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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Madison, Wisconsin » U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center » Dairy Forage Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #266548

Title: Background and overview on the contribution of dairy nutrition to addressing environmental concerns in Wisconsin: nitrogen, phosphorus, and methane

Author
item WATTIAUX, M - University Of Wisconsin
item AGUERE, M - University Of Wisconsin
item Powell, Joseph

Submitted to: Symposium Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/14/2011
Publication Date: 5/18/2011
Citation: Wattiaux, M.M., Aguere, M.J., Powell, J.M. 2011. Background and overview on the contribution of dairy nutrition to addressing environmental concerns in Wisconsin: nitrogen, phosphorus, and methane. In. La Ganadéría ante el agotamiento de los paradigas dominantes Vol. 1. Carlos F. Marcof Álvarez (ed), Universidad Autoónoma Chapingo, Chapingo, México. (ISBN 978-968-839-586-8). pp. 111-139.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: During the last part of the 20th century, public concern increased over non-point source pollution originating primarily from agricultural practices. Two chemical elements, nitrogen and phosphorus, which are important to the growth and development of crops and livestock, have been associated with non-point source pollution of aquifers (nitrate), fresh water eco-systems (phosphorus), coastal water eco-systems (nitrate), and the atmosphere (ammonia). Many pollution risks are associated with the management of manure on livestock operations, and with manure composition, which is directly related to the composition of the diet consumed by livestock. More recently, additional environmental concerns relate to the contribution of animal agriculture to the emission of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. This paper provides an overview of research designed to explore livestock feeding strategies that mitigate the impacts of dairy production on the environment. The pollutants discussed include nitrogen (nitrate and ammonia), phosphorus and methane.