An award-winning groundbreaking new technology, the CowToilet, is set to make its UK debut at Lamma and Dairy Tech 2026, offering dairy farmers a practical way to reduce ammonia emissions by up to a third, improve nutrient use, and enhance sustainability on-farm.

Developed by Dutch agri-tech company Hanskamp, the CowToilet offers a unique solution for reducing on-farm emissions by separating cow urine and faeces, which, when combined, produce ammonia.

Using the simple fact that cows never urinate and defecate at the same time, the CowToilet collects urine directly from under the cow’s tail before it mixes with solid manure.

The innovation has won two awards in the LAMMA Innovation Awards 2026 — Gold in the Future Innovation for Environmental Benefit of the Year category and Bronze in the Livestock/Dairy Innovation of the Year category.

The awards celebrate the most forward-thinking advancements in farm machinery and technology, recognising companies that are driving progress and delivering real benefits for agriculture.

The CowToilet integrates seamlessly into a free-access out-of-parlour feeding station which can be installed in most cattle sheds. As a cow enters to eat, the CowToilet gently rubs against the suspensory ligament of the udder, triggering a natural nerve reflex that encourages urination. The urine is then collected in a sealed receptacle, removed by suction, and stored in an airtight tank.

Research by Wageningen Livestock Research shows that keeping urine and manure separate can reduce ammonia emissions by up to 38%, total nitrogen by 33%, and nitrous oxide by 18% compared with conventional housing systems

“Ammonia is one of the biggest environmental challenges facing the livestock sector,” explains Hanskamp founder Henk Hanskamp. “We wanted to create a system that works with nature, not against it – improving animal welfare and helping farmers meet environmental targets without adding to their workload. The CowToilet achieves this in a simple, natural, and effective way.”

In addition to reducing emissions, the CowToilet transforms waste into a resource. Nitrogen-rich urine can be reused as a natural fertiliser or even sold, while the remaining solid manure retains phosphate and organic matter for soil health. This separation allows farmers to apply nutrients more precisely, improving crop performance and reducing reliance on artificial fertilisers.

Separating cow faeces and urine also keeps housing cleaner and improves air quality, contributing to improved animal health and hygiene.

Developed in close collaboration with Dutch livestock farmers, engineers, and researchers – including Wageningen University’s Paul Galama – the CowToilet is already successfully operating on over 35 dairy farms in the Netherlands, delivering strong results and positive farmer feedback.

Each CowToilet unit is designed to serve 25 cows, and costs approximately £28,000 per unit (excluding installation).

“This technology is about more than compliance,” adds Mr Hanskamp. “It’s about giving farmers tools that make sense – improving the environment, animal health, and profitability. The CowToilet shows that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.”

To see the CowToilet in action, visit: https://hanskamp.com/en/solutions/cowtoilet/
Watch the demo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7duvrYtEmk