Investigation of disposal methods of cattle farming waste in Ampara district

Abstract

Cattle farming waste disposal is an important concern with regard to promoting organic farming and environmental sustainability. The main objective of this study was to investigate the disposal methods of cattle farm waste in the Ampara district and to identify problems faced by cattle farm owners in disposing of the waste generated. Eight veterinary ranges in the Ampara district i.e., Akkaraipattu, Addalachchenai, Kalmunai, Samanthurai, Uhana, Pottuvil, Thirukkovil, Alayadivembu, Nintavur, and Sainthamarathu were selected for the study. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed. The study found that the waste materials generated were cow dung, urine, bedding material, wasted feed, wastewater, and placenta. The methods used to dispose of the waste materials are those of direct selling, giving away for free of charge, surface application as fertilizer, composting, draining out to crop fields, burning, and burying. The burying is practiced only for the placenta whereas the burning is practiced to dispose mainly of wasted feed materials. Lack of support from the government organization is the main problem faced by farmers to dispose of cattle farm waste. It is concluded that waste generated from cattle farms in Ampara district is utilized as fertilizer in a fairly sustainable manner indicating the awareness among the farmers about the value of the cattle farm waste materials. It is suggested that with the support of the government organization involved, the sustainability of cattle farms' waste utilization can be improved further.