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Ouatahar L, Bannink A, Zentek J, Amon T, Deng J, Hempel S, Janke D, Beukes P, van der Weerden T, Krol D, Lanigan GJ, Amon B. An integral assessment of the impact of diet and manure management on whole-farm greenhouse gas and nitrogen emissions in dairy cattle production systems using process-based models. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 187:79-90. [PMID: 38996622 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2024.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Feed management decisions are crucial in mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) and nitrogen (N) emissions from ruminant farming systems. However, assessing the downstream impact of diet on emissions in dairy production systems is complex, due to the multifunctional relationships between a variety of distinct but interconnected sources such as animals, housing, manure storage, and soil. Therefore, there is a need for an integral assessment of the direct and indirect GHG and N emissions that considers the underlying processes of carbon (C), N and their drivers within the system. Here we show the relevance of using a cascade of process-based (PB) models, such as Dutch Tier 3 and (Manure)-DNDC (Denitrification-Decomposition) models, for capturing the downstream influence of diet on whole-farm emissions in two contrasting case study dairy farms: a confinement system in Germany and a pasture-based system in New Zealand. Considerable variation was found in emissions on a per hectare and per head basis, and across different farm components and categories of animals. Moreover, the confinement system had a farm C emission of 1.01 kg CO2-eq kg-1 fat and protein corrected milk (FPCM), and a farm N emission of 0.0300 kg N kg-1 FPCM. In contrast, the pasture-based system had a lower farm C and N emission averaging 0.82 kg CO2-eq kg-1 FPCM and 0.006 kg N kg-1 FPCM, respectively over the 4-year period. The results demonstrate how inputs and outputs could be made compatible and exchangeable across the PB models for quantifying dietary effects on whole-farm GHG and N emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latifa Ouatahar
- Institute for Animal Hygiene and Animal Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany; Department of Technology Assessment and Substance Cycles, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy - ATB, Max-Eyth-Allee 100, 14469 Potsdam, Germany; Environment, Soils and Land-Use, Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford. Y35 Y521, Ireland.
| | - André Bannink
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700AH, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Zentek
- Institute for Animal Nutrition, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 49, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Amon
- Institute for Animal Hygiene and Animal Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany; Department of Sensors and Modelling, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy - ATB, Max-Eyth-Allee 100, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Jia Deng
- Earth Systems Research Center, Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA; DNDC Applications Research and Training, LLC, Durham, NH, 03824, USA
| | - Sabrina Hempel
- Department of Sensors and Modelling, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy - ATB, Max-Eyth-Allee 100, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
| | - David Janke
- Department of Sensors and Modelling, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy - ATB, Max-Eyth-Allee 100, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Pierre Beukes
- DairyNZ Ltd., Private Bag 3221, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand
| | - Tony van der Weerden
- AgResearch Ltd, Invermay Agricultural Centre, Puddle Alley, Mosgiel 9053, New Zealand
| | - Dominika Krol
- Environment, Soils and Land-Use, Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford. Y35 Y521, Ireland
| | - Gary J Lanigan
- Environment, Soils and Land-Use, Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford. Y35 Y521, Ireland
| | - Barbara Amon
- Department of Technology Assessment and Substance Cycles, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy - ATB, Max-Eyth-Allee 100, 14469 Potsdam, Germany; Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environmental Engineering, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland
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van Gastelen S, Jan van Dooren H, Bannink A. Enteric and manure emissions from Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle fed grass silage-based or corn silage-based diets. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:6094-6113. [PMID: 37479574 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22378] [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: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate trade-offs between enteric and manure CH4 emissions, and the size of synergistic effects for CH4 and nitrogenous emissions (NH3 and N2O). Sixty-four Holstein-Friesian cows were blocked in groups of 4 based on parity, lactation stage, and milk yield. Cows within a block were randomly allocated to a dietary sequence in a crossover design with a grass silage-based diet (GS) and a corn silage-based diet (CS). The GS diet consisted of 50% grass silage and 50% concentrate, and CS consisted of 10% grass silage, 40% corn silage, and 50% concentrate (dry matter basis). The composition of the concentrate was identical for both diets. Cows were housed in groups of 16 animals, in 4 mechanically ventilated barn units for independent emission measurement. Treatment periods were composed of a 2-wk adaptation period followed by a 5-wk measurement period, 1 wk of which was without cows to allow separation of enteric and manure emissions. In each barn unit, ventilation rates and concentrations of CH4, CO2, NH3, and N2O in incoming and outgoing air were measured. Cow excretion of organic matter was higher for CS compared with GS. Enteric CH4 and cow-associated NH3 and N2O emissions (i.e., manure emissions excluded) were lower for CS compared with GS (-11, -40, and -45%, respectively). The CH4 and N2O emissions from stored manure (i.e., in absence of cows) were not affected by diet, whereas that of NH3 emission tended to be lower for CS compared with GS. In conclusion, there was no trade-off between enteric and manure CH4 emissions, and there were synergistic effects for CH4 and nitrogenous emissions when grass silage was exchanged for corn silage, without balancing the diets for crude protein content, in this short-term study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne van Gastelen
