Summary

The dairy industry and dairy farmers want the Dutch dairy sector to be a frontrunner worldwide in sustainability. Through Sustainable Dairy Chain, Dutch dairy companies and dairy farmers strive towards a future-proof and responsible dairy sector.

How does the project help?
The project develops and applies knowledge in the field of climate neutral operations, improved animal welfare, preservation of grazing and preservation of biodiversity and environment.

What has the project achieved?
At the moment, a revenue model for mono fermentation is being developed as well as a calculation module for greenhouse gases, which gives dairy farmers  insight into their production and action perspective how to reduce this. The Energy Scan will give dairy farmers an insight into how to reduce their energy use. The goal of the Sustainable Dairy Chain is that more than 90% of the dairy farms will remain under the SDa value for antibiotics. In 2015, this objective has largely been exceeded (99%). The Sustainable Dairy Chain also aims for a rise in the average age at culling of dairy cattle. The thought behind this is improving the hooves, udder health and fertility, so that forced replacement will be reduced. In order to score for animal welfare, the Welfare Monitor will be implemented into the Cow Compass. This monitor can measure animal welfare on dairy farms in a practical way.

Project information

Project title: Sustainable Dairy Chain
Project number: AF-12123
Duration: 2013 – 2016
Public budget: € 3,783,000
Private budget: € 4,952,000
Project partners: NZO, Arla Foods, Ausnutria Hyproca, Royal A-ware, CONO Kaasmakers, FrieslandCampina, De Graafstroom, Henri Willig, Hochwald, Bel Leerdammer, Rouveen, Vreugdenhil, Yakult, LTO Nederland, Wageningen University & Research