With the development of animal husbandry, the size of dairy farms has expanded, and with it comes the problem of manure disposal. Manure treatment on dairy farms is not only about environmental protection, but also about the economic efficiency of the farm. This article will detail the process of manure treatment in dairy farms, as well as the different forms of manure recycling.
1. Dairy farm manure treatment process
Dairy manure treatment is a multi-step process that mainly includes collection, storage, treatment and utilization.
1.Fecal collection.
Manure on dairy farms is mainly made up of cow manure and urine. In the process of dairy cow feeding, the manure is combined with the raised floor through bedding materials such as straw, wheat straw, etc., to form cow manure bedding. With regular cleaning of the litter, the cow dung litter is collected. In large dairy farms, manure is usually collected using a mechanical scraper system or a carousel manure removal unit.
2.Fecal storage.
The collected cow dung litter is first stored. The storage facilities are generally rectangular or circular septic tanks, which have the functions of anti-leakage, rain-proof, and overflow-proof. The purpose of storage is mainly to regulate moisture, stabilize the solid content, and improve the efficiency of subsequent treatment. During storage, it is also necessary to turn and stir regularly to promote the decomposition of organic matter.
3.Fecal disposal.
Fecal treatment mainly includes dehydration, deodorization, reduction and other links. Dehydration is for ease of transportation and subsequent utilization; Deodorization is done to reduce the impact on the environment; Reduction is the reduction of the volume and weight of the stool through physical or chemical methods. Commonly used dehydration methods include natural drying and mechanical dehydration, and deodorization technologies include biological deodorization and chemical deodorization.
4.Manure utilization.
Treated cow manure can be used in a variety of ways, such as organic fertilizers, biogas, feed additives, etc. Depending on the treatment method and market demand, choosing the right way to utilize the manure can increase the economic value of the manure.
Second, the resource form of manure in dairy farms
Dairy farm manure recycling is a way to turn manure into a valuable product. Here are a few common forms of resourcing:
1.Organic fertilizers.
Treated cow manure is mixed with crop waste (such as straw, corn stover, etc.) and made into organic fertilizer through the composting process. Organic fertilizer is rich in microorganisms and trace elements, which can improve the organic matter and fertility of the soil, which is conducive to the growth of crops. At the same time, organic fertilizers can also improve soil structure, reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, and be environmentally friendly.
2.Biogas.
Conversion of cow manure into biogas (biogas) by anaerobic fermentation. Biogas can be used, for example, for household cooking, lighting or power generation. The biogas residue produced by biogas fermentation can be used as organic fertilizer, and the biogas slurry can be used as liquid fertilizer for farmland irrigation. This form of resource utilization helps to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
3.Feed added.
Properly treated cow manure can be used as a feed additive in aquaculture, such as fish farming, pig farming, etc. This form of resource utilization can not only reduce the burden of the aquaculture industry on the environment, but also provide some nutrients for the aquaculture industry and reduce the cost of feed. However, it is important to note that manure feed additives need to be rigorously tested and regulated to ensure safety and effectiveness.
4.Soil amendments.
Cow manure is rich in organic matter and microorganisms, which can be used as a soil amendment to improve soil structure, improve soil fertility and prevent soil pollution. This form of resource utilization helps to improve the sustainable use value of land resources.
5.Renewable energy.
In addition to the above-mentioned forms of recycling, there are also new technologies that convert cow dung into renewable energy, such as biodiesel, hydrogen, etc. These energy sources can be used to replace fossil fuels, reduce carbon emissions, and alleviate the energy crisis. However, these technologies are still in the research and development stage and have not yet been applied on a large scale.
In summary, the treatment and recycling of manure in dairy farms is a complex process, which requires comprehensive consideration of factors such as environmental protection, economic and social benefits. In practice, the appropriate treatment and resource utilization methods should be selected according to factors such as breeding scale, market demand and regional characteristics. At the same time, we and all sectors of society should also increase support for the treatment and resource utilization of manure in dairy farms to promote the sustainable development of animal husbandry.