Effect of different forage types and concentrate levels on energy conversion, enteric methane production, and animal performance of Holstein × Zebu heifers

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (10) ◽  
pp. 2042 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. A. S. Silva ◽  
S. C. Valadares Filho ◽  
E. Detmann ◽  
S. A. Santos ◽  
L. A. Godoi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Conversion ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Animal Performance ◽  
Evaluation Systems ◽  
Ch4 Emissions ◽  
Ch4 Production ◽  
Baseline Group ◽  
Enteric Methane ◽  
The Mean

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of diets containing corn silage (CS) or sugarcane (SC) with 300 or 500 g/kg of concentrate (on a DM basis) on energy conversion, enteric methane (CH4) production, and the animal performance of Holstein × Zebu heifers. An experiment was conducted while using comparative slaughter. Twenty Holstein × Zebu heifers with an average age of 12 ± 1.0 months and an average bodyweight of 218 ± 36.5 kg were used. Four heifers were assigned to a baseline group, whereas the remaining 16 heifers were distributed in a completely randomised design using a 2 × 2 factorial scheme (n = 4), with two types of roughage (CS or SC) and two levels of concentrate (300 or 500 g/kg) on a DM basis of the diet over the course of 112 days. For the evaluation of the apparent total-tract digestibility of diets and energy losses, a digestibility assay was performed by using the total collection of faeces and urine over three consecutive days. The enteric CH4 production was quantified by continuous analysis of regular samples of air excreted by the animals throughout the day. The greatest (P < 0.05) average daily gain was observed for heifers that were fed CS-based diets or with 500 g/kg of concentrate. Greater (P < 0.05) daily CH4 emissions were observed for heifers that were fed 500 g/kg of concentrate; CH4 production as a function of DM intake was greater (P < 0.05) for heifers that were fed SC-based diets. The efficiency of the conversion from digestible energy (DE) to metabolisable energy (ME) was not influenced (P > 0.05) by variables that were analysed in this study. However, the mean value that was observed in the present study was above those values proposed by the main evaluation systems of feedstuffs and nutrient requirements of ruminants. Therefore, we concluded that CS-based diets allow for better animal performance of Holstein × Zebu heifers in relation to SC-based diets. Also, the increased concentrate improves the performance of growing heifers. A greater inclusion of concentrate in SC-based diets can allow for a reduction of CH4 emissions per consumed unit and per gain unit. The mean suggested value for the ME : DE ratio based on this study is 0.86. However, more studies are necessary to validate this result.

scholarly journals Effect of Mootral—a garlic- and citrus-extract-based feed additive—on enteric methane emissions in feedlot cattle

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 1383-1388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Breanna M Roque ◽  
Henk J Van Lingen ◽  
Hilde Vrancken ◽  
Ermias Kebreab
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Greenhouse Gas Emissions ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Feed Additive ◽  
Gas Emissions ◽  
Ch4 Emissions ◽  
Ch4 Production ◽  
Enteric Methane

Abstract: Enteric methane (CH4) production is the main source of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock globally with beef cattle contributing 5.95% of total global greenhouse gas emissions. Various mitigation strategies have been developed to reduce enteric emissions with limited success. In vitro studies have shown a reduction in CH4 emissions when using garlic and citrus extracts. However, there is paucity of data regarding in vivo studies investigating the effect of garlic and citrus extracts in cattle. The objective of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the response of Angus × Hereford cross steers consuming the feed additive Mootral, which contains extracts of both garlic and citrus, on CH4 yield (g/kg dry matter intake [DMI]). Twenty steers were randomly assigned to two treatments: control (no additive) and Mootral supplied at 15 g/d in a completely randomized design with a 2-wk covariate and a 12-wk data collection periods. Enteric CH4 emissions were measured using the GreenFeed system during the covariate period and experimental weeks 2, 6, 9, and 12. CH4 yield (g/kg DMI) by steers remained similar in both treatments for weeks 2 to 9. In week 12, there was a significant decrease in CH4 yield (23.2%) in treatment compared to control steers mainly because the steers were consuming all the pellets containing the additive. However, overall CH4 yield (g/kg DMI) during the entire experimental period was not significantly different. Carbon dioxide yield (g/kg DMI) and oxygen consumption (g/kg DMI) did not differ between treatments during the entire experimental period. DMI, average daily gain, and feed efficiency also remained similar in control and supplemented steers. The in vivo results showed that Mootral may have a potential to be used as a feed additive to reduce enteric CH4 production and yield in beef cattle but needs further investigation under various dietary regimen.