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AH, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Hendrik Jan van Dooren
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AH, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - André Bannink
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AH, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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Rodrigues ARF, Maia MRG, Miranda C, Cabrita ARJ, Fonseca AJM, Pereira JLS, Trindade H. Ammonia and greenhouse emissions from cow's excreta are affected by feeding system, stage of lactation and sampling time. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 320:115882. [PMID: 35952566 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Decomposition of dairy cows' excreta on housing floor leads to ammonia and greenhouse gases production, yet factors affecting total emissions have not been fully disclosed. This work aimed to assess the impact of lactation stage, feeding system and sampling time on gaseous emission potential of cow's faeces and urine in laboratory chambers systems. Individual faeces and urine were collected from two groups of four cows, at peak and post peak lactation, from three commercial farms with distinct feeding systems: total mixed ration (TMR), total mixed ration plus concentrate at robot (TMR + robot), and total mixed ration plus concentrate in automatic feeders (TMR + AF). Samples were collected before a.m. (T8h), at middle day (T12h), and before p.m. (T17h) milking. In a laboratory chambers system, faeces and urine were mixed in a ratio of 1.7:1, and ammonia and greenhouse gases emissions were monitored during 48-h. Cumulative N-N2O emissions were the highest in TMR + robot system, post peak cows and sampling time T17h. An interaction between stage of lactation and sampling time was detected for N-NH3 and N-N2O (g/kg organic soluble N) emissions. Post peak cows also produced the highest cumulative N-NH3 emissions. Overall results contribute for the identification of specific on-farm strategies to reduce gaseous emissions from cows' excreta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana R F Rodrigues
- REQUIMTE, LAQV, ICBAS, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Margarida R G Maia
- REQUIMTE, LAQV, ICBAS, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Miranda
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana R J Cabrita
- REQUIMTE, LAQV, ICBAS, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - António J M Fonseca
- REQUIMTE, LAQV, ICBAS, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - José L S Pereira
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal; Agrarian School of Viseu, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Quinta da Alagoa, 3500-606, Viseu, Portugal
| | - Henrique Trindade
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal
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Bougouin A, Hristov A, Dijkstra J, Aguerre MJ, Ahvenjärvi S, Arndt C, Bannink A, Bayat AR, Benchaar C, Boland T, Brown WE, Crompton LA, Dehareng F, Dufrasne I, Eugène M, Froidmont E, van Gastelen S, Garnsworthy PC, Halmemies-Beauchet-Filleau A, Herremans S, Huhtanen P, Johansen M, Kidane A, Kreuzer M, Kuhla B, Lessire F, Lund P, Minnée EMK, Muñoz C, Niu M, Nozière P, Pacheco D, Prestløkken E, Reynolds CK, Schwarm A, Spek JW, Terranova M, Vanhatalo A, Wattiaux MA, Weisbjerg MR, Yáñez-Ruiz DR, Yu Z, Kebreab E. Prediction of nitrogen excretion from data on dairy cows fed a wide range of diets compiled in an intercontinental database: A meta-analysis. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:7462-7481. [PMID: 35931475 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Manure nitrogen (N) from cattle contributes to nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions and nitrate leaching. Measurement of manure N outputs on dairy farms is laborious, expensive, and impractical at large scales; therefore, models are needed to predict N excreted in urine and feces. Building robust prediction models requires extensive data from animals under different management systems worldwide. Thus, the study objectives were (1) to collate an international database of N excretion in feces and urine based on individual lactating dairy cow data from different continents; (2) to determine the suitability of key variables for predicting fecal, urinary, and total manure N excretion; and (3) to develop robust and reliable N excretion prediction models based on individual data from lactating dairy cows consuming various diets. A raw data set was created based on 5,483 individual cow observations, with 5,420 fecal N excretion and 3,621 urine N excretion measurements collected from 162 in vivo experiments conducted by 22 research institutes mostly located in Europe (n = 14) and North America (n = 5). A sequential approach was taken in developing models with increasing complexity by incrementally adding variables that had a significant individual effect on fecal, urinary, or total manure N excretion. Nitrogen excretion was predicted by fitting linear mixed models including experiment as a random effect. Simple models requiring dry matter intake (DMI) or N intake performed better for predicting fecal N excretion than simple models using diet nutrient composition or milk performance parameters. Simple models based on N intake performed better for urinary and total manure N excretion than those based on DMI, but simple models using milk urea N (MUN) and N intake performed even better for urinary N excretion. The full model predicting fecal N excretion had similar performance to simple models based on DMI but included several independent variables (DMI, diet crude protein content, diet neutral detergent fiber content, milk protein), depending on the location, and had root mean square prediction errors as a fraction of the observed mean values of 19.1% for intercontinental, 19.8% for European, and 17.7% for North American data sets. Complex total manure N excretion models based on N intake and MUN led to prediction errors of about 13.0% to 14.0%, which were comparable to models based on N intake alone. Intercepts and slopes of variables in optimal prediction equations developed on intercontinental, European, and North American bases differed from each other, and therefore region-specific models are preferred to predict N excretion. In conclusion, region-specific models that include information on DMI or N intake and MUN are required for good prediction of fecal, urinary, and total manure N excretion. In absence of intake data, region-specific complex equations using easily and routinely measured variables to predict fecal, urinary, or total manure N excretion may be used, but these equations have lower performance than equations based on intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bougouin
