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Massaro S, Giannuzzi D, Amalfitano N, Schiavon S, Bittante G, Tagliapietra F. Review of equations to predict methane emissions in dairy cows from milk fatty acid profiles and their application to commercial dairy farms. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:5833-5852. [PMID: 38851579 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-24814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Greenhouse gas emission from the activities of all productive sectors is currently a topic of foremost importance. The major contributors in the livestock sector are ruminants, especially dairy cows. This study aimed to evaluate and compare 21 equations for predicting enteric methane emissions (EME) developed on the basis of milk traits and fatty acid profiles, which were selected from 46 retrieved through a literature review. We compiled a reference database of the detailed fatty acid profiles, determined by GC, of 992 lactating cows from 85 herds under 4 different dairy management systems. The cows were classified according to DIM, parity order, and dairy system. This database was the basis on which we estimated EME using the selected equations. The EME traits estimated were methane yield (20.63 ± 2.26 g/kg DMI, 7 equations), methane intensity (16.05 ± 2.76 g/kg of corrected milk, 4 equations), and daily methane production (385.4 ± 68.2 g/d, 10 equations). Methane production was also indirectly calculated by multiplying the daily corrected milk yield by the methane intensity (416.6 ± 134.7 g/d, 4 equations). We also tested for the effects of DIM, parity, and dairy system (as a correction factor) on the estimates. In general, we observed little consistency among the EME estimates obtained from the different equations, with exception of those obtained from meta-analyses of a range of data from different research centers. We found all the EME predictions to be highly affected by the sources of variation included in the statistical model: DIM significantly affected the results of 19 of the 21 equations, and parity order influenced the results of 13. Different patterns were observed for different equations with only some of them in accordance with expectations based on the cow's physiology. Finally, the best predictions of daily methane production were obtained when a measure of milk yield was included in the equation or when the estimate was indirectly calculated from daily milk yield and methane intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Massaro
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, 35020, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - D Giannuzzi
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, 35020, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - N Amalfitano
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, 35020, Legnaro (PD), Italy.
| | - S Schiavon
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, 35020, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - G Bittante
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, 35020, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - F Tagliapietra
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, 35020, Legnaro (PD), Italy
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Starsmore K, Lopez-Villalobos N, Shalloo L, Egan M, Burke J, Lahart B. Animal factors that affect enteric methane production measured using the GreenFeed monitoring system in grazing dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:2930-2940. [PMID: 37977449 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Similar to all dairy systems internationally, pasture-based dairy systems are under increasing pressure to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Ireland and New Zealand are 2 countries operating predominantly pasture-based dairy production systems where enteric CH4 contributes 23% and 36% of total national emissions, respectively. Ireland currently has a national commitment to reduce 51% of total GHG emissions by 2030 and 25% from agriculture by 2030, as well as striving to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. New Zealand's national commitment is to reduce 10% of methane emissions by 2030 and between 24% and 47% reduction in methane emissions by 2050. To achieve these reductions, factors that affect enteric methane (CH4) production in a pasture-based system need to be investigated. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between enteric CH4 and other animal traits (feed intake, metabolic liveweight, energy corrected milk yield, milk urea concentration, and body condition score [BCS]) in a grazing dairy system. Enteric CH4 emissions were measured on 45 late lactation (213.8 ± 29 d after calving) grazing Holstein-Friesian and Holstein-Friesian × Jersey crossbred cows (lactation number 3.01 ± 1.65, 538.64 ± 59.37 kg live weight, and 3.14 ± 0.26 BCS) using GreenFeed monitoring equipment for 10 wk. There was a training period for the cows to use the GreenFeed of 3 wk before the 10-wk study period. The average enteric CH4 produced in the study was 352 g ± 45.7 g per day with an animal to animal coefficient of variation of 13%. Dry matter intake averaged 16.6 kg ± 2.23 kg per day, while milk solids (fat plus protein) averaged 1.62 kg ± 0.29 kg per day. A multiple linear regression model indicated that each one unit increase in energy corrected milk yield, metabolic liveweight and milk urea concentration, resulted in an increase in enteric CH4 production per day by 3.9, 1.74, and 1.38 g, respectively. Although each one unit increase in BCS resulted in a decrease in 39.03 g CH4 produced per day. When combined, these factors explained 47% of the variation in CH4 production, indicating that there is a large proportion of variation not included in the model. The repeatability of the CH4 measurements was 0.66 indicating that cows are relatively consistently exhibiting the same level of CH4 throughout the study. Therefore, enteric CH4 production is suitable for phenotyping.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Starsmore
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy Co. Cork, Ireland P31 P302; Massey University, Palmerston North, Manawatu, New Zealand 4442.
