Citation Information

  • Title : Reducing Methane Emissions from Dairy Cows
  • Source : WCDS Advances in Dairy Technology
  • Publisher : Western Canada Dairy Seminar
  • Volume : 20
  • Pages : 79-93
  • Year : 2008
  • Document Type : Journal Article
  • Language : English
  • Authors:
    • Grainger, C.
    • McGinn, S. M
    • Beauchemin, K. A.
  • Climates: Continental (D). Warm summer continental/Hemiboreal (Dsb, Dfb, Dwb).
  • Cropping Systems:
  • Countries: Canada.

Summary

Methane is produced in the rumen (called enteric methane, CH4) as part of the normal process of feed digestion. Typically, about 6 to 10% of the total gross energy consumed by the dairy cow is converted to CH4 and released via the breath. In addition, CH4 is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Reducing CH4 losses is an environmentally sound practice that can improve production efficiency. Our review presents some nutritional approaches that can be implemented to reduce enteric CH4 emissions from dairy cows.

Full Text Link