Animals

Research

9 pages, 1237 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Increased Milk Yield and Reduced Enteric Methane Concentration on a Commercial Dairy Farm Associated with Dietary Inclusion of Sugarcane Extract (Saccharum officinarum)

by Awais Ahmed, Matthew Flavel, Shane Mitchell, Gregor Macnab, Manisha Dunuarachchi Dunuarachchige, Aniruddha Desai and Markandeya Jois

Animals 2023, 13(20), 3300; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13203300 - 23 Oct 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2557

Abstract

(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of a natural sugarcane extract (Polygain™) on milk production, milk composition and methane emissions on a commercial dairy farm. (2) Methods: A three-week baseline was established for lactating Holstein × Friesian [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of a natural sugarcane extract (Polygain™) on milk production, milk composition and methane emissions on a commercial dairy farm. (2) Methods: A three-week baseline was established for lactating Holstein × Friesian animals. Following this baseline period, these animals were fed Polygain™ at 0.25% of their estimated dry matter intake for 3 weeks. Methane concentration in the feed bin was determined at each milking using the Gascard NG Infrared Sensor (Edinburgh Sensors LTD). (3) Results: During the intervention phase milk yield increased significantly from 26.43 kg to 28.54 kg per cow per day, whilst methane emissions and bulk tank somatic cell counts decreased significantly in the intervention phase. For methane concentration, an average of 246 ppm during the baseline periods reduced to an average of 161.09 ppm during the intervention phase. For the bulk tank somatic cell counts, the average was observed at 283,200 during the baseline and reduced to an average value of 151,100 during the intervention phase. (4) Conclusions: The natural sugarcane extract was shown to have the potential to mitigate enteric methane emissions while also increasing production and animal wellbeing outcomes in a commercial dairy setting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies to Control Enteric Methane Production of Ruminants)

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13 pages, 287 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Replacing Maize with Barley Affect the Animal Performance and Rumen Fermentation, including Methane Production, of Beef Cattle Fed High-Concentrate Diets On-Farm?

by Amira Arbaoui and Antonio de Vega

Animals 2023, 13(19), 3016; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13193016 - 25 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1733

Abstract

Ruminants fed high-concentrate diets produce less enteric methane than those fed high-forage diets, but not all grains are equally effective in reducing methane production. This study aimed to examine, in farm conditions, the effects of a partial substitution of maize with barley on [...] Read more.

Ruminants fed high-concentrate diets produce less enteric methane than those fed high-forage diets, but not all grains are equally effective in reducing methane production. This study aimed to examine, in farm conditions, the effects of a partial substitution of maize with barley on animal performance and rumen fermentation, including methane production, of intensively reared beef calves (ca. 0.9:0.1 concentrate to forage ratio). Ninety-six beef calves were fed a concentrate with 45.5% maize and 15% barley (n = 48; M) or a concentrate with 15.5% maize and 45% barley (n = 48; B). Both the concentrate and barley straw were offered ad libitum. The type of concentrate did not have a significant effect (p > 0.05) on final live weight, average daily gain, carcass dressing percentage or intake of concentrate and straw. Dry matter and organic matter digestibility were higher (p < 0.05) for the M (75.4% and 76.6%) than for the B (71.0% and 73.1%) treatment, but with no effect on digestible organic matter intake. In general, the majority cereal in the concentrate did not affect rumen fermentation, including methane production, or the degradability of dry matter and starch. A partial substitution of maize with barley in the concentrate offered to beef calves does not seem a promising strategy to decrease the emissions of enteric methane on-farm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies to Control Enteric Methane Production of Ruminants)

20 pages, 879 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Chitosan on Ruminal Fermentation and Microbial Communities, Methane Emissions, and Productive Performance of Dairy Cattle

by Jagoba Rey, Xabier Díaz de Otálora, Raquel Atxaerandio, Nerea Mandaluniz, Aser García-Rodríguez, Oscar González-Recio, Adrián López-García, Roberto Ruiz and Idoia Goiri

Animals 2023, 13(18), 2861; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13182861 - 8 Sep 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1679

Abstract

This study aimed to expand the knowledge about the activity and mode of action of CHI on methanogenesis and rumen microbial populations in vivo. A total of 16 lactating dairy cows were distributed in two groups, one of them receiving 135 mg CHI/kg [...] Read more.

This study aimed to expand the knowledge about the activity and mode of action of CHI on methanogenesis and rumen microbial populations in vivo. A total of 16 lactating dairy cows were distributed in two groups, one of them receiving 135 mg CHI/kg body weight daily. The effect on productive performance, milk composition, fermentation efficiency, methane emissions, microbial protein synthesis, and ruminal microbial communities was determined. Supplementation with CHI did not affect rumen microbial diversity but increased the relative abundance (RA) of the bacteria Anaeroplasma and decreased those of rumen ciliates and protozoa resulting in a shift towards a lower acetic to propionic ratio. However, no effect on milk yield or methane intensity was observed. In conclusion, supplementing 135 mg CHI/kg body weight increased the RA of Anaeroplasma and decreased those of rumen ciliates and protozoa, both being related to fiber degradation in the rumen in different ways and resulted in a shift of ruminal fermentation towards more propionate proportions, without affecting CH₄ emissions, milk yield, or milk composition. Further research with higher doses would be necessary to assess the potential use of this additive as a methane inhibitor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies to Control Enteric Methane Production of Ruminants)

