Biochar is a carbon-rich substance. It is prepared by pyrolyzing biomass materials (such as wood, coconut shells, etc.) under anaerobic conditions. Its porous structure and stable physical and chemical properties make biochar show great resource potential. In recent years, many recyclers have continued to explore the application of biochar. Among many application scenarios, the use of biochar in animal husbandry has gradually come into public view.
Biochar as Feed Additive
Biochar produced by biomass pyrolysis process can effectively adsorb and fix organic matter and nutrients in feed. Therefore, it is favored by farmers as a feed additive. The following are the advantages of biochar as a feed additive:
Improve Feed Utilization
Biochar as a feed additive can significantly improve feed utilization. Its porous structure and large specific surface area can adsorb and fix organic matter and nutrients in feed. Thus, this reduces feed loss and waste. At the same time, biochar can promote the activity of enzymes and microorganisms in feed, thereby enhancing the absorption of nutrients by animals. This improves feed utilization.
Optimize Digestive Health
Biochar can adsorb harmful substances and toxins and reduce their accumulation in the intestines of animals. In addition, the porous structure of biochar is conducive to the colonization of beneficial microorganisms, the balance of intestinal flora, and the enhancement of animal immunity. Not only that, biochar can also adsorb gas in the intestines, reducing the occurrence of flatulence and diarrhea.
Reduce Methane Emissions
Ruminants such as cattle and sheep produce a lot of methane during digestion. This not only affects the digestive health of animals, but also has an adverse impact on the environment as a greenhouse gas. Biochar can significantly reduce methane production and emissions within the digestive system of ruminants by absorbing methane precursors and interfering with the activity of methanogens.
Biochar as Shed Bedding
The sheds for livestock and poultry generally use straw, stalks, sawdust, etc. They cannot meet the requirements of modern animal husbandry for the environmental quality of sheds. The introduction of biochar in shed bedding brings solutions:
Reducing Ammonia
Ammonia emissions in animal sheds are a major environmental problem. Not only that, excessive ammonia concentrations directly affect the health and growth of animals. Biochar has excellent adsorption properties and can effectively adsorb and fix ammonia. Therefore, biochar not only reduces ammonia emissions in animal husbandry, but also provides a clean environment for animal growth.
Improving Shed Air Quality
In addition to reducing ammonia concentrations, biochar can also effectively adsorb other harmful gases and odors. This significantly improves the air quality of the shed. The high specific surface area of biochar enables it to efficiently adsorb harmful gases such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hydrogen sulfide. This not only keeps the air in the shed fresh, but also further improves the comfort of animals.
Used as Organic Fertilizer
After being used in the shed, biochar will fix a large amount of nutrients. Used biochar can be directly returned to the soil as high-quality organic fertilizer. In this way, biochar improves soil fertility by increasing the organic matter content of the soil. Biochar itself also has the function of improving soil structure. This not only realizes the recycling of resources, but also reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers.
Conclusion
As a cutting-edge tool for sustainable development of animal husbandry, biochar has shown broad application prospects. At present, biochar is helping this industry achieve a circular economy. It not only improves the production efficiency and economic benefits of the animal husbandry, but also promotes the development of agriculture in a more sustainable direction. How will biochar contribute to the future development of animal husbandry? Let’s wait and see.
