ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF COMPOST BARN SYSTEM IN MILK PRODUCTION IN BRAZIL

Abstract

Intensifying animal productivity in specific areas is recommended to reduce or mitigate greenhouse gas emissions associated with these production systems. This study evaluates the environmental and economic impacts of six dairy farm using an intensive Compost Bedding Pack Barns system in Minas Gerais, Brazil. A Life Cycle Assessment grounded in the IPCC 2006 guidelines, was conducted as a valuable tool in environmental management, providing a comprehensive understanding of the environmental costs from feed cultivation to milk distribution. The Life Cycle Assessment results showed an average carbon footprint of 1.48 kg of CO2 eq. per liter of fat- and protein-corrected milk. Alongside this, an economic and financial viability assessment using investment analysis tools indicated that, despite initial investments and high fixed and variable costs, the system presents strong economic results. These findings support the premise that intensifying productive systems can mitigate environmental impacts while ensuring financial profitability, enhancing the sustainability and competitiveness of Brazil's dairy industry.