Cow Dung as a Renewable Bioresource: Recent Advances and Emerging Applications

Abstract

Cow dung, a natural excrement of bovine species, has been utilized for centuries in agriculture, medicine, and household practices due to its abundant organic content and bioactive properties. In recent years, scientific investigations have re-established cow dung as a multifunctional bioresource with wide-ranging industrial, environmental, and biotechnological applications. Rich in macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with trace elements like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper, cow dung serves as a potent substrate for microbial growth and soil enrichment. It contains diverse microbial flora, including Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Actinobacteria species, which play a vital role in biodegradation, composting, and nutrient cycling. The bioconversion potential of cow dung extends to the production of biogas, biofertilizers, biopesticides, and renewable nanomaterials, making it a cornerstone of sustainable and circular bioeconomy models. Its antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activities have also attracted attention in pharmacological research, where it serves as a source of natural therapeutic agents. Furthermore, cow-dung-based bio-slurries have demonstrated potential in heavy metal remediation, wastewater treatment, and carbon sequestration, thereby addressing critical issues of pollution and resource depletion. Recent advancements have also explored its use as a low-cost culture medium for microbial growth, replacing conventional synthetic media while maintaining comparable efficiency. This highlights cow dung’s role as a renewable, biodegradable, and economically viable alternative in microbiological and biotechnological research. Overall, the utilization of cow dung transcends traditional applications, contributing to agricultural sustainability, environmental protection, and innovative material development. Its holistic potential reinforces the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific approaches for a greener and more sustainable future.

Introduction

Cow dung (gomeya) is the undigested plant residue excreted by cows, rich in lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, organic matter, moisture, nutrients, and beneficial microorganisms. Traditionally valued in agriculture, culture, and Ayurveda, it is recognized not as waste but as a natural purifier with environmental and medicinal significance. Modern research highlights its potential in soil improvement, bioenergy production, bioremediation, and even therapeutic applications, though many medicinal benefits remain underexplored scientifically.

Composition

Cow dung contains 75–80% moisture and 85–90% organic matter, primarily lignocellulosic biomass. It is rich in total organic carbon (30–40%), essential macronutrients (N, P, K), secondary nutrients (Ca, Mg, S), and trace elements (Fe, Cu, Zn). Its balanced C/N ratio (20–25) makes it ideal for composting. The microbial population includes dozens of bacterial species, fungi, protozoa, and yeasts, which support decomposition, nutrient cycling, and antimicrobial activity.

Major Applications

1. Agriculture

Cow dung is a cornerstone of organic and sustainable farming. It improves soil structure, increases organic carbon, enhances water retention, boosts cation exchange capacity, and promotes beneficial microbial activity. Composting and vermicomposting convert it into nutrient-rich humus that enhances plant growth and yield. Its antimicrobial properties suppress soil-borne pathogens, supporting natural disease management. Cow-dung-based biofertilizers and seed treatments reduce chemical fertilizer dependence and restore soil health.

2. Bioenergy

Cow dung is a prime substrate for biogas production via anaerobic digestion, generating methane-rich gas for cooking, lighting, and rural power. Biogas plants reduce greenhouse emissions, improve sanitation, and provide nutrient-rich digested slurry as organic fertilizer. A single cow can produce enough daily dung to meet a household’s basic energy needs.

3. Environmental and Waste Management

Cow dung acts as a low-cost bioremediation agent, adsorbing heavy metals and degrading pollutants such as pesticides, hydrocarbons, dyes, and pharmaceutical residues. Its microbes reduce BOD and COD in wastewater and accelerate composting when mixed with organic waste. Cow-dung-based biofilters help in odor and gas control, contributing to sustainable waste management and a circular bioeconomy.

4. Medicinal and Antimicrobial Uses

Due to its diverse microbiota and bioactive metabolites, cow dung shows antibacterial, antifungal, and therapeutic properties. It inhibits pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Traditionally used in Ayurveda and Panchagavya formulations, it supports immunity, wound healing, detoxification, and environmental sanitation. Emerging research suggests potential pharmaceutical applications from cow-dung-derived microbes.

5. Industrial and Construction Applications

Cow dung’s lignocellulosic fibers allow it to be used in biocomposites, paper, fiberboards, bio-bricks, and eco-plasters. It improves durability, insulation, and antimicrobial resistance in construction materials. Cow dung cellulose can produce biodegradable plastics, nanocellulose, and bio-based packaging, reducing dependency on petrochemical products. Cow dung ash serves as a useful additive in cement and ceramics.

6. Bio-Pesticides and Biocontrol Agents

Cow dung is a rich source of microbes and metabolites useful for natural pest control. It disrupts fungal and bacterial pathogens, repels insects, and enhances plant immunity. Traditional formulations such as Panchagavya, Beejamrut, and Agniastra act as eco-friendly pesticides. Cow-dung-derived microbes are also being developed commercially for biocontrol and biopesticide production within integrated pest management systems.

Conclusion

Cow dung represents an invaluable natural resource that bridges traditional wisdom with modern scientific innovation. Its balanced composition of organic matter, nutrients, and beneficial microorganisms underpins its diverse roles in agriculture, bioenergy production, environmental remediation, and healthcare. From serving as a biofertilizer and culture medium to enabling the green synthesis of nanomaterials, cow dung exemplifies sustainable resource utilization. The scientific validation of its antimicrobial and biotechnological potential opens new avenues for research and industrial applications. Future exploration should focus on standardizing cow-dung-based formulations, optimizing bioenergy recovery, and enhancing its role in sustainable material development. Harnessing cow dung’s full potential will contribute significantly to ecological restoration, renewable energy production, and the advancement of sustainable agricultural and industrial practices under the guidance of NSS P.O. Satish Mendake and the leadership of Dr. Ruksana Pinjari, Principal, Sinhgad Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Aniruddha S. Kulkarni, Aditya S. Mane, Ritesh D. Mali, Gayatri D. Lobhe, Sushil S. Mahadik, Pravin S. Lokhande. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.