All livestock farms are required to make efforts to achieve the targeted reductions in ammonia emissions in Flanders. However, for the dairy goat sector, no approved and practically applicable measures are currently included in the PAS list, with the exception of grazing combined with temporary empty stables.

In this project, the ammonia-emission-reducing effect of zeolites as a bedding additive and as a feed additive in (organic) dairy goats was investigated.

In practice, zeolites are already being used as feed and bedding additives by several goat farmers. Experiences with these products are generally positive, but not always backed by scientific results. The use of zeolites as a bedding additive has previously been studied with mixed results through in vitro manure container trials with cattle and goat manure, and in mechanically ventilated housing systems for dairy heifers and beef cattle.

This project investigated whether zeolites can also lead to significant reductions in ammonia emissions under practical farm conditions. After a preliminary trial in which the measurement setup was optimised, the potential of zeolites as a bedding and feed additive was determined by measurements taken directly above the bedded surface in commercial goat housing. An economic evaluation was also carried out for the use of zeolites in a representative commercial farm.