Boosting sustainable dairy farming: A holistic approach

As the global demand for animal protein continues to increase, one of the primary concerns in dairy farming is the environmental impact of milk production. This challenge is compounded by growing consumer demands for sustainable products.

Dairy farmers are under intense pressure to adopt sustainable practices, but need to do so without harming their business model.

Taking a holistic approach to sustainable dairying means following farming practices that embrace the entire production system. This includes animal health and well-being, soil and land management, waste management, and renewable energy. The goal is to promote economic, environmental, and social sustainability.

Efficacy of yeast probiotics

Actisaf Sc 47 has been shown to optimise rumen health, enhance feed digestibility, and improve animal health, all factors that are linked to securing a reduced environmental impact.

Numerous scientific trials have emphasised the efficacy of yeast probiotics in improving rumen health and feed efficiency. For example, a comparative study involving cows that were given a yeast probiotic supplement revealed significantly enhanced feed digestibility of DM and NDF, which rose by 3.2% and 6.2% respectively, compared to cows in a control group.

During another investigation, feed efficiency was assessed by using a dung sieving process involving an easy-to-apply tool called Digescan. Tests carried out following feed supplementation with a yeast probiotic revealed a 36% particle size weight reduction in dung retained in a 5 mm sieve (P < 0.001), and a 9.5% reduction in dung retained in a 2 mm sieve (P = 0.058), both in comparison to control group results. This indicates more efficient nutrient utilisation taking place in supplemented cattle.

Impact of yeast probiotic supplementation

A further scientific trial, designed to evaluate the impact of yeast probiotic supplementation on dairy cows in early lactation, revealed an elevation of average rumen pH levels after feeding, increasing total VFA concentrations by 6.9% (p<0.05). Average lactate concentration, meanwhile, was significantly lowered (9.3 vs 16.4 mM - p<0.01) compared to a control group.

Improving feed efficiency in dairy farming has significant environmental benefits, such as reducing emissions associated with milk production. Enhanced milk yields, largely attributed to improved feed efficiency, are closely linked with a reduced carbon footprint. Yeast probiotics, therefore, play a crucial role in promoting sustainability in dairy farming, leading to more efficient herd management and reduced GHG emissions.

Optimal fertility in milking cows is also essential for maintaining herd health and the financial sustainability of dairy operations. The economic impact of declining fertility extended calving intervals and high culling rates particularly stand out as the principal sources of financial loss in dairy farming. These factors result in prolonged periods between lactation peaks, so diminishing milk production and profitability. The extent of these losses varies widely across different regions, reflecting local variations in the cost of livestock, reproductive services, labour, and feed.

Giving cows a daily yeast probiotic supplement produces a significant 4-point improvement in the average success rate for artificial insemination and a 5-point improvement in the success rate of first artificial inseminations in multiparous dairy cows. The number of inseminations required to obtain a pregnancy was therefore reduced from 3.1 in the reference period to 2.7 (p = 0.007) in the yeast probiotic supplementation period. By enhancing dairy cow fertility, Actisaf Sc 47 leads to a more consistent and reliable production cycle, thereby reducing the environmental costs associated with low fertility rates.

To evaluate the environmental impact and performance of the yeast probiotic, it was necessary to perform a full life cycle assessment (LCA) relating to the product, running from cradle (to assess the impact of production) to farm gate (to assess end usage). Phileo began examining the impact of producing 1kg of product, an assessment carried out with the help of French consultants, EVEA.

An LCA study was carried out, conducted in collaboration with international LCA specialists, Blonk Consultants. This part of the programme was run according to Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCRs), as approved by the European Commission for dairy and animal feed production, and the FAO’s LEAP guidelines (Livestock Environmental Assessment and Performance Partnership) for feed additives (2019).

Figure 1 – Environmental benefits of using Actisaf in dairy cattle diets.

Lower carbon footprint of milk production

The final report secured ISO14040/44 compliance, ensuring the transparency and accuracy of the study’s findings. This provided comprehensive information on the environmental impact of using Actisaf Sc 47 in dairy farming, showing that supplementing cow diets can reduce the carbon footprint of milk production by up to 5%, while also improving cow health and productivity (Figure 1). The study also drew on zootechnical trials carried out by renowned institutions in different regions of Europe.

Moreover, the study found that water use, land use, and acidification were all reduced, whilst resource utilisation was optimised when the supplement was applied, leading to a further reduction in environmental impact. The study, conducted at farm level, assessed 6 key environmental impact categories and gathered data from trials conducted by different prestigious European institutions, covering a variety of standard European dairy animal diets from transition to mid-lactation.

In conclusion, the use of Actisaf Sc 47 presents a holistic solution for dairy farmers to meet the growing demand for sustainable products while continuing to maintain profitability. The benefits include improved rumen health, enhanced feed digestibility, improved reproductive performance, and reduced environmental impact. As the dairy industry continues to evolve, incorporating innovative solutions can promote the sector’s growth and sustainability.

References are available on request