scholarly journals Effect of Encapsulated Nitrate and Microencapsulated Blend of Essential Oils on Growth Performance and Methane Emissions from Beef Steers Fed Backgrounding Diets

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aklilu Alemu ◽  
Atmir Romero-Pérez ◽  
Rafael Araujo ◽  
Karen Beauchemin
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oils ◽  
Feeding Behavior ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Feed Ratio ◽  
Ch4 Emissions ◽  
Ch4 Production ◽  
Long Term Study

A long-term study (112 days) was conducted to examine the effect of feeding encapsulated nitrate (NO3−), microencapsulated blend of essential oils (EO), and their combination on growth performance, feeding behavior, and enteric methane (CH4) emissions of beef cattle. A total of 88 crossbred steers were purchased and assigned to one of four treatments: (i) control, backgrounding high-forage diet supplemented with urea (1.17% in dietary DM); (ii) encapsulated NO3− (EN), control diet supplemented with 2.5% encapsulated NO3− as a replacement for urea (1.785% NO3− in the dietary DM); (iii) microencapsulated blend of EO (MBEO), control diet supplemented with 150 mg/kg DM of microencapsulated blend of EO and pepper extract; and (iv) EN + MBEO, control diet supplemented with EN and MBEO. There was no interaction (p ≥ 0.080) between EN and MBEO on average dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), gain to feed ratio (G:F), feeding behavior, and CH4 emission (using GreenFeed system), implying independent effects of feeding EN and MBEO. Feeding MBEO increased CH4 production (165.0 versus 183.2 g/day; p = 0.005) and yield (18.9 versus 21.4 g/kg DMI; p = 0.0002) but had no effect (p ≥ 0.479) on average DMI, ADG, G:F, and feeding behavior. However, feeding EN had no effect on ADG and G:F (p ≥ 0.119) but reduced DMI (8.9 versus 8.4 kg/day; p = 0.003) and CH4 yield (21.5 versus 18.7 g/kg DMI; p < 0.001). Feeding EN slowed (p = 0.001) the feeding rate (g of DM/min) and increased (p = 0.002) meal frequency (events/day). Our results demonstrate that supplementing diets with a blend of EO did not lower CH4 emissions and there were no advantages of feeding MBEO with EN. Inclusion of EN as a replacement for urea reduced CH4 emissions but had no positive impact on animal performance.

scholarly journals Enteric methane emissions in response to ruminal inoculation of Propionibacterium strains in beef cattle fed a mixed diet

2016 ◽  
Vol 56 (7) ◽  
pp. 1035 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Vyas ◽  
A. Alazzeh ◽  
S. M. McGinn ◽  
T. A. McAllister ◽  
O. M. Harstad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Volatile Fatty Acids ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Barley Grain ◽  
Mixed Diet ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Ch4 Emissions ◽  
Ch4 Production ◽  
Enteric Methane ◽  
Barley Silage

The objective of this study was to test the efficacy of Propionibacterium strains to mitigate enteric methane (CH4) emissions in beef heifers fed a mixed diet. An experiment was conducted with 16 ruminally cannulated beef heifers fed a basal diet consisting of 60 : 40 barley silage : barley grain (DM basis). Treatments included: (1) Control, (2) Propionibacterium freudenreichii T114, (3) P. thoenii T159, and (4) P. freudenreichii T54. Strains (1 × 1011 colony forming units) were administered daily directly into the rumen before feeding. No treatment effects were observed for DM intake (P = 0.90), mean ruminal pH (P = 0.50) and total volatile fatty acids (P = 0.44). However, compared with the Control, proportions of individual volatile fatty acids changed with acetate being less with Propionibacterium T159 (P = 0.02), whereas ruminal isobutyrate (P < 0.01) and acetate : propionate ratio (P = 0.04) were greater with Propionibacterium T114. Total daily enteric CH4 production averaged 188 g/day and was not affected by Propionbacterium strains (P = 0.51). Methane yield averaged 22 g/kg of DMI intake and tended to be greater with Propionibacterium strains (P = 0.08). The relative abundance of total Propionibacteria was greater with the inoculation of Propionibacterium T159 relative to the Control heifers (P = 0.04). In conclusion, inoculation of Propionibacterium T159 decreased ruminal acetate proportion and Propionibacterium T114 increased acetate : propionate ratio. However, inoculated strains failed to lower total CH4 emissions possibly due to the inability of Propionibacterium strains to elevate ruminal propionate concentrations.