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis 95616.
| | - A Hristov
- Department of Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16803
| | - J Dijkstra
- Animal Nutrition Group, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - M J Aguerre
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634
| | - S Ahvenjärvi
- Animal Nutrition, Production Systems, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), FI-31600 Jokioinen, Finland
| | - C Arndt
- Mazingira Centre, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - A Bannink
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - A R Bayat
- Animal Nutrition, Production Systems, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), FI-31600 Jokioinen, Finland
| | - C Benchaar
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada J1M 0C8
| | - T Boland
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - W E Brown
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison 53706-1205; Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210
| | - L A Crompton
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AR, United Kingdom
| | - F Dehareng
- Department of Valorisation of Agricultural Products, Walloon Agricultural Research Centre, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
| | - I Dufrasne
- Department of Veterinary Management of Animal Resources, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH), University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - M Eugène
- INRAE - Université Clermont Auvergne - VetAgroSup UMR 1213 Unité Mixte de Recherche sur les Herbivores, Centre de recherche Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Theix, 63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - E Froidmont
- Department of Valorisation of Agricultural Products, Walloon Agricultural Research Centre, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
| | - S van Gastelen
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - P C Garnsworthy
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - A Halmemies-Beauchet-Filleau
- Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Herremans
- Department of Valorisation of Agricultural Products, Walloon Agricultural Research Centre, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
| | - P Huhtanen
- Department of Agricultural Science for Northern Sweden, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-901 83, Umeå, Sweden
| | - M Johansen
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, AU Foulum, Dk-8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - A Kidane
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1433 Ås, Norway
| | - M Kreuzer
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - B Kuhla
- Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Nutritional Physiology "Oskar Kellner," Dummerstorf, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany
| | - F Lessire
- Department of Veterinary Management of Animal Resources, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH), University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - P Lund
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, AU Foulum, Dk-8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - E M K Minnée
- DairyNZ Ltd., Private Bag 3221, Hamilton, New Zealand 3240
| | - C Muñoz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, INIA Remehue, Ruta 5 S, Osorno, Chile
| | - M Niu
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis 95616; Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - P Nozière
- INRAE - Université Clermont Auvergne - VetAgroSup UMR 1213 Unité Mixte de Recherche sur les Herbivores, Centre de recherche Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Theix, 63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - D Pacheco
- Ag Research, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - E Prestløkken
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1433 Ås, Norway
| | - C K Reynolds
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AR, United Kingdom
| | - A Schwarm
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1433 Ås, Norway
| | - J W Spek
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - M Terranova
- AgroVet-Strickhof, ETH Zurich, 8315 Lindau, Switzerland
| | - A Vanhatalo
- Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - M A Wattiaux
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison 53706-1205
| | - M R Weisbjerg
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, AU Foulum, Dk-8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - D R Yáñez-Ruiz
- Estación Experimental del Zaidin, CSIC, 1, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Z Yu
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210
| | - E Kebreab
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis 95616
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Peterson CB, Mitloehner FM. Sustainability of the Dairy Industry: Emissions and Mitigation Opportunities. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2021.760310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dairy cattle provide a major benefit to the world through upcycling human inedible feedstuffs into milk and associated dairy products. However, as beneficial as this process has become, it is not without potential negatives. Dairy cattle are a source of greenhouse gases through enteric and waste fermentation as well as excreting nitrogen emissions through their feces and urine. However, these negative impacts vary widely due to how and what these animals are fed. In addition, there are many promising opportunities for further reducing emissions through feed and waste additives. The present review aims to further expand on where the industry is today and the potential avenues for improvement. This area of research is still not complete and additional information is required to further improve our dairy systems impact on sustainable animal products.
