Results of the Life project “Farm4More”

1. Alternative protein source for monogastric animals

Pilot studies have shown that extracting amino acids and protein concentrates from field and grassland forage (clover, alfalfa, etc.) as well as from seagrass could have significant potential for the sustainable protein supply of the growing global population. The "farm4more project" is investigating the direct extraction of valuable protein building blocks from clover and seagrass silage through extraction and further processing of the silage juice. The resulting amino acids are intended for use in chicken and pig feed, thereby helping to reduce the climate-damaging need for protein imports, the arable land required for animal feed, and the pressure on ecologically valuable areas. Furthermore, the byproducts generated during the protein extraction process (e.g., press cake from field forage) are also to be used effectively in ruminant feed.

1.1 Yields and losses as well as feed and fermentation qualities from the biorefining of red clover and red clover grass silage

The biorefining of the red clover grass silage and the red clover silage resulted in different material transfers to the silage press juice: dry matter 26 to 28%; crude protein approx. 36%; crude ash 44 to 46%; phosphorus (P) 56–58%; fermentation products 57–62%. It became apparent that particular attention must be paid to the rapid preservation or evaporation of the highly perishable press juice during biorefining. The nutrient and mineral content of the press cake changed significantly compared to the silage: 30 g less crude protein, 100 g more aNDFom/kg DM. Re-ensiling the press cake worked perfectly and yielded stable silages with very good silage quality.

1.2 Use of red clover grass silage press cake from biorefining in organic dairy cattle feeding

The protein- and potassium-poor silage press cake exhibited very good fermentation quality. Under the tested experimental conditions, no decrease in feed intake or milk yield was observed up to a clover-grass silage press cake content of 25% in the forage (18.5% of the total feed ration). However, at an input of 50% in the forage (37% of the total ration), a clear decrease in feed intake was observed, and milk yield also declined numerically. In summary, it can be stated that no negative effects on feed intake or performance are to be expected at press cake content of approximately 20% in the total ration. At higher inputs, the higher structural carbohydrate content and the decrease in protein content in the press cake are likely to limit feed intake and performance in forage-based rations.

1.3 Testing of the silage press juice concentrate under organic chicken fattening conditions

In the four experimental groups, the proportion of silage pressed juice in the total ration of the organic broiler chickens was increased from 0% (K), to 3% (P-3), 6% (P-6), and finally to 9% (P-9). Throughout the entire trial period, the broiler chickens gained an average of 42 g per day, indicating a high production level for organic conditions. Losses were very low, and no significant differences between the groups were observed. Feed intake increased significantly from group K to P-9. However, a decrease in growth performance was observed from group K to P-9. Therefore, feed conversion was significantly higher in group P-9 than in the control group. The feeding groups did not differ significantly in any of the carcass quality parameters examined. Good meat quality was observed in all groups. However, the total fat content in the breast muscle increased significantly from group K to group P-9. This suggests differences in nutrient supply and/or utilization. It is possible that partial demineralization (high potassium and ash content in the pressed juice) and also a reduction in acidity, or an extraction of amino acids from the pressed juice, could contribute to higher possible mixing rates without a decrease in performance.

2. Biochar in animal feed

Thousands of years ago, advanced civilizations used coal to create fertile agricultural soils. Coal production and its incorporation into the soil can also contribute to carbon sequestration. Furthermore, specialist articles and scientific papers report on the potential positive effects of feed-grade charcoal in animal nutrition (emission reduction and/or performance enhancement). Two experiments on this topic were conducted by the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein as part of the LIFE project "farm4more".

2.1 Examination of the potential of feed charcoal (biochar) for reducing methane emissions in dairy farming

The supplementation of biochar (BK) or biochar and urea (BK+HS) had no significant effect on dry matter and energy intake compared to the untreated control group. No differences were observed in milk yield or milk composition. Feed conversion, ration digestibility, and methane production were not affected by the addition of these feed additives. In summary, the supplementation of biochar in dairy cow rations did not reduce methane emissions, but it also had no negative impact on the milk production of the cows.

2.2 Effect of feed charcoal (biochar) on performance and emissions in chicken fattening

The feeding groups (with and without biochar) did not differ significantly in any of the fattening parameters. The individually recorded carcass weights of all slaughtered animals tended to be higher in the control group, while both breast weight and breast-to-carcass ratio were significantly lower in the biochar group. No significant group differences were found in NH3 _emissions . Numerically, emissions were slightly higher in the biochar group, even though the protein content in the feed was lower. No significant effects were measured in N2O or CH4 emissions either _. In _summary , the addition of biochar did not significantly reduce emissions.

3. Research that goes further

The project partners are currently constructing a demonstration plant in Lower Austria for processing grass/kee/alfalfa silage. The focus is also on further processing the extracts into marketable products. Based on the existing test results, the process technology of the entire processing chain will be optimized. Market launch activities for the first products will begin in 2024.

Regarding the production of biochar from wood or agricultural residues, the project is working on the construction of a mobile and certified prototype plant. The resulting biochar is currently used for soil improvement in agriculture and also in urban development (urban tree substrates for root guidance and nutrient and water retention).

Final report:

thanksgiving

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the European Union for the LIFE project “LIFE Farm4More – Future Agricultural Management for multiple outputs on climate and rural development” (project number LIFE 18 CCM /IE/001195 Farm4More). Further information about the project can be found at www.farm4more.eu

Image 1: Protein for broiler chickens was obtained from clover grass (Photo: HBLFA Raumberg/Gumpenstein)

Image 2: Small press for silage juice extraction – a larger plant is currently being built in Lower Austria (Photo: HBLFA Raumberg/Gumpenstein)

Image 3: Methane emissions were tested in our respiration chamber when feed charcoal was used (Photo: HBLFA Raumberg/Gumpenstein)