Nutrient use efficiencies, losses, and abatement strategies for peri-urban dairy production systems

Manure management is an important aspect of urban livestock production that has a profound impact on metropolitan living. Data were collected from 28 dairy farms in peri-urban Beijing and analysed to determine farm nitrogen and phosphorus flows and costs associated with various manure management options to reduce nutrient losses. Dairy production in peri-urban Beijing was characterized by its use of high protein diets (16.3–17.0% crude protein), high reliance on imported feeds (92–98%), and low manure recycling (3.0–10.8%). Farms of 900–2000 cattle showed lower use efficiencies than farms of 2000.•Nutrient losses decreased as investments in manure treatment increased.•Investing in manure treatment is justifiable for urban dairy production in China.