Journal article

Publication year: 2021

Journal: Sustainability

Volume number: 13

Issue number: 9

eISSN: 2071-1050

Open access status: Gold

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095128

Publisher: MDPI

Abstract: 
By-products like sawdust and straw are applied in compost bedded-pack barns (CBP) for cattle. These materials, which are gradually mixed with excreta and undergo a composting process, serve as a lying bed for the cattle. This study aims to assess the perception of consumers and farmers regarding the use of CBP during the grazing season of cattle for raising other animals or for growing food crops. This was examined by combining surveys with consumers from eight European countries and cattle farmers, focus groups with consumers, and in-depth interviews with individual farmers who implemented alternative uses of compost. The results showed that farmers preferred the compost bedded-pack system to the cubicle system in terms of sustainability and market aspects, although the cost of the bedding material required for CBP was seen as a significant negative aspect. Around half of all consumers indicated that the compost can be used for non-edible products and 26% indicated the compost can be used for raising other animals. Furthermore, 5% of consumers felt that compost should not be used for any other purpose. There were statistically significant differences between countries; therefore, regional specificities should be taken into account when marketing products from compost in CBP barns.

Harvard Citation style: Klopcic, M., Erjavec, K., Waldrop, M., Roosen, J., Engel, P., Galama, P., et al. (2021) Consumers' and Farmers' Perceptions in Europe Regarding the Use of Composted Bedding Material from Cattle, Sustainability, 13(9), Article 5128. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095128

APA Citation style: Klopcic, M., Erjavec, K., Waldrop, M., Roosen, J., Engel, P., Galama, P., & Kuipers, A. (2021). Consumers' and Farmers' Perceptions in Europe Regarding the Use of Composted Bedding Material from Cattle. Sustainability. 13(9), Article 5128. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095128