A pioneering Dutch innovation, set to make its UK debut at Rama 2026, promises to revolutionize farm sustainability by equipping cows with their own toilets and cutting ammonia emissions by up to a third.
This ingenious system separates cow urine from feces before it combines and forms ammonia, an important pollutant associated with air quality and climate issues.
This idea is based on a simple biological fact. In other words, cows do not urinate and defecate at the same time. CowToilet collects urine directly from beneath the cow’s tail, preventing the chemical reactions that produce ammonia.
This equipment fits neatly into an outside parlor feeding station that most dairy farms can install. When the animal feeds, the soft mechanism gently stimulates the nerves near the udder, triggering a natural micturition reflex.
The liquid waste is then sucked into a sealed tank for storage. This is a clean, contained process that keeps the barn fresher and drier.
According to a study by Wageningen Livestock Research, this method can reduce ammonia emissions by up to 38%, total nitrogen emissions by 33%, and nitrous oxide emissions by 18% compared to standard residential systems.
“Ammonia is one of the biggest environmental challenges facing the livestock industry,” says Henk Hanskampf, founder of Hanskampf.
“We wanted to create a system that works with nature, rather than against it, improving animal welfare and helping farmers meet their environmental goals without increasing their workload.”
CowToilet not only reduces pollution but also helps turn waste into value. Nitrogen-rich urine can be used as a natural fertilizer or even sold, while solid fertilizers retain essential phosphates and organic matter to nourish the soil.
This separation makes it easier for farmers to apply nutrients exactly where they are needed, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and improving crop performance.
Cleaner housing and fresh air provide additional benefits, improving animal health and hygiene. The technology, developed in collaboration with Dutch farmers, engineers and academics including Paul Garama from Wageningen University, is already being used on more than 35 farms in the Netherlands and has received positive feedback.
Each unit costs around £28,000 and is designed for 25 cows, representing a significant investment, but Mr Hanskamp claims the units will pay off in terms of productivity, compliance and sustainability.
“This technology is about more than just compliance,” he added. “It’s about giving farmers a sensible tool to improve the environment, animal health and profitability. CowToilet shows that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.”
With its launch in the UK, CowToilet could be a turning point in how dairy farmers balance productivity and environmental responsibility, proving that even the most unlikely ideas can change the future of farming.
