Christophe Soteris, Pentieva Kristina, Botsaris George
Cyprus Veterinary Services, Athalassas Av., Nicosia 1417, Cyprus.
School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK.
Vet Sci. 2023 Apr 14;10(4):293. doi: 10.3390/vetsci10040293.
Manure from bovine farms is commonly used as an organic fertiliser. However, if not properly managed, it can spread significant biological and chemical hazards, threatening both human and animal health. The effectiveness of risk control hugely relies on farmers' knowledge regarding safe manure management and on the application of suitable management practices. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and practices of Cypriot bovine farmers towards safer manure management, from its generation to its final use, in line with the One Health approach. Factors affecting farmers' knowledge and applied practices are also investigated through a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire was developed and sent to all eligible bovine farmers in Cyprus (n = 353), and 30% (n = 105) of them returned the completed questionnaire. Results revealed there are some gaps in farmers' knowledge. The use of manure for fertilising crops dominated. Only half of the farmers stored manure in appropriate facilities, with 28.5% of them using a dedicated area with cement floors and 21.5% utilising leakproof tanks. The majority (65.7%) stored manure for more than three months before its use as a fertiliser in a dried form. In multiple regression analysis, education level and farming purpose were significant determinants of farmer knowledge. In conclusion, Cypriot farmers' knowledge must be reinforced to ensure proper manure management. The results highlight the importance of providing relevant training to farmers. Although the current practices partially decrease manure pathogens, interventions to promote the use of more effective treatment methods, such as biogas transformation and composting, would be beneficial.
养牛场的粪便通常用作有机肥料。然而，如果管理不当，它会传播重大的生物和化学危害，威胁人类和动物健康。风险控制的有效性在很大程度上依赖于农民关于安全粪便管理的知识以及适当管理措施的应用。本研究旨在根据“同一健康”方法，评估塞浦路斯养牛农民在粪便从产生到最终使用过程中对更安全粪便管理的知识和做法。还通过问卷调查研究了影响农民知识和应用做法的因素。问卷编制完成后发送给塞浦路斯所有符合条件的养牛农民（n = 353），其中30%（n = 105）返回了填好的问卷。结果显示农民的知识存在一些差距。用粪便给作物施肥占主导地位。只有一半的农民将粪便储存在合适的设施中，其中28.5%使用有水泥地面的专用区域，21.5%使用防漏罐。大多数（65.7%）在将粪便以干燥形式用作肥料之前储存了三个月以上。在多元回归分析中，教育水平和养殖目的是农民知识的重要决定因素。总之，必须加强塞浦路斯农民的知识，以确保粪便得到妥善管理。结果凸显了为农民提供相关培训的重要性。尽管目前的做法部分降低了粪便病原体，但推广使用更有效处理方法（如沼气转化和堆肥）的干预措施将是有益的。
