RUMIORUJO Operational Group: New foods for ruminants from pomace using an innovative silage system

The RUMIORUJO project will develop new sheep and goat feeds from grape pomace, yielding 160 tons of silage and 95 tons of pelleted product through technically and economically viable processes. These products will transform a low-value byproduct into a stable, safe, and year-round feed at a lower cost than conventional raw materials. For livestock farmers, this will represent a viable alternative to partially replace forage and concentrates, reducing feed costs without altering the production system. Its gradual inclusion in feed rations will be recommended, especially during periods of rising prices. This will improve profitability and reduce dependence on external inputs.

The project will analyze the market for products made from grape pomace, identifying a growing demand for more economical and sustainable alternative raw materials. The results will show that these products can compete with traditional animal feed, offering stability in supply and new business opportunities. For livestock farmers, this will mean greater security in feed costs and less dependence on volatile markets. Incorporating these products into ration planning will be recommended to improve cost forecasting. Furthermore, it will allow farmers to establish relationships with local suppliers and generate new income opportunities.

RUMIORUJO will determine that feeds made with grape pomace can be included in sheep and goat rations at levels close to 10–15% without negatively impacting production. The results will show that milk quality and animal health will be maintained. For livestock farmers, this will provide clear and applicable recommendations for real-world conditions. It will be recommended to introduce these feeds gradually into the diet, adjusting the ration according to the production system. This will allow for reduced feed costs without compromising productivity or requiring changes to standard management practices.

Trials on livestock farms will allow for the evaluation of product acceptance by both the animals and the farmers themselves. It is expected that the silage and pelleted feeds made with olive pomace will be readily consumed, easy to handle, and compatible with existing systems. For farmers, this will reduce uncertainty when adopting new feeds. Their use will be recommended under real-world farming conditions, as they will not require changes to facilities or management practices. This will facilitate their integration and improve economic efficiency.

The project will generate technical evidence that will allow progress in modifying regulations for the use of grape pomace in animal feed. This outcome will facilitate its legal and safe incorporation into the rations of small ruminants. For livestock farmers, this will mean eliminating administrative barriers and facilitating access to a new, locally available raw material. Its use will be recommended as an alternative to reduce feed costs. This will increase resource availability and improve the sustainability of the farm.

RUMIORUJO will develop a business model that defines the costs, processes, and profitability of using olive pomace in animal feed. This model will allow for a clear evaluation of the economic viability of these new products. For livestock farmers, this will provide a practical tool for calculating potential savings before adopting these feeds. It will be recommended that this model be used for feed planning and cost optimization. Furthermore, it will allow for the identification of collaboration opportunities with other stakeholders in the sector.

The project will transfer its results to more than 150 wineries, feed companies, and over 300 livestock farmers through training and demonstration activities. This will validate its application under real-world conditions and facilitate its adoption. For farmers, this will mean access to practical information based on actual experiences. They will be encouraged to apply this knowledge on their farms to safely incorporate the new feedstuffs. This will improve competitiveness and facilitate the replication of the model.

RUMIORUJO will develop a comprehensive set of promotional materials, including brochures, presentations, posters, videos, and physical samples of the new feedstuffs in pelleted form, targeting farmers, wineries, cooperatives, and companies in the sector, reaching a network of over 10,000 contacts. These materials will explain the project, its results, and how to apply them in practice. For the end user, this will mean having clear, visual, and easily understandable information on the use of the new feedstuffs. It will be recommended to use these materials as a practical guide for introducing them on the farm. The distribution of samples will allow for direct product testing, increasing confidence and facilitating its adoption under real-world conditions.

The project will disseminate its results through corporate tools such as websites, social media, videos, and specialized magazines, reaching a broad national audience. Publications will be made in industry media, and accessible content will be generated through channels with over 10,000 followers. For livestock farmers, this will provide continuous access to up-to-date and practical information on the project's results. They will be encouraged to follow these channels to learn how to implement the new feeds on their farms. This will facilitate informed decision-making and improve the adoption of innovative animal nutrition solutions.

RUMIORUJO will disseminate its results through participation in technical workshops, conferences, and major national agricultural and livestock trade fairs. The project will be presented at numerous events, showcasing practical results and promoting the new value chain. For livestock farmers, this will provide an opportunity to learn about the results firsthand and have their questions answered directly by the project leaders. Attendance at these events will be recommended to learn how to implement the solutions on their farms and identify business opportunities. This direct contact will facilitate adoption and knowledge sharing among professionals.

The project will disseminate its results through media outlets, including press releases and radio and television interviews, reaching both the agricultural and livestock sector and the general public. These actions will increase the visibility of the project and its solutions. For livestock farmers, this will mean greater awareness of the new feed alternatives available. It is recommended that they follow these media appearances to learn about the benefits and practical applications of the new feeds. This dissemination will help build trust and facilitate their adoption within the sector.

RUMIORUJO will transfer its results and business model to over 150 wineries, feed companies, and more than 300 livestock farmers through workshops, demonstrations, and direct outreach. Furthermore, the results will be disseminated at the European level through specialized platforms such as EU-FarmBook and EIP-AGRI. For livestock farmers, this will mean direct access to practical knowledge, real-world demonstrations, and validated solutions. Adopting these feeding strategies based on proven experience will be recommended. This transfer will facilitate the replication of the model, improve competitiveness, and support the development of a sustainable value chain.