scholarly journals Nutritional and anti-methanogenic potentials of macroalgae for ruminants

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepak Pandey ◽  
◽  
Morteza Mansouryar ◽  
Margarita Novoa-Garrido ◽  
Geir Næss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Volatile Fatty Acids ◽  
Marine Macroalgae ◽  
Animal Performance ◽  
Production Sector ◽  
Feed Resources ◽  
Ch4 Emissions ◽  
Alternative Feed ◽  
Ch4 Production ◽  
Nutritional Strategies ◽  
Proper Balance

The livestock production sector is facing challenges to find alternative feed resources and nutritional strategies to mitigate enteric methane (CH4) emissions from ruminants. Recently, marine macroalgae have emerged as potential anti-methanogenic feed ingredients due to their ability to suppress enteric CH4 production in ruminants. The anti-methanogenic properties of macroalgae have been ascribed to the contents of secondary metabolites, such as halogenated compounds e.g., bromoform in red species, and polyphenols or isoprenoids in brown species. These compounds may suppress methanogenesis by inhibiting the growth and activity of methanogens or by altering rumen fermentation pathways and the patterns of volatile fatty acids production. On the other hand, the anti-methanogenic macroalgae, particularly when added to diets in large amounts, are known to reduce animal performance, due to the presence of special and poorly degradable carbohydrates. Thus, finding a proper balance between the abilities to reduce CH4 emissions and sustain animal performance is important.

scholarly journals In Vitro Assessment of Enteric Methane Emission Potential of Whole-Plant Barley, Oat, Triticale and Wheat

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 450
Author(s):  
Isaac A. Aboagye ◽  
Christine L. Rosser ◽  
Vern S. Baron ◽  
Karen A. Beauchemin
Keyword(s):  
Culture Technique ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
The Other ◽  
Ch4 Emission ◽  
Animal Performance ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Ch4 Production ◽  
Whole Plant ◽  
Enteric Methane

The study determined in vitro enteric methane (CH4) emission potential of whole-plant cereal (WPC) forages in relationship to nutrient composition, degradability, and rumen fermentation. Two varieties of each WPC (barley, oat, triticale, and wheat) were harvested from two field replications in each of two locations in central Alberta, Canada, and an in vitro batch culture technique was used to characterize gas production (GP), fermentation, and degradability. Starch concentration (g/kg dry matter (DM)) was least (p < 0.001) for oat (147), greatest for wheat (274) and barley (229), and intermediate for triticale (194). The aNDF concentration was greater for oat versus the other cereals (531 vs. 421 g/kg DM, p < 0.01). The 48 h DM and aNDF degradabilities (DMD and aNDFD) differed (p < 0.001) among the WPCs. The DMD was greatest for barley, intermediate for wheat and triticale, and least for oat (719, 677, 663, and 566 g/kg DM, respectively). Cumulative CH4 production (MP; mL) from 12 h to 48 h of incubation was less (p < 0.001) for oat than the other cereals, reflecting its lower DMD. However, CH4 yield (MY; mg of CH4/g DM degraded) of barley and oat grown at one location was less than that of wheat and triticale (28 vs. 31 mg CH4/g DM degraded). Chemical composition failed to explain variation in MY (p = 0.35), but it explained 45% of the variation in MP (p = 0.02). Variation in the CH4 emission potential of WPC was attributed to differences in DMD, aNDFD, and fermentation end-products (R2 ≥ 0.88; p < 001). The results indicate that feeding whole-plant oat forage to ruminants may decrease CH4 emissions, but animal performance may also be negatively affected due to lower degradability, whereas barley forage may ameliorate emissions without negative effects on animal performance.

scholarly journals Effect of dairy cow genotype and concentrate feed level on cow performance and enteric methane emissions during grazing

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Conrad Peter Ferris ◽  
Haopeng Jiao ◽  
Stephen Murray ◽  
Alan Gordon ◽  
Scott Laidlaw
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Crossbred Cows ◽  
Ch4 Emissions ◽  
Concentrate Supplementation ◽  
Ch4 Production ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Enteric Methane ◽  
Cow Performance ◽  
Concentrate Level

The current study (40 cows in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement) compared methane (CH4) emissions from two dairy cow genotypes (Holstein-Friesian [HF], and Swedish Red × [Jersey × Holstein-Friesian] [Crossbred]) offered two levels of concentrate supplementation (3.0 or 6.0 kg/cow per day) while grazing. Enteric CH4 emissions were measured using the SF6 technique on three occasions over a 16 week period, while intakes were estimated using performance data. Increasing concentrate level increased milk and energy corrected milk (ECM) yields, had no effect on CH4 emissions (g day-1) and CH4 emissions per kg dry matter (DM) intake, while reducing CH4/ECM yield. Crossbreds produced milk with higher milk fat and protein contents than HF cows, but ECM yield did not differ between genotypes. Daily CH4 production (g day-1), and CH4 production per kg ECM yield was unaffected by genotype. Methane yield (g kg-1 DM intake) was higher with the Crossbred cows, although DM intake was estimated in this study, and this result should be interpreted with some caution. Thus HF and Crossbred cows had similar CH4 emissions.