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Evaluating Three-Pillar Sustainability Modelling Approaches for Dairy Cattle Production Systems. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13116332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Milk production in Europe is facing major challenges to ensure its economic, environmental, and social sustainability. It is essential that holistic concepts are developed to ensure the future sustainability of the sector and to assist farmers and stakeholders in making knowledge-based decisions. In this study, integrated sustainability assessment by means of whole-farm modelling is presented as a valuable approach for identifying factors and mechanisms that could be used to improve the three pillars (3Ps) of sustainability in the context of an increasing awareness of economic profitability, social well-being, and environmental impacts of dairy production systems (DPS). This work aims (i) to create an evaluation framework that enables quantitative analysis of the level of integration of 3P sustainability indicators in whole-farm models and (ii) to test this method. Therefore, an evaluation framework consisting of 35 indicators distributed across the 3Ps of sustainability was used to evaluate three whole-farm models. Overall, the models integrated at least 40% of the proposed indicators. Different results were obtained for each sustainability pillar by each evaluated model. Higher scores were obtained for the environmental pillar, followed by the economic and the social pillars. In conclusion, this evaluation framework was found to be an effective tool that allows potential users to choose among whole-farm models depending on their needs. Pathways for further model development that may be used to integrate the 3P sustainability assessment of DPS in a more complete and detailed way were identified.
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Batistel F, de Souza J, Vaz Pires A, Santos FAP. Feeding Grazing Dairy Cows With Different Energy Sources on Recovery of Human-Edible Nutrients in Milk and Environmental Impact. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2021.642265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of grazing systems for milk production is widely used globally because it is a lower-cost feeding system. However, under tropical conditions, the energy content of pastures became is a limitation to improve animal performance and efficiency while reducing the environmental impact. The objective of our study was to evaluate the impact of supplying different dietary sources of energy to lactating dairy cows grazing tropical pastures on the recovery of human-edible (HE) nutrients in milk and the environmental impact. Two experiments were conducted simultaneously. In experiment 1, forty early lactating dairy cows were used in a randomized block design. In experiment 2, four late-lactating rumen-cannulated dairy cows were used in a 4 × 4 Latin Square design. All cows had free access to pasture and treatments were applied individually as a concentrate supplement. Treatments were flint corn grain-processing method either as fine ground (FGC) or steam-flaked (SFC) associated with Ca salts of palm fatty acids supplementation either not supplemented (CON) or supplemented (CSPO). We observed that feeding cows with SFC markedly reduced urinary nitrogen excretion by 43%, and improved milk nitrogen efficiency by 17% when compared with FGC. Additionally, we also observed that feeding supplemental fat improved milk nitrogen efficiency by 17% compared with cows receiving CON diets. A tendency for decreased methane (CH4) per unit of milk (−31%), CH4 per unit of milk energy output (−29%), and CH4 per unit of milk protein output (−31%) was observed when CSPO was fed compared with CON. Additionally, SFC diets increased HE recovery of indispensable amino acids by 7–9% when compared with FGC diets, whereas feeding supplemental fat improved HE recovery of indispensable amino acids by 17–19% compared with CON. Altogether, this study increased our understanding of how manipulating energy sources in the dairy cow diet under tropical grazing conditions can benefit HE nutrient recovery and reduce nutrient excretion.
