REDNEX

Innovative and practical management approaches to reduce nitrogen excretion by ruminants

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Dairying is an important sector of EU agriculture, but intensification has been accompanied by an increase in N surplus. This has a negative environmental impact on groundwater (pollution with nitrates), surface water (eutrophication) and on the atmosphere (de-nitrification and ammonia volatilisation). The EU seeks to stimulate measures that improve management of nutrients, waste and water as a start to move to management practices beyond “usual good-farming practice”. The objective of REDNEX is to develop innovative and practical management approaches for dairy cows that reduce nitrogen excretion into the environment through the optimization of rumen function, an improved understanding and prediction of dietary nitrogen utilization for milk production and excretion in urine and faeces. Novel tools for monitoring these processes and predicting the consequences in terms of N losses on–farm will be developed. At the centre of the project is a detailed mathematical model of N utilization by the cow which will act to integrate results from previous work and from new research carried out in the project. This interlinked research aims to improve the supply of amino acids to be absorbed relative to the quantity and quality of amino acids and carbohydrates in feed allowing a reduction in N intake. Research to understand amino acid absorption, intermediary utilization and the processes involved in the transfer of urea N from blood to the gastro-intestinal tract will further underpin model development and indicate strategies to reduce N losses. To predict N losses on-farm and the impact on profitability, a harmonised applied model will be derived from the mechanistic model and will be supported by tools to better describe feeds and biomarkers to indicate N status. Impact of the research will be enabled by dissemination and knowledge interaction using a participatory approach to include the views of stakeholders and recognition of the need to provide support to EU neighbours.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Scientists have built two models of nitrogen (N) use in cows, bringing the agricultural sector closer to decreasing its high levels of N waste.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The dairy sector is an important component of EU agriculture. However, intense growth has caused an imbalance in the N cycle, with negative environmental impact on groundwater, surface water and the atmosphere.

EU-funded scientists working on the project 'Innovative and practical management approaches to reduce nitrogen excretion by ruminants' (http://www.rednex-fp7.eu/ (REDNEX)) aimed to increase the efficiency of dietary protein use by dairy cows in order to decrease N excretion.

Previous studies showed that a reduction in protein intake is the best way to reduce N excretion in cows, sheep and goats. However, the challenge is in maintaining decreased excretion without falling below the required dietary protein levels for healthy animals and satisfactory production of high-quality milk.

To address these issues, the project developed two detailed mathematical models of N use for protein synthesis and N excretion. These models monitor multiple variables throughout the year and assess how changes such as modified nutrition affect N use and excretion at the herd level.

REDNEX showed that decreased dietary protein did not influence the amount of N available to produce proteins. Further, adding essential oils to grasses or antibodies against ammonia-producing bacteria in the rumen does not affect the efficiency of protein use. However, preliminary studies showed that improving dietary starch content and the amino acid profile of dietary protein improved cows' metabolic efficiency.

Another area of project work involved developing several rapid analyses and biomarkers to improve the speed and accuracy of these models.

REDNEX outcomes should assist dairy farmers in decreasing N waste while maintaining the health and productivity of their herds. The management tools will have important impact on farm profitability and on the ecosystem in which a farm is located.