SYSTEMS ANALYSIS OF LIVESTOCK WASTE MANAGEMENT: A STUDY OF LARGE-SCALE DAIRYING

The analytical approach to studying waste management is investigated here in the context of large scale dairying. The typical short-run approach that regards waste management as separable from primary production is contrasted with a longer-run systems approach in which waste management is regarded as an interdependent stage of production. Failure to consider interdependencies between waste management and agricultural production could compromise potential efficiencies in the overall system. Furthermore, cooperative waste treatment and disposal among livestock producers may contribute to greater efficiency and afford opportunities for resource conservation and recovery through waste utilization.