ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE March 2025 37 means fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per liter of milk, there will be fewer non-productive animals in the herd. This leads to a more efficient herd management by reducing the number of cows needed for the same milk output, thereby decreasing feed, water, and land use per unit of milk produced. Infertility not only compromises the economic viability of dairy farms but also stands as the principal cause of premature culling in dairy herds. Incorporating Actisaf® into the diets of dairy cows can significantly improve fertility outcomes and improve milk production. Long-term supplementation leads to enhanced success rates in conception at first service, reduces days open, and shortens calving intervals, all of which contribute to notable economic benefits for farmers (Julien et al. 2018). Moreover, Actisaf® elevates milk production and the content of milk solids, whilst also improving dairy cow fertility, contributing to increased longevity. The study involved 14 dairy cattle farms, each with a minimum of 40 dairy cows using artificial insemination. Over a period of 13 months, lactating cows were given a daily supplementation of 5 g/cow/day of Actisaf®. The study findings revealed that daily yeast probiotic supplementation significantly improved the success rate of artificial insemination by an average of 4 points and the success rate of first artificial insemination in multiparous cows by 5 points. The number of inseminations required for pregnancy decreased from 3.1 in the reference period to 2.7 during supplementation. By optimizing reproductive performance, dairy farms can ensure a consistent and reliable production cycle, thereby reducing the economic and environmental costs associated with lower fertility rates. LCA: MEASURING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT The dairy value chain is a source of various GHG emissions, including methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide. GHG emissions estimates can be determined through various methods, with LCAs being the most employed. An LCA provides an understanding of the environmental impacts associated with all stages of the life cycle of a commercial product, process, or service. Within the dairy sector, an LCA accounts for all GHG emissions linked to the production of dairy products, including direct and indirect emissions. Direct emissions are those released through manure management and enteric fermentation, whilst indirect emissions come from feed production, energy use, and farm operations (e.g., milking, housing, transport) (FAO 2019). Approximately 55% of livestock emissions are direct, stemming from natural processes like enteric fermentation in ruminants which emit methane, and the nitrification/ denitrification of excreted manure and anaerobic decomposition, leading to the release of methane and nitrous oxide release (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 2019). Direct emissions also encompass carbon dioxide from on-farm energy consumption. On the other hand, indirect emissions, making up the remaining 45%, arise from the production of fertilizers and pesticides, feed production, manure management, and the transportation of feed, animals, and animal products, also including CO2 emissions from land use. By gathering this type of information, LCA studies provide a baseline for the carbon footprint, highlighting key areas for improvement and potential risks. This way, an LCA ensures that efforts to reduce environmental impact in one area do not inadvertently increase burdens in another. LCA studies also offer valuable insights to stakeholders and decision-makers. LCA OF ACTISAF® SC 47 Feed additive companies are increasingly aligning their practices with the sustainability objectives of their clients. Farmers, in turn, seek solutions that are not only scientifically based but also capable of showcasing tangible advancements in farming systems and sustainable practices. This alignment is pivotal for maintaining the financial viability of
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