Dietary nitrate metabolism and enteric methane mitigation in sheep consuming a protein-deficient diet

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 232
Author(s):  
L. Villar ◽  
R. Hegarty ◽  
M. Van Tol ◽  
I. Godwin ◽  
J. Nolan
Keyword(s):  
Volatile Fatty Acids ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Animal Performance ◽  
Deficient Diet ◽  
Ch4 Emissions ◽  
Enteric Methane ◽  
Designed Experiment ◽  
Protein Deficient Diet ◽  
Nitrate Metabolism

It was hypothesised that the inclusion of nitrate (NO3–) or cysteamine hydrochloride (CSH) in a protein deficient diet (4.8% crude protein; CP) would improve the productivity of sheep while reducing enteric methane (CH4) emissions. A complete randomised designed experiment was conducted with yearling Merino sheep (n = 24) consuming a protein-deficient wheaten chaff control diet (CON) alone or supplemented with 1.8% nitrate (NO3–; DM basis), 0.098% urea (Ur, DM basis) or 80 mg cysteamine hydrochloride/kg liveweight (CSH). Feed intake, CH4 emissions, volatile fatty acids (VFA), digesta kinetics and NO3–, nitrite (NO2–) and urea concentrations in plasma, saliva and urine samples were measured. There was no dietary effect on animal performance or digesta kinetics (P &gt; 0.05), but adding NO3– to the CON diet reduced methane yield (MY) by 26% (P = 0.01). Nitrate supplementation increased blood MetHb, plasma NO3– and NO2– concentrations (P &lt; 0.05), but there was no indication of NO2– toxicity. Overall, salivary NO3– concentration was greater than plasma NO3– (P &lt; 0.05), indicating that NO3– was concentrated into saliva. Our results confirm the role of NO3– as an effective additive to reduce CH4 emissions, even in a highly protein-deficient diet and as a source of additional nitrogen (N) for microbial protein synthesis via N-recycling into saliva and the gut. The role of CSH as an additive in low quality diets for improving animal performance and reducing CH4 emissions is still unclear.

scholarly journals Effects of Replacing Cottonseed Meal with Corn Dried Distillers’ Grain on Ruminal Parameters, Performance, and Enteric Methane Emissions in Young Nellore Bulls Reared in Tropical Pastures

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2959
Author(s):  
Tiago Luís Da Ros de Araújo ◽  
Wilton Ladeira da Silva ◽  
Andressa Scholz Berça ◽  
Abmael da Silva Cardoso ◽  
Rondineli Pavezzi Barbero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cottonseed Meal ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Animal Performance ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Tropical Pastures ◽  
Final Body Weight ◽  
Ch4 Emissions ◽  
Nellore Cattle ◽  
Distillers Grain ◽  
Dried Distillers Grain

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of replacing cottonseed meal with DDG on ruminal parameters, methane (CH4) emissions (Experiment 1), and animal performance (Experiment 2) of young Nellore bulls grazing Marandu grass during the rainy season. Four supplementation strategies were used in both experiments: (1) Mineral supplementation (MS); (2) conventional multiple supplement (energy/protein) with cottonseed meal and citrus pulp (CMS); (3) CMS with 50% cottonseed meal replaced by DDG (50DDG); and (4) CMS with 100% cottonseed meal replaced by DDG (100DDG). The 50DDG condition resulted in greater intake of dry matter (p = 0.033), organic matter (OM) (p = 0.050), forage (p = 0.035), and digestible OM (p = 0.031) than 100DDG. The supplemented animals presented greater final body weight (BW) and average daily gain than the animals consuming MS (p = 0.011), and lower pH, acetate, and acetate:propionate (p < 0.05). However, the treatments had no influence on stocking rate, gain per area, and enteric CH4 emissions (p > 0.05). Replacing cottonseed meal with DDG does not result in great variations in ruminal parameters, animal performance, and enteric CH4 emissions of grazing Nellore cattle during the rearing phase in the wet season. Both protein sources in 0.3% BW supplementation can be used to intensify beef cattle production in pastures.

