proved by 3% and nitrogen utilisation efficiency increased by 4%.
The environmental benefits of Optigen are, therefore, evident through the replacement of soybean in the ration, but also the substitution of other high-protein concentrates in combination with improved production efficiency. It is important to note that minimising manure nitrogen losses is a critical goal for improving sustainability on dairy farms. Reformulating Optigen into the diet not only improves animal productivity but contributes to the efficiency of the entire production cycle. Its inclusion promotes more efficient use of home-grown feed resources and helps to lower the global warming potential of the diet. Dietary manipulation with ingredients like Optigen, in conjunction with measurement tools like Alltech IFM and Alltech E-CO2
, can help in improving nitrogen utilisation.
However, a holistic approach is necessary, and in order to successfully meet national nitrogen reduction targets, collaboration between farmers, government and industry will be paramount. We are optimistic that the open-minded approach currently being taken by all these stakeholders will facilitate a significant reduction in nitrogen loss over the coming years.
References available on request ▶ SUSTAINABILITY AND WELFARE | OCTOBER 2020 13
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