Innovative environmental and climate-oriented cattle farm management systems to ensure feed production and optimal cattle breeding conditions

Leading Partner: University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Biotechnology

Partners: 

• Grm Novo mesto - Center of Biotechnology and Tourism,
• Benedičič Janez,
• Hočevar Janez,
• Agricultural Forestry Chamber of Slovenia Agricultural Forestry Institute Ptuj,
• Mlekarna Planika, predelava mleka d.o.o. Kobarid
• Leber Vračko Barbara,
• Meden Anika
• University of Novo Mesto, Faculty of Economics and Informatics
• Čretnik Simon,
• Medeja, medijska dejavnost, Damjana Peternelj s.p.
• Kukenberger Anton

Total value of the project: 249,989.28 EUR

Start: 1. 12. 2020
End: 30. 11. 2023

Contact person: izr. prof. dr. Marija Klopčič, marija.klopcic@uni-bf.si, 01 3203 855

Objectives:

The objective of the project is to introduce innovative environmental and animal friendly management systems for cattle farms that ensure sustainable use of agricultural land and other resources to produce high quality milk and meat. Under the project, we will develop good management practices for cattle operations, with particular emphasis on innovative animal housing systems (compost, artificial substrate) that have been shown to have a positive impact on animal welfare, reduce the negative effects of climate change, and improve soil quality and structure, enabling the production of high quality animal feed and the improvement of grassland biodiversity adapted to climate change.

Expected changes:

• With the project we want to share knowledge and newly gained experience on innovative solutions on cattle farms in cooperation with the participating farms from the point of view of sustainable use of agricultural land, climate change and biodiversity conservation: Benefits for soil, plants, animals, people and the environment.
• The project will contribute to improving productivity at farm level through innovative solutions for housing animals in different housing systems (paying attention to animal welfare and appropriate microclimate in the barn), innovative methods of manuring with organic fertilizers, mixing grass-clover mixtures, that are more resilient to climate change, improved grassland management to prevent erosion and soil degradation, and biodiversity conservation, especially in areas with limited opportunities for agricultural activities and in areas with grasslands that are important for nature conservation (e.g. E.g. Natura 2000, Kras).
• The project will help improve the productivity, flexibility and competitiveness of livestock production, improve and manage the use of available resources to reduce waste and improve the environmental sustainability of livestock production (circular economy).
• The results of this project are expected to contribute to the improvement of good agricultural practices on farms in order to improve and solve societal challenges related to animal welfare, product quality and safety, biodiversity conservation, and the provision of services to various ecosystems.
• With innovative solutions for environmentally and animal friendly husbandry systems for cattle, we will ensure the production of high quality feed for the animals and the production of high quality milk and meat.

Funding Information:
The project is co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

Links:

• Website of the European Commission
• Rural development program - PRP

Sub-measure 16.5 Support for joint action to mitigate or adapt to climate change and for joint approaches to environmental projects and sustainable environmental practices.