Design and evaluation of a sustainable feeding regimen for dairy cattle.

Thesis Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable dairy production necessitates the development of efficient and environmentally friendly feeding strategies that optimize productivity while minimizing ecological footprints. This study aims to design and evaluate a sustainable feeding regimen for dairy cattle, with a focus on balancing nutritional adequacy, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. The specific objectives include (1) identifying key nutritional components aligned with sustainable practices, (2) designing a comprehensive feeding model integrating locally available feed resources, (3) assessing the economic feasibility of the proposed regimen, and (4) evaluating the environmental impacts associated with its adoption. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates quantitative experimental trials with qualitative assessments. The population comprises 120 lactating dairy cattle randomly assigned to control and experimental groups within four commercial dairy farms. The experimental group receives the newly designed feeding regimen, while the control group follows existing conventional methods. Data collection instruments include feed composition analysis, milk yield records, feed intake logs, and environmental impact assessments such as methane emission measurements obtained via infrared spectroscopy. The validity and reliability of feed analysis techniques are ensured through calibration with standard reference materials and repeat measurements, while data accuracy is maintained through standardized operational procedures. Quantitative data are analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare milk production parameters, feed efficiency, and nutrient intake between groups. Linear regression analyses assess the relationships among variables such as feed composition, milk yield, and methane emissions. A cost-benefit analysis estimates economic sustainability, while life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies quantify environmental impacts, focusing on greenhouse gas emissions and resource utilization. The study is underpinned by the Theory of Planned Behavior to explore factors influencing farmer adoption of sustainable practices and the Ecological Modernization Theory to evaluate the integration of environmental considerations in farm management. Expected findings include statistically significant improvements in feed conversion efficiency and milk yield in the experimental group, accompanied by reductions in methane emissions and overall feeding costs. These outcomes suggest that the designed feeding regimen enhances both productivity and environmental sustainability. Additionally, qualitative insights from farmer interviews are anticipated to reveal high acceptance levels driven by perceived economic benefits and environmental responsibility. The study aims to demonstrate that locally adapted, resource-efficient feed formulations can profoundly influence dairy farm sustainability. This research contributes novel knowledge by providing empirically validated guidelines for implementing sustainable feeding strategies that are economically viable and environmentally beneficial. It bridges gaps in the existing literature regarding integrated feeding models specific to regional contexts and offers a replicable framework for scaling sustainable dairy practices. The main conclusion underscores the feasibility of deploying context-specific, science-based feeding regimens to promote sustainable dairy farming. Based on these findings, recommendations include policy incentives for adopting sustainable feeding practices, targeted farmer education programs, and further research exploring long-term impacts on soil health and broader ecological indicators. The study advocates for collaborative efforts among researchers, policymakers, and dairy farmers to facilitate widespread implementation of sustainable feeding systems. Future investigations are suggested to examine the influence of climate variability on feed resource availability and to refine modeling approaches for optimizing feed formulation under changing environmental conditions.