Overall benefits of biochar, fed to dairy cows, for the farming system

Dear Editor, Biochar has been used as an input in the animal farming industry since 2010(Gerlach and Schmidt,2012;Schmidt et al.,2019).Several studies have documented the positive effects of biochar,used as a feed supplement,on both live-stock and soil health.Schmidt et al.(2019)examined 112 studies,in which the addition of a small amount of biochar to fodder improved the animal immune system,digestibili-ty,and quality of milk and meat,while eliminating toxins.Gerlach and Schmidt(2012)conducted a survey,in which biochar was fed to 150 cattle,and found that both the milk protein and fat increased when biochar was added to silage.Erickson et al.(2011)investigated the effect of activated biochar,fed to Holstein dairy cows at 0,20,and 40 g daily,on fungal-contaminated feed silage.Compared to the control,biochar considerably improved feed intake and digestibility,and increased milk fat.