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Applying a mechanistic fermentation and digestion model for dairy cows with emission and nutrient cycling inventory and accounting methodology. Animal 2020; 14:s406-s416. [PMID: 32602426 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731120001482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and reducing the carbon footprint of dairy milk, the use of generic estimates in inventory and accounting methodology at farm level largely ignores variation of on-farm GHG emissions. The present study aimed to implement results of an extant dynamic, mechanistic Tier 3 model for enteric methane (CH4) (applied in Dutch national GHG inventory) in order to capture variation in enteric CH4 emission, and in faecal N and organic matter (OM) digestibility, ultimately required to predict manure CH4 and ammonia emission. Tier 3 model predictions were translated into calculation rules that could easily be implemented in an annual nutrient cycling assessment tool including GHG emissions, which is currently used by Dutch dairy farmers. Calculations focussed on (1) enteric CH4 emission, (2) apparent faecal OM digestibility and (3) apparent faecal N digestibility. Enteric CH4 was expressed in CH4 yield indicated with the term emission factor (EF; g CH4/kg DM) for individual dietary components and feedstuffs. Factors investigated to cover predicted variation in EF value included the level of feed intake, the type of roughage fed (proportions of grass silage and maize silage) and the quality of roughage fed. A minimum number of three classes of roughage type (i.e. 0. 40% and 80% maize silage in roughage DM) appeared necessary to obtain correspondence between interpolated EF values from EF lists and Tier 3 model predictions. A linear decline in EF value with 1% per kg increase in DM intake is adopted based on model simulations. The quality of roughage was represented by the effect of maturity of harvested grass or of the whole plant maize at cutting, based on a survey of modelling as well as experimental work. Also, predictions were assembled for apparent faecal OM digestibility which could be used in national inventory and in farm accounting. Apparent faecal N digestibility (as a major determinant of predicted urinary N excretion) was predicted, to support current Dutch national ammonia emission inventory and to correct the level of N digestibility in farm accounting. Compared to generic values or values retrieved from the Dutch feeding tables, predicted OM and N digestibility and enteric CH4 are better rooted in physiological principles and better reflect observed variation under experimental conditions. The present results apply for conditions with fairly intensive grassland management in temperate regions.
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Vargas JE, Andrés S, López-Ferreras L, Snelling TJ, Yáñez-Ruíz DR, García-Estrada C, López S. Dietary supplemental plant oils reduce methanogenesis from anaerobic microbial fermentation in the rumen. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1613. [PMID: 32005859 PMCID: PMC6994681 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58401-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Ruminants contribute to the emissions of greenhouse gases, in particular methane, due to the microbial anaerobic fermentation of feed in the rumen. The rumen simulation technique was used to investigate the effects of the addition of different supplemental plant oils to a high concentrate diet on ruminal fermentation and microbial community composition. The control (CTR) diet was a high-concentrate total mixed ration with no supplemental oil. The other experimental diets were supplemented with olive (OLV), sunflower (SFL) or linseed (LNS) oils at 6%. Rumen digesta was used to inoculate the fermenters, and four fermentation units were used per treatment. Fermentation end-products, extent of feed degradation and composition of the microbial community (qPCR) in digesta were determined. Compared with the CTR diet, the addition of plant oils had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on ruminal pH, substrate degradation, total volatile fatty acids or microbial protein synthesis. Gas production from the fermentation of starch or cellulose were decreased by oil supplementation. Methane production was reduced by 21-28% (P < 0.001), propionate production was increased (P < 0.01), and butyrate and ammonia outputs and the acetate to propionate ratio were decreased (P < 0.001) with oil-supplemented diets. Addition of 6% OLV and LNS reduced (P < 0.05) copy numbers of total bacteria relative to the control. In conclusion, the supplementation of ruminant diets with plant oils, in particular from sunflower or linseed, causes some favorable effects on the fermentation processes. The addition of vegetable oils to ruminant mixed rations will reduce methane production increasing the formation of propionic acid without affecting the digestion of feed in the rumen. Adding vegetable fats to ruminant diets seems to be a suitable approach to decrease methane emissions, a relevant cleaner effect that may contribute to alleviate the environmental impact of ruminant production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Ernesto Vargas
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), Departamento de Producción Animal, Universidad de León, E-24007, León, Spain
- Universidad de Caldas, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Grupo CIENVET, Manizales, Colombia
| | - Sonia Andrés
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), Departamento de Producción Animal, Universidad de León, E-24007, León, Spain
| | - Lorena López-Ferreras
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), Departamento de Producción Animal, Universidad de León, E-24007, León, Spain
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, PO Box 434, SE-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Timothy J Snelling
- Animal Production, Welfare and Veterinary Sciences, Harper Adams University, Edgmond, Shropshire, TF10 8NB, UK
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | | | - Carlos García-Estrada
- INBIOTEC, Instituto de Biotecnología de León, Avda. Real no. 1, Parque Científico de León, 24006, León, Spain
| | - Secundino López
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), Departamento de Producción Animal, Universidad de León, E-24007, León, Spain.