| | | | - L Shalloo
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy Co. Cork, Ireland P31 P302
| | - M Egan
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy Co. Cork, Ireland P31 P302
| | - J Burke
- Massey University, Palmerston North, Manawatu, New Zealand 4442
| | - B Lahart
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy Co. Cork, Ireland P31 P302
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Dressler EA, Bormann JM, Weaber RL, Rolf MM. Characterization of the number of spot samples required for quantification of gas fluxes and metabolic heat production from grazing beef cows using a GreenFeed. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad176. [PMID: 37246780 PMCID: PMC10263114 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Enteric fermentation from cattle results in greenhouse gas production that is an environmental concern and also an energetic loss. Several methods exist to quantify gas fluxes; however, an open circuit gas quantification system (OCGQS) allows for unencumbered quantification of methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and oxygen (O2) from grazing cattle. While previous literature has proven the accuracy of an OCGQS, little work has been done to establish the minimum number of spot samples required to best evaluate an individual grazing animal's gas fluxes and metabolic heat production. A GreenFeed system (C-Lock Inc.) was used to collect at least 100 spot samples each from 17 grazing cows. The mean gas fluxes and metabolic heat production were computed starting from the first 10 visits (forward) and increasing by increments of 10 until an animal had 100 visits. Mean gas fluxes and metabolic heat production were also computed starting from visit 100 (reverse) in increments of 10 using the same approach. Pearson and Spearman correlations were computed between the full 100 visits and each shortened visit interval. A large increase in correlations were seen between 30 and 40 visits. Thus, mean forward and reverse gas fluxes and metabolic heat production were also computed starting at 30 visits and increasing by 2 until 40 visits. The minimum number of spot samples was determined when correlations with the full 100 visits were greater than 0.95. The results indicated that the minimum numbers of spot samples needed for accurate quantification of CH4, CO2, and O2 gas fluxes are 38, 40, and 40, respectively. Metabolic heat production can be calculated using gas fluxes collected by the OCGQS with 36 spot samples. Practically, calculation of metabolic heat production will require 40 spot samples because the component gases for metabolic heat calculation require up to 40 spot samples. Published literature from nongrazing (confined) environments recommended a similar number of total spot samples. Large variation existed around the average number of spot samples for an animal per day, therefore a wide range of test durations may be needed to meet the same number of spot samples in different populations. For this reason, protocols for the OCGQS should be based on the total number of spot samples, rather than a test duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Dressler
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Jennifer M Bormann
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Robert L Weaber
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Megan M Rolf
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
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Berça AS, Tedeschi LO, da Silva Cardoso A, Reis RA. Meta-analysis of the Relationship Between Dietary Condensed Tannins and Methane Emissions by Cattle. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2022.115564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Smith PE, Kelly AK, Kenny DA, Waters SM. Enteric methane research and mitigation strategies for pastoral-based beef cattle production systems. