Abstract
We have conducted a questionnaire survey in three areas of Hokkaido on the following two matters : 1) the present status of the compliance of cattle farmers with the livestock excreta control law, and 2) their awareness of automatic spiral agitation composting and biogasification facilities for livestock excreta, which are both effective facilities for achieving the purpose of the law. The survey results revealed problems and possible strategies in promoting the appropriate treatment of livestock excreta and its effective utilization.
The ratio of cattle farmers using law-abiding composting facilities (LACF) as mere storage facilities for livestock excreta was about 30-60%. On the other hand, about 30% of farmers leave livestock excreta in the open before they spread it on their farms. Thus, it is important to further promote effective use of LACF and appropriate management of excreta outside of LACF.
Most of the cattle farmers have no intention of constructing automatic turning type composting and biogasification facilities at this moment. Sufficient objective data about their merits, costs, and labor related to installation are important to promote their installation.
