Research projects | Externwebben

Increased efficiency through increased longevity of dairy cows

Simulation studies show that it is more sustainable from several perspectives to keep the cows longer. By improving the health and fertility of the dairy cows, the lifespan can increase up to 3.8 lactations, i.e. one year longer than average in Swedish herds today. Increased lifespan results in reduced environmental impact through less emissions of methane and is more profitable for the farmer as fewer recruitment heifers are needed. Milk quality does not deteriorate if the cows get a little older.

Increased sustainability in dairy production through improved feed efficiency

Feed efficient cows digest feed more efficiently and use the marketable energy better for maintenance needs and production. Carbon dioxide in the exhaled air of cattle has been shown to be a good gauge of feed efficiency and can be measured with a device called GreenFeed. Having healthy animals is an important part of achieving high feed efficiency. There is a correlation between udder health (measured as cell count) and feed efficiency. High cell counts thus result in poorer feed efficiency, reduced animal health and increased methane emissions.

The multi-functional dairy farm: Indicators and tools for eco system services and biodiversity

In this project, the researchers have quantified various ecosystem services from milk production compared to other operational orientations. One of these important ecosystem services is carbon storage in the topsoil, the development of which on different farm types was evaluated over a ten-year period.

Nutrition and health indicators in Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of food products

Milk is being poured into a glass. Photo.

Within the project, various methods for measuring nutrient density and its suitability and possibility for use in life cycle analyzes (LCA) of food have been evaluated. The nutrient density index "Nutrient Rich Food" can be a useful indicator to describe the health effects of food and diet and to help the consumer choose more healthy foods.

Methods and recommendations for environmental evaluation of agriculture and food production

Life cycle analysis is an insufficient method for analyzing the entire food system. The researchers have shown that by combining four methods; life cycle analysis, ecosystem service analysis, analysis of yield gaps and agroenvironmental indicators, can have a more comprehensive framework for environmental system analysis.

Indicators and scenarios for Swedish milk

Cows on a field where the sun goes down. Photo.

In this interdisciplinary project, the researchers from all the projects in the program "Sustainable consumption and production of milk" came together to examine how milk production has looked, what has happened in recent decades and to discuss options for the future.