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:958340. [PMID: 36619952 PMCID: PMC9817038 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.958340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ruminant livestock play a key role in global society through the conversion of lignocellulolytic plant matter into high-quality sources of protein for human consumption. However, as a consequence of the digestive physiology of ruminant species, methane (CH4), which originates as a byproduct of enteric fermentation, is accountable for 40% of global agriculture's carbon footprint and ~6% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Therefore, meeting the increasing demand for animal protein associated with a growing global population while reducing the GHG intensity of ruminant production will be a challenge for both the livestock industry and the research community. In recent decades, numerous strategies have been identified as having the potential to reduce the methanogenic output of livestock. Dietary supplementation with antimethanogenic compounds, targeting members of the rumen methanogen community and/or suppressing the availability of methanogenesis substrates (mainly H2 and CO2), may have the potential to reduce the methanogenic output of housed livestock. However, reducing the environmental impact of pasture-based beef cattle may be a challenge, but it can be achieved by enhancing the nutritional quality of grazed forage in an effort to improve animal growth rates and ultimately reduce lifetime emissions. In addition, the genetic selection of low-CH4-emitting and/or faster-growing animals will likely benefit all beef cattle production systems by reducing the methanogenic potential of future generations of livestock. Similarly, the development of other mitigation technologies requiring minimal intervention and labor for their application, such as anti-methanogen vaccines, would likely appeal to livestock producers, with high uptake among farmers if proven effective. Therefore, the objective of this review is to give a detailed overview of the CH4 mitigation solutions, both currently available and under development, for temperate pasture-based beef cattle production systems. A description of ruminal methanogenesis and the technologies used to estimate enteric emissions at pastures are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E. Smith
- Teagasc, Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Dunsany, Ireland,*Correspondence: Paul E. Smith
| | - Alan K. Kelly
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David A. Kenny
- Teagasc, Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Dunsany, Ireland
| | - Sinéad M. Waters
- Teagasc, Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Dunsany, Ireland
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Effects of Lactobacillus fermented plant products on dairy cow health, production, and environmental impact. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2022.115514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Breeding Sustainable Beef Cows: Reducing Weight and Increasing Productivity. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12141745. [PMID: 35883292 PMCID: PMC9311566 DOI: 10.3390/ani12141745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Programs for sustainable beef production are established, but the specific role of beef cows in these systems is not well defined. This work characterized cows for two traits related to sustainability, cow weight (CW) and cumulative weight weaned (WtW). Cow weight indicates nutrient requirements and enteric methane emissions. Cumulative weight weaned reflects reproductive performance and avoidance of premature culling for characteristics related to animal health, welfare, and worker safety. Both traits were evaluated with random regression models with records from a crossbred population representing 18 breeds that conduct US national cattle evaluations. The genomic REML analyses included additive and dominance components, with relationships among 22,776 animals constructed from genotypes of 181,286 potentially functional variants imputed from a low-pass sequence. Projected to 8 years of age, the additive heritability estimate for CW was 0.57 and 0.11 for WtW. Dominance heritability was 0.02 for CW and 0.19 for WtW. Many variants with significant associations with CW were within previously described quantitative trait loci (QTL) for growth-related production, meat, and carcass traits. Significant additive WtW variants were covered by QTL for traits related to reproduction and structural soundness. All breeds contributed to groups of cows with high and low total genetic values (additive + dominance effects) for both traits. The high WtW cows and cows above the WtW mean but below the CW mean had larger heterosis values and fewer bases in runs of homozygosity. The high additive heritability of CW and dominance effects on WtW indicate that breeding to improve beef cow sustainability should involve selection to reduce CW and mate selection to maintain heterosis and reduce runs of homozygosity.
