Journal
SUSTAINABILITY
Volume 13, Issue 9, Pages -Publisher
MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/su13095128
Keywords
composting material; cattle housing; alternative use; produce; circular economy; marketing; farmer and consumer; perceptions
Funding
- European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program [696231]
Ask authors/readers for more resources
The study found that farmers preferred the compost bedded-pack system over the cubicle system, and most consumers believed that compost could be used for non-edible products. There were statistically significant differences between countries, indicating the need to consider regional specificities when marketing products from compost in CBP barns.
By-products like sawdust and straw are applied in compost bedded-pack barns (CBP) for cattle. These materials, which are gradually mixed with excreta and undergo a composting process, serve as a lying bed for the cattle. This study aims to assess the perception of consumers and farmers regarding the use of CBP during the grazing season of cattle for raising other animals or for growing food crops. This was examined by combining surveys with consumers from eight European countries and cattle farmers, focus groups with consumers, and in-depth interviews with individual farmers who implemented alternative uses of compost. The results showed that farmers preferred the compost bedded-pack system to the cubicle system in terms of sustainability and market aspects, although the cost of the bedding material required for CBP was seen as a significant negative aspect. Around half of all consumers indicated that the compost can be used for non-edible products and 26% indicated the compost can be used for raising other animals. Furthermore, 5% of consumers felt that compost should not be used for any other purpose. There were statistically significant differences between countries; therefore, regional specificities should be taken into account when marketing products from compost in CBP barns.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available