Back W. J. Li1, Y. Zh. Ni1 and H. Umemura2
Beijing Agricultural University, Beijing, China1 and
International Nature Farming Research Center, Atami, Japan2
Full Paper (PDF File: 31KB)
Abstract
China is a country with a large and expanding population but with limited
natural resources to support its needs. Therefore, it has been necessary
to develop more efficient agricultural production systems, especially for
animals. The excessive use of antibiotics to ensure animal health, and
environmental pollution from improper management of animal wastes, are
serious problems which have restricted the development of sustainable animal
production in China. Consequently, studies were initiated in 1992 to determine
whether Effective Microorganisms (EM) could help to overcome these problems.
Controlled feeding trials were conducted with EM added to the rations of
chickens, ducks and pigs. Results have shown that EM increased the microbiological
activity of the feed and its nutritive value (especially amino acids);
increased the resistance of animals to disease, decreased the animal mortality
level, decreased the need for antibiotics; and improved the quality of
animal products. The application of EM to animal wastes also helped to
stabilize the material, effectively controlled malodors, and improved their
value as organic fertilizers for agriculture.