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Biswas A, Khan A, Luo D, Jonker A. Methane emissions in growing heifers while eating from a feed bin compared with 24-hour emissions and relationship with feeding behavior. JDS COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 3:255-259. [PMID: 36338017 PMCID: PMC9623804 DOI: 10.3168/jdsc.2021-0184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the current study was to determine the relationship of daily CH4 emissions estimated during mealtime compared with measured daily CH4 emissions, and determine the relationship with feeding behavior, in growing heifers fed alfalfa silage in respiration chambers. Data from 8 growing cattle (Hereford × Holstein-Friesian) individually housed in 4 respiration chambers and fed ad libitum alfalfa silage delivered in Insentec feed-bins to record feeding behavior and intake were used. The 4 chambers are linked to 1 analyzer, which measures CH4 in each chamber approximately every 3 min. Each 3-min measurement was expressed as grams per day and averaged per 24 h or per time during a meal. A strong correlation (r = 0.88; determined using Deming regression) was observed between CH4 emissions (g/d) during mealtime (276 ± 22.7 g/d) and measured over 24 h (262 ± 24.0 g/d), without apparent systematic bias. Feeding behavior parameters that were correlated with CH4 yield (g/kg dry matter intake) in the current study were a negative correlation with the number of visits to the feed bin (r = -0.45), average meal size (r = -0.57), and average daily eating rate (r = -0.48). In summary, CH4 measured during meals was similar to 24-h measured CH4 output in growing heifers fed ad libitum alfalfa silage in respiration chambers, and some feeding behavior parameters, based on feed bin visits, explained some of the variation in CH4 yield between animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Biswas
- AgResearch Limited, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
- Department of Animal Science and Nutrition, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Science University, Khulshi-4225, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Ajmal Khan
- AgResearch Limited, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - Dongwen Luo
- AgResearch Limited, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - Arjan Jonker
- AgResearch Limited, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
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Salas-Riega CY, Osorio S, Del Pilar Gamarra J, Alvarado-Bolovich V, Osorio CM, Gomez CA. Enteric methane emissions by lactating and dry cows in the high Andes of Peru. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:144. [PMID: 35347446 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03146-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to determine enteric methane emissions using the sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) technique and comparing with The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) methodology in lactating cows (LC) and dry cows (DC) in the Peruvian highlands. Enteric methane (CH4) emissions were measured on 5 LC and 6 DC Brown Swiss in a grazing system without concentrate. Forages samples were collected and analyzed for dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber. Milk samples were collected and analyzed for fat, crude protein, and lactose to estimate energy-corrected milk. Animal intakes were measured using the external marker titanium dioxide (production of feces) and crude protein in feces (organic digestibility of the feed) and estimated by using performance data. The enteric methane emissions of LC were higher than methane emissions of DC (325 and 266 g CH4/cow/day for LC and DC, respectively (P < 0.001)). Methane emissions were 358.5 g CH4/day by SF6 technique and 291.6 g CH4/day by IPCC methodology for LC and 337.4 g CH4/day by SF6 technique and 195.8 g CH4/day by IPCC methodology for DC. Methane yields measured by SF6 were higher than methane yields estimated by IPCC methodology (29 g CH4/kg DM and 22 g CH4/kg DM using SF6 technique and IPCC methodology, respectively (P < 0.001)). Methane yields were differently for all expressions by physiological stage and method. The methane conversion factor (Ym) was 9.7% for LC and 9.6% for DC. Methane intensities were similar by method (P > 0.05). It was concluded that IPCC's methodology underestimate the CH4 emissions of dairy systems in the Peruvian Andes; therefore, in order to obtain precise Ym, direct measurements of enteric CH4 in the different regions of Peruvian highlands are required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandra Osorio
- Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Av. La Molina n°1981, La Molina, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Victor Alvarado-Bolovich
- Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Av. La Molina s/n, La Molina, Lima, Peru.,Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Av. La Molina n°1981, La Molina, Lima, Peru
| | - Cesar Mauro Osorio
- Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Av. La Molina n°1981, La Molina, Lima, Peru
| | - Carlos A Gomez
- Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Av. La Molina s/n, La Molina, Lima, Peru.
