Brian Sundberg, co-founder of Progressive Dairy Solutions, offers compelling insights into how dairy cows function as nature’s premier recycling machines. His U.S.-based consulting firm, which operates globally in dairy nutrition and management, has observed firsthand the massive scale of this natural upcycling process. According to Sundberg, American dairy cows alone process approximately 125,000 tons of human food production waste daily—equivalent to 5,000 truckloads of materials that would otherwise require disposal. He emphasizes that these animals are “the ultimate recyclers,” routinely consuming diets consisting of up to 50% byproducts from various food processing operations.
Sundberg’s expertise highlights the remarkable transformation that occurs within these ruminants’ digestive systems. The byproducts cows consume—ranging from citrus pulp and brewing grains to expired bakery goods and vegetable trimmings—are materials humans cannot digest but still contain valuable nutrients. Through their unique four-stomach digestive process, dairy cows convert these otherwise wasted resources into high-quality fat and protein for human consumption in the form of milk and meat products. This biological upcycling represents a critical component of circular food systems, where waste from one process becomes input for another.
The implications of Sundberg’s observations extend beyond simple waste management to encompass both environmental sustainability and food security. By diverting massive quantities of food processing byproducts from landfills and composting facilities, dairy cows significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously producing essential nutrition for growing populations. This dual benefit underscores why Sundberg and other industry experts view cattle not as environmental burdens, but as vital partners in creating more sustainable and efficient food systems that maximize the value extracted from every agricultural resource.