Recycling in livestock: Reuse of corral washing water and reduction of the release of pathogenic microorganisms into the environment

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the viability of utilizing dairy cattle wastewater (DCW) in a recirculation system for cleaning cattle confinement units. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly “SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation”; “SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production” and “SDG 14: Life Bellow Water”, the objectives included quantifying water savings achieved through recirculation, and determining the reduction in enterobacteria, indicative of Escherichia coli, prevented from entering the environment. The recirculation of DCW for hydraulic cleaning of cattle confinement unit floors resulted in remarkable water savings, reaching up to 99.61 %. This process successfully averted the release of approximately 6.43 × 10⁴ CFU/mL of pathogenic organisms into the environment. The incorporation of a biodigester into the system yielded dual benefits in the form of biogas and biofertilizer, which could be reintegrated into the production process. Beyond the immediate benefits of water conservation, this approach contributes to sustainable water resource management and preserves the quality of watercourses. The integration of such innovative practices underscores the potential to enhance environmental stewardship in agriculture, aligning with broader goals of sustainability and circular economic principles.