project - Research and innovation
Reducing methane emissions in dairy cows
Reducing methane emissions in dairy cows
Objectives
Livestock production is a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, including methane, which accounts for a large percentage of the livestock sector`s emissions. Chilean and British researchers conducted a study to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of unprocessed oil seeds on methane emissions, nitrogen (N) utilization efficiency, and milk fatty acid (FA) profile of dairy cows.
Objectives
N/A
Additional information
The researchers found out that
• Unprocessed oilseeds (linseed, rapeseed and cottonseed) can be used in dairy cow diets, affecting their nutrient utilization and supporting their milk production.
• Lipid supplementation in the form of unprocessed oilseeds (linseed, rapeseed and cottonseed) decreased the enteric methane emission. Lipid supplementation in the form of uprocessed cotton seed was more efficient in decreasing enteric methane emissions than unprocessed rapeseed or lineseed.
• Milk/milk component yields were not affected. But unprocessed oilseeds improved milk fatty acid profile by increasing mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acid concentrations in milk fat.
• However the study also showed that the gains in methane mitigation or milk fatty acid profiles can be partly offset by nitrogen pollution.
Project details
- Main funding source
- Other public (national, regional) research funds
Project keyword
Contacts
Project coordinator
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Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, INIA Remehue
Project coordinator