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Della Rosa M, Jonker A, Waghorn G. A review of technical variations and protocols used to measure methane emissions from ruminants using respiration chambers, SF6 tracer technique and GreenFeed, to facilitate global integration of published data. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2021.115018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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He Y, Sun X, You P. Animal, feed and rumen fermentation attributes associated with methane emissions from sheep fed brassica crops. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2020; 105:210-218. [PMID: 33025597 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Methane emissions from ruminants enhance global warming and lead to a loss of feed energy. The emissions are low when fed brassica crops, but the factors contributing to low emissions are unknown. A meta-analysis was conducted with individual animal data collected from seven experiments. In these experiments, methane emissions were measured using respiration chambers. Animal characteristics, feed chemical composition and rumen fermentation parameters were included for the analysis using multiple regression models. Feed intake level, animal live weight and age were animal factors that were weakly and negatively related to methane yield (g/dry matter intake). The duration in which sheep were fed brassica crops was a significant contributor in the model, suggesting that the effect on emissions diminishes with time. Among a range of feed chemical composition characters, acid detergent fibre and hot-water-soluble carbohydrate contributed significantly to the model, suggesting that both structural and soluble carbohydrates affect methane formation in the rumen. There was no significant correlation between the concentration of sulphate in brassicas and emissions, but nitrate was moderately and negatively correlated with methane yield (r = -.53). Short-chain fatty acid profiles in the rumen of animals fed brassicas were different from those fed pasture, but these parameters only moderately correlated to methane emissions (r = .42). Feeding forage rape resulted in low rumen pH. The pH before morning feeding was strongly correlated to methane yield (r = .90). Rumen pH, together with microbial communities mediated by pH, might lead to low emissions. Bacteria known to produce hydrogen were relatively less abundant in the rumen contents of brassica-fed animals than pasture-fed animals. In conclusion, animal and feed factors, rumen fermentation and microbial communities all affect methane emissions to some extent. The interactions of these factors with each other thus contribute to methane emissions from brassica-fed sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua He
- The Innovation Centre of Ruminant Precision Nutrition and Smart and Ecological Farming, Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, Jilin, China.,Jilin Inter-regional Cooperation Centre for the Scientific and Technological Innovation of Ruminant Precision Nutrition and Smart and Ecological Farming, Jilin, China
| | - Xuezhao Sun
- The Innovation Centre of Ruminant Precision Nutrition and Smart and Ecological Farming, Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, Jilin, China.,Jilin Inter-regional Cooperation Centre for the Scientific and Technological Innovation of Ruminant Precision Nutrition and Smart and Ecological Farming, Jilin, China
| | - Peihua You
- Jilin Inter-regional Cooperation Centre for the Scientific and Technological Innovation of Ruminant Precision Nutrition and Smart and Ecological Farming, Jilin, China.,Portal Agri-Industries Co, Ltd, Nanjing, China
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Ramírez-Restrepo CA, Vera-Infanzón RR. Methane emissions of extensive grazing breeding herds in relation to the weaning and yearling stages in the Eastern Plains of Colombia. REVISTA DE LA FACULTAD DE MEDICINA VETERINARIA Y DE ZOOTECNIA 2019. [DOI: 10.15446/rfmvz.v66n2.82429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
A substantial proportion of beef production in Colombia originates in its extensiveEastern Plains. However, in this scenario and in a global context, demand for cattleproduction increasingly requests that it satisfies social and environmental expectationsin addition to being economically efficient. A dataset containing five-year long recordsof cow-calf production systems collected at Carimagua Research Centre located in theMeta Department was retrospectively interrogated to understand the liveweight (LW)-derived flux matrix dynamics of methane (CH4) emissions. Estimated total CH4 (kg)emissions during the gestation period, were similar between conventional weaned (CW;37.86 ± 0.506 kg) and early weaned (EW; 37.47 ± 0.476 kg) cows. However, averagedover two lactations, total CH4 emissions were larger (p < 0.0001) in CW cows (38.67± 0.456 kg) than in their EW (14.40 ± 0.435 kg) counterparts. Total gas emissionsfrom birth to comparable commercial yearlings age were higher (p < 0.0001) for CW(43.11 ± 0.498 kg) calves than for EW (40.27 ± 0.472 kg) calves. It was concluded thatmid and long-term pastoral datasets and new concerns are well suited to understanddifferent contexts and adaptations to the contemporary weather conditions. Nevertheless,conventional farming systems will be less environmentally vulnerable if EWmanagement practices involve the strategic and temporal use of improved pastures. Theroles of veterinary medicine and animal sciences are briefly discussed in the context ofunprecedented climate variability to provide a guide to the uncertain future.
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