Professor George Jaime Tenjo of the University of Nairobi is researching how to make waste paper edible for cattle. By adding waste paper to cattle rations, he hopes to reduce the amount of paper that goes to waste and increase animal nutrition. The use of waste paper as feed for cattle may be particularly helpful in regions where grass and forage are scarce and rainy seasons have reduced their supply. In such areas, waste paper is a source of cellulose, a substance that is found in grass and pasture plants. By adding waste paper to the animal ration, it could help replace some of the grazing that is currently missing from the diet of the animals.
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Food
Can cows eat paper? This question may have crossed your mind. While cows are herbivores, they do have the enzymes necessary to digest cellulose. Paper is composed of wood and cellulose, so any remnants will pass out in the cow’s faeces. The American pika, a species of rodent that thrives in warmer climates, is another example of a creature that eats paper.
Although cows cannot digest paper, goats can. But paper turns to a gooey mass when wet. Goats can also eat plastic. However, they won’t be able to digest plastic, so they will pass it out in their feces, causing digestive issues. Cows are not the only animals that can eat plastic, but goats can eat it, too.
Nutrition
Research has shown that cows can consume up to 20% of their ration in the form of newsprints. Newsprints contain a high fiber content, which cows need for high FCM. Newsprints could also serve as an excellent roughage substitute, since they are a rich source of nutrients equivalent to chemically treated roughages. However, these results have to be interpreted with caution. In the long run, rations containing up to 20% newsprints are probably too high for cows to ingest safely.
Lead poisoning
While restrictions on lead based paints have greatly reduced the number of people who are exposed to lead, the environmental hazard is still present. Lead residues remain in homes, barns, fences, and furniture. Lead in the environment is a major health hazard. Lead poisoning is particularly dangerous to children and newborns, since their bodies are not fully developed yet and are likely to come into contact with foreign objects.
The National Residue Survey can identify animals with elevated levels of lead. A representative of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia, will visit the farm or ranch to determine the source. During the 12 month quarantine, the affected animals cannot be slaughtered. While the symptoms of lead poisoning can be mild, treatment is necessary in the early stages of the disease. The veterinarian will advise on treatment options.
Sugar
Cows are herbivores, meaning they have enzymes to break down cellulose, which is found in paper. This fiber-rich material will be passed out in the faeces. Cows have been known to eat cardboard, as well as wood pulp, as part of their diet. Some animals like the paper-like fibers, such as the American pika. However, cows may be eating it as an adaptation to global warming.
According to the University of Nairobi in Kenya, “a recent project aims to use waste paper as feed for ruminants as a substitute for pasture grasses,” which is a major problem in the region. In the region, there are 100 tons of waste paper discarded each day, and the project will use some of that to feed sheep. The paper is mixed with the conventional feed, with 15 percent of it going to cows and 85 percent being conventional.
Candy
A recent controversy over sugar in cow feed has American children wondering if it’s okay to feed them candy. However, many carnivores, including cows, don’t like to eat grain or candy. While the American Grassfed Association and the USDA oppose the practice, there are no concrete definitions of candy-fed beef or candy-covered cattle. The American government hasn’t yet taken any action to stop candy-fed beef from being sold in supermarkets.
Skittles was formulated for cattle, but they didn’t make the packaging cut. The sugar content in Skittles is sufficient to give cows energy and maintain their weight. Some farmers haven’t added the candy to their cow’s diets, but those who live near a candy factory or can buy discounted candies may do so. This practice has no long been prohibited in the United States. While Dan’s farm is one example of a farm feeding cows candy, there are other farms using it as a supplement to their feed.
Upcycling manure into paper products
It may seem unlikely, but upcycling cow manure into paper products is a viable alternative in many parts of the world. In particular, in African countries and on cattle farms in the U.S. and Europe, manure is a valuable resource because of its high cellulose content. By turning cow manure into paper, the waste is both recycled and repurposed, while at the same time providing useful products for the environment.
Upcycling cow manure into paper products requires little energy or chemical treatment compared to other forms of waste. The manure is partially processed with sodium hydroxide solution, which removes the lignin and subsequently renders the pulp. The remaining cellulose is then bleached with sodium hypochlorite, which removes the remaining lignin and leaves behind a purified cellulose. Once the pulp is made, it needs little grinding to convert it into nanofibers.