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van Lingen HJ, Fadel JG, Moraes LE, Bannink A, Dijkstra J. Bayesian mechanistic modeling of thermodynamically controlled volatile fatty acid, hydrogen and methane production in the bovine rumen. J Theor Biol 2019; 480:150-165. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2019.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Hristov AN, Bannink A, Crompton LA, Huhtanen P, Kreuzer M, McGee M, Nozière P, Reynolds CK, Bayat AR, Yáñez-Ruiz DR, Dijkstra J, Kebreab E, Schwarm A, Shingfield KJ, Yu Z. Invited review: Nitrogen in ruminant nutrition: A review of measurement techniques. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:5811-5852. [PMID: 31030912 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen is a component of essential nutrients critical for the productivity of ruminants. If excreted in excess, N is also an important environmental pollutant contributing to acid deposition, eutrophication, human respiratory problems, and climate change. The complex microbial metabolic activity in the rumen and the effect on subsequent processes in the intestines and body tissues make the study of N metabolism in ruminants challenging compared with nonruminants. Therefore, using accurate and precise measurement techniques is imperative for obtaining reliable experimental results on N utilization by ruminants and evaluating the environmental impacts of N emission mitigation techniques. Changeover design experiments are as suitable as continuous ones for studying protein metabolism in ruminant animals, except when changes in body weight or carryover effects due to treatment are expected. Adaptation following a dietary change should be allowed for at least 2 (preferably 3) wk, and extended adaptation periods may be required if body pools can temporarily supply the nutrients studied. Dietary protein degradability in the rumen and intestines are feed characteristics determining the primary AA available to the host animal. They can be estimated using in situ, in vitro, or in vivo techniques with each having inherent advantages and disadvantages. Accurate, precise, and inexpensive laboratory assays for feed protein availability are still needed. Techniques used for direct determination of rumen microbial protein synthesis are laborious and expensive, and data variability can be unacceptably large; indirect approaches have not shown the level of accuracy required for widespread adoption. Techniques for studying postruminal digestion and absorption of nitrogenous compounds, urea recycling, and mammary AA metabolism are also laborious, expensive (especially the methods that use isotopes), and results can be variable, especially the methods based on measurements of digesta or blood flow. Volatile loss of N from feces and particularly urine can be substantial during collection, processing, and analysis of excreta, compromising the accuracy of measurements of total-tract N digestion and body N balance. In studying ruminant N metabolism, nutritionists should consider the longer term fate of manure N as well. Various techniques used to determine the effects of animal nutrition on total N, ammonia- or nitrous oxide-emitting potentials, as well as plant fertilizer value, of manure are available. Overall, methods to study ruminant N metabolism have been developed over 150 yr of animal nutrition research, but many of them are laborious and impractical for application on a large number of animals. The increasing environmental concerns associated with livestock production systems necessitate more accurate and reliable methods to determine manure N emissions in the context of feed composition and ruminant N metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- A N Hristov
- Department of Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802.
| | - A Bannink
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - L A Crompton
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, Centre for Dairy Research, University of Reading, PO Box 237 Earley Gate, Reading RG6 6AR, United Kingdom
| | - P Huhtanen
- Department of Agricultural Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-90, Umeå, Sweden
| | - M Kreuzer
- ETH Zurich, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universitaetstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M McGee
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, Ireland C15 PW93
| | - P Nozière
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - C K Reynolds
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, Centre for Dairy Research, University of Reading, PO Box 237 Earley Gate, Reading RG6 6AR, United Kingdom
| | - A R Bayat
- Milk Production Solutions, Production Systems, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), FI 31600 Jokioinen, Finland
| | - D R Yáñez-Ruiz
- Estación Experimental del Zaidín (CSIC), Profesor Albareda, 1, 18008, Granada, Spain
| | - J Dijkstra
- Animal Nutrition Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - E Kebreab
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis 95616
| | - A Schwarm
- ETH Zurich, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universitaetstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - K J Shingfield
- Milk Production Solutions, Production Systems, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), FI 31600 Jokioinen, Finland; Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3EB, United Kingdom
| | - Z Yu
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210
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Bannink A, Spek WJ, Dijkstra J, Šebek LBJ. A Tier 3 Method for Enteric Methane in Dairy Cows Applied for Fecal N Digestibility in the Ammonia Inventory. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2018. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2018.00066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
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