Minister Carola Schouten (Agriculture) will talk to experts about the possible health effects of reducing crude protein in animal feed. This in response to “concerns in the sector”, she writes to the House of Representatives on Thursday.
“Animal health is also a starting point for me that should not be changed and that is why I understand the concerns that farmers have about this”, says Schouten in the brief.
She continues to insist that more protein is fed than necessary. “The excess protein is not absorbed by the animal, but is emitted in the form of ammonia. This is widely endorsed in the sector and in science.”
According to Schouten, the measures she takes take due account of animal welfare. Nevertheless, Schouten is advised, including by the Royal Dutch Society for Veterinary Medicine.
“If this shows that additional animal health risks are to be expected, I will adjust the scheme accordingly,” says Schouten.
Less protein means less emissions
From 1 September, concentrates for cows must contain less protein. The reduced amount of protein reduces the emission of ammonia (which contains nitrogen) and this so-called nitrogen space can be used for the construction of houses and the construction of roads.
It is a pain in the ass that the nitrogen space must come from farmers. That is why the farmers took to the streets again last week.
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