At Angelo Invernizzi’s Tenuta Marinona, animal welfare is the priority.
Tenuta Marinona is part of a large family company in Piemont. Angelo Invernizzi, his wife and their two sons live and work in Tortona in a building originating from 1330. The family tradition extends back to the start of the 20th century, when Angelo’s great grandfather raised Friesian cattle here for milk production.
Tenuta Marinona is part of a large family company in Piemont. Angelo Invernizzi, his wife and their two sons live and work in Tortona in a building originating from 1330. The family tradition extends back to the start of the 20th century, when Angelo’s great grandfather raised Friesian cattle here for milk production.
Angelo Invernizzi places the greatest importance on the wellbeing of the cows, which he studies carefully with special software. For example, the milking routine is monitored in connection with the milk production and the resting times of the animals. Every cow wears a pedometer on their rear leg, tracking their level of movement. This data helps determine a suitable insemination time, for example, while also indicating how the cows are feeling in general. The more inviting the bedding in the stall, the more a cow enjoys laying down to rest - and more rest means more and better milk production!
The system of the Italian animal health authority for evaluating the wellbeing of dairy cows takes into account all the factors on the farm that positively influence the health of the animals and minimize stress. Trained veterinarians inspect participating farms and assign a numerical animal protection index. Angelo Invernizzi voluntarily has his farm certified and always receives excellent scores.
A FAN Separator Green Bedding PSS 3.3 780 has been used at the farm for producing organic bedding since 2015. The separator is supplied by a small biogas plant (100 kW) that runs entirely on manure.
The solid is odor-free and does not attract insects, mice or parasites. Once per week, it is distributed among the stalls as bedding. The dry matter (DM) content is adjusted to the season: maximum DM content in the winter, while in summer only 28-30%; otherwise the result is too dry and dusty.
The liquid phase is spread on the field. Separating lowers the nutrient and pollutant content of the resulting slurry, allowing compliance with statutory regulations. It also decreases the storage volume required. The few solid particles remaining are decomposed by bacteria. Fewer pollutants remain to be spread onto the field – which is of particular importance in a high-risk region like Piemont: strict nitrate limits are in force here.
Additional advantages of making your own bedding: the cleanliness of the cows, outstanding acceptance by the cows (longer resting times), less work and lower costs.
