Diversified animal operations incorporate all aspects of their animal farming systems in order to save energy and money. For example, farmers may use animal manure to fertilize their soils and thereby reduce the need to purchase additional fertilizer; they may feed their animals with crops grown on the farm, reducing the transportation cost for grain; or they may use anaerobic digesters to produce energy and fertilizer from their animals' manure.
For additional reading, see the article "Diversifying Animal Operations to Increase Farm System Efficiency"
Eli Mangold, University of Connecticut
