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Author |
Meul, M.; Van Middelaar, C.E.; de Boer, I.J.M.; Van Passel, S.; Fremaut, D.; Haesaert, G. |
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Title |
Potential of life cycle assessment to support environmental decision making at commercial dairy farms |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year  |
2014 |
Publication |
Agricultural Systems |
Abbreviated Journal |
Agr Syst |
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Volume |
131 |
Issue |
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Pages |
105-115 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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Abstract |
In this paper, we evaluate the potential of life cycle assessment (LCA) to support environmental decision making at commercial dairy farms. To achieve this, we follow a four-step method that allows converting environmental assessment results using LCA into case-specific advice for farmers. This is illustrated in a case-study involving 20 specialized Flemish dairy farms. Calculated LCA indicators are normalized into scores between 0 and 100, whereby a score of 100 is assumed optimal, to allow for a mutual comparison of indicators for different environmental impact categories. Next, major farm and management characteristics affecting environmental performance are identified using multiple regression and correlation analyses. Finally, comparing specific farm and management characteristics with those of best performing farms identifies farm-specific optimization strategies. We conclude that this approach complies with most of the identified critical success factors for the successful implementation of LCA as a decision support system for farmers. Key aspects herein are (i) the flexibility and accessibility of the model, (ii) the use of readily available farm data, (iii) farm advisors being intended model users, (iv) the identification of key farm and management characteristics affecting environmental performance and (v) the organization of discussion sessions involving farmers and farm advisors. However, attention should be paid (i) to provide sufficient training and guidance for farm advisors on the use of the applied LCA model and the interpretation of results, (ii) to evaluate the correctness of the used data and (iii) to keep the model up-to-date according to new scientific insights and knowledge concerning LCA methodology. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
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Wos |
000343955300011 |
Publication Date |
2014-09-15 |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0308-521x |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
2.571 |
Times cited |
25 |
Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 2.571; 2014 IF: 2.906 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:127540 |
Serial |
6238 |
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Author |
Meul, M.; Van Passel, S.; Fremaut, D.; Haesaert, G. |
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Title |
Higher sustainability performance of intensive grazing versus zero-grazing dairy systems |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2012 |
Publication |
Agronomy For Sustainable Development |
Abbreviated Journal |
Agron Sustain Dev |
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Volume |
32 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
629-638 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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Abstract |
Although grazing of dairy cows is an integral part of dairy farming in many European countries, farmers today more often choose for zero-grazing systems, where cows are housed throughout the year. Some studies already compared grazing and zero-grazing systems for specific issues such as labor efficiency, environmental impact, or animal welfare. In our study, we perform a more integrated evaluation, considering relevant ecological, economic, and social aspects. This allows for a balanced and more complete comparison of the sustainability performance of the two production methods. We evaluated ten intensive grazing and ten zero-grazing specialized Flemish dairy farms on the use of nutrients and energy, productivity and profitability, labor input, and animal welfare. In addition, we put special effort in formulating useful management advice for farmers. Therefore, we combined a detailed analysis of the sustainability indicators with an intensive interaction and discussion with farmers and farm advisors. Results show that, on average, the zero-grazing farms performed significantly worse from an ecological and economic point of view. This fact is explained mainly due to a less efficient use of concentrates and byproducts. Social sustainability performance did not differ significantly between the two groups. As a result, the integrated sustainability performance was significantly lower for the zero-grazing group. This finding shows that a further shift from intensive grazing to zero-grazing can move dairy farming in Flanders further away from sustainability. An important advice to improve the ecological and economic performance of zero-grazing farms is to optimize cows' rations to include more forages and optimize forage production and use. More detailed site- and case-specific management advice for farmers of both groups was provided during a discussion meeting. We consider this an essential additional step to any sustainability evaluation, since progress can only be made when monitoring results are translated into practical measures. |
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000306061800003 |
Publication Date |
2012-01-11 |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
1774-0746 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
4.101 |
Times cited |
26 |
Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 4.101; 2012 IF: 3.573 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:127557 |
Serial |
6209 |
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