The Alp Feed project is part of the PSR (Programma di Sviluppo Rurale del Veneto 2014–2020) that aims to realise different interventions to promote and facilitate the development of the region under EU policies. In particular, Alp Feed settles its objectives and principles in the actions: 16.1 and 16.2. Both of these are part of action no. 16: Cooperation and their aims are: the constitution and management of the operating group of PEI regarding productivity and sustainability and carrying out pilot projects and developing new products, practices, processes and technologies.

Different stakeholders collaborating with actions no. 16.1 and 16.2, are:

• The University of Padova, MAPS Department (project manager)
• ITPhotonics srl, NIR analysis implementation subject, producer of di strumentazione di analisi NIR
• Faresin Industries spa, a mixing machine producer
• Azienda Agricola De Bona Gianfranco e Società Bellumat Germano e Gilberto, the project’s end-beneficiary

The project

Alp Feed pursues different breeding sustainability goals, providing various advantages to participants.
Participation in the project established the use of a specific mixer-wagon that is equipped with NIR technology. Both through the use of this new tool (alternated seasonally) and the department’s research experience, the company at the end of the project could see some changes in its breeding and animals following the use of spectroscopy directly on the field.
Such an innovative model as the one proposed by the project team would work towards economic and financial sustainability, effective nutritional management of dairy cattle, better-quality animal protein, animal welfare and the reduction of possible disease factors and emissions.