scholarly journals A Review of Enteric Methane Emission Measurement Techniques in Ruminants

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1004
Author(s):  
Yiguang Zhao ◽  
Xuemei Nan ◽  
Liang Yang ◽  
Shanshan Zheng ◽  
Linshu Jiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Measurement Techniques ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Emission Measurement ◽  
Accumulation Chamber ◽  
Ch4 Emissions ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Ch4 Production ◽  
Animal Training ◽  
Enteric Methane

To identify relationships between animal, dietary and management factors and the resulting methane (CH4) emissions, and to identify potential mitigation strategies for CH4 production, it is vital to develop reliable and accurate CH4 measurement techniques. This review outlines various methods for measuring enteric CH4 emissions from ruminants such as respiration chambers (RC), sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) tracer, GreenFeed, sniffer method, ventilated hood, facemask, laser CH4 detector and portable accumulation chamber. The advantages and disadvantages of these techniques are discussed. In general, RC, SF6 and ventilated hood are capable of 24 h continuous measurements for each individual animal, providing accurate reference methods used for research and inventory purposes. However, they require high labor input, animal training and are time consuming. In contrast, short-term measurement techniques (i.e., GreenFeed, sniffer method, facemask, laser CH4 detector and portable accumulation chamber) contain additional variations in timing and frequency of measurements obtained relative to the 24 h feeding cycle. However, they are suitable for large-scale measurements under commercial conditions due to their simplicity and high throughput. Successful use of these techniques relies on optimal matching between the objectives of the studies and the mechanism of each method with consideration of animal behavior and welfare. This review can provide useful information in selecting suitable techniques for CH4 emission measurement in ruminants.

scholarly journals Effect of tannin-containing hays on enteric methane emissions and nitrogen partitioning in beef cattle1

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (8) ◽  
pp. 3286-3299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth K Stewart ◽  
Karen A Beauchemin ◽  
Xin Dai ◽  
Jennifer W MacAdam ◽  
Rachael G Christensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Sulfur Hexafluoride ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Nitrogen Partitioning ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
N Retention ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Ch4 Emissions ◽  
Ch4 Production ◽  
Enteric Methane

AbstractThe objective of this study was to determine whether feeding tannin-containing hays to heifers and mature beef cows influences enteric methane (CH4) emissions and nitrogen (N) excretion relative to feeding traditional legume and grass hays. Fifteen mature beef cows (Exp. 1) and 9 yearling heifers (Exp. 2) were each randomly assigned to treatment groups in an incomplete bock design with 2 periods and 6 types of hays with 3 hays fed each period (n = 5 cows and 3 heifers per treatment). Groups were fed tannin-containing [birdsfoot trefoil (BFT), sainfoin (SAN), small burnet (SML)] or non-tannin-containing [alfalfa (ALF), cicer milkvetch (CMV), meadow bromegrass (MB)] hays. Each period consisted of 14 d of adjustment followed by 5 d of sample collection. Nine cows and 9 heifers were selected for the measurement of enteric CH4 emissions (sulfur hexafluoride tracer gas technique), and excretion of feces and urine, while dry matter intake (DMI) was measured for all animals. The concentration of condensed tannins in SAN and BFT was 2.5 ± 0.50% and 0.6 ± 0.09% of dry matter (DM), respectively, while SML contained hydrolyzable tannins (4.5 ± 0.55% of DM). Cows and heifers fed tannin-containing hays excreted less urinary urea N (g/d; P &lt; 0.001) and showed lower concentrations of blood urea N (mg/dL; P &lt; 0.001) than animals fed ALF or CMV, indicating that tannins led to a shift in route of N excretion from urine to feces. Additionally, cows fed either BFT or CMV showed the greatest percentage of retained N (P &lt; 0.001). Enteric CH4 yield (g/kg of DMI) from heifers (P = 0.089) was greatest for MB, while daily CH4 production (g/d) from heifers (P = 0.054) was least for SML. However, digestibility of crude protein was reduced for cows (P &lt; 0.001) and heifers (P &lt; 0.001) consuming SML. The results suggest that tannin-containing hays have the potential to reduce urinary urea N excretion, increase N retention, and reduce enteric CH4 emissions from beef cattle. The non-bloating tannin-free legume CMV may also reduce environmental impacts relative to ALF and MB hays by reducing N excretion in urine and increasing N retention.

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