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17 pages, 1948 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Crossbred Cow Milk Production in a Silvopastoral System in Tropical Mexico

by Lucero Sarabia-Salgado, Bruno J. R. Alves, Robert Boddey, Segundo Urquiaga, Francisco Galindo, Gustavo Flores-Coello, Camila Almeida dos Santos, Rafael Jiménez-Ocampo, Juan Ku-Vera and Francisco Solorio-Sánchez

Animals 2023, 13(12), 1941; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13121941 - 9 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1962

Abstract

In Mexico, pasture degradation is associated with extensive pastures; additionally, under these conditions, livestock activities contribute considerably to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Among the options to improve grazing systems and reduce GHG emissions, silvopastoral systems (SPS) have been recommended. The objectives of this [...] Read more.

In Mexico, pasture degradation is associated with extensive pastures; additionally, under these conditions, livestock activities contribute considerably to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Among the options to improve grazing systems and reduce GHG emissions, silvopastoral systems (SPS) have been recommended. The objectives of this work were to quantify the N outflow in a soil–plant–animal interface, as well as the CH₄ emissions and milk production in an SPS with woody legumes (Leucaena leucocephala) that is associated with stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis). This was then compared with stargrass in a monoculture system (MS) in the seasons (dry and rainy period) over a two-year period. Dung was collected from the animals of each of the grazing systems and applied fresh to the land plots. Fresh dung and urine were collected from the cows of each grazing system and were applied to the experimental plots. In addition, the soil CH₄ and N₂O contents were measured to quantify the emissions. Average milk yield by seasons was similar: MS (7.1 kg per animal unit (AU)/day⁻¹) and SPS (6.31 kg per AU/day⁻¹). Cows in the MS had a mean N intake of 171.9 g/UA day⁻¹ without seasonal variation, while the SPS animals’ mean N intake was 215.7 g/UA day⁻¹ for both seasons. For the urine applied to soil, the N₂O outflow was higher in the MS (peak value = 1623.9 μg N-N₂O m⁻² h⁻¹). The peak value for the SPS was 755.9 μg of N-N₂O m⁻² h⁻¹. The N₂O emissions were higher in the rainy season (which promotes denitrification). The values for the feces treatment were 0.05% (MS) and 0.01% (SPS). The urine treatment values were 0.52% (MS) and 0.17% (SPS). The emissions of CH₄ showed that the feces of the SPS systems resulted in a higher accumulation of gas in the rainy season (29.8 g C ha⁻¹), followed by the feces of the MS system in the dry season (26.0 g C ha⁻¹). Legumes in the SPS helped to maintain milk production, and the N₂O emissions were lower than those produced by the MS (where the pastures were fertilized with N). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies to Control Enteric Methane Production of Ruminants)

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16 pages, 1809 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Affecting Enteric Emission Methane and Predictive Models for Dairy Cows

by Andrea Beltrani Donadia, Rodrigo Nazaré Santos Torres, Henrique Melo da Silva, Suziane Rodrigues Soares, Aaron Kinyu Hoshide and André Soares de Oliveira

Animals 2023, 13(11), 1857; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13111857 - 2 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1931

Abstract

Enteric methane emission is the main source of greenhouse gas contribution from dairy cattle. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate drivers and develop more accurate predictive models for such emissions. In this study, we built a large and intercontinental experimental dataset to: (1) [...] Read more.

Enteric methane emission is the main source of greenhouse gas contribution from dairy cattle. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate drivers and develop more accurate predictive models for such emissions. In this study, we built a large and intercontinental experimental dataset to: (1) explain the effect of enteric methane emission yield (g methane/kg diet intake) and feed conversion (kg diet intake/kg milk yield) on enteric methane emission intensity (g methane/kg milk yield); (2) develop six models for predicting enteric methane emissions (g/cow/day) using animal, diet, and dry matter intake as inputs; and to (3) compare these 6 models with 43 models from the literature. Feed conversion contributed more to enteric methane emission (EME) intensity than EME yield. Increasing the milk yield reduced EME intensity, due more to feed conversion enhancement rather than EME yield. Our models predicted methane emissions better than most external models, with the exception of only two other models which had similar adequacy. Improved productivity of dairy cows reduces emission intensity by enhancing feed conversion. Improvement in feed conversion should be prioritized for reducing methane emissions in dairy cattle systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies to Control Enteric Methane Production of Ruminants)

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22 pages, 1364 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Dietary Guanidinoacetic Acid Levels on the Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Production and the Rumen Fermentation Profile of Alfalfa-Based Diets

by Oscar Vicente Vazquez-Mendoza, Veronica Andrade-Yucailla, Mona Mohamed Mohamed Yasseen Elghandour, Diego Armando Masaquiza-Moposita, Jorge Adalberto Cayetano-De-Jesús, Edwin Rafael Alvarado-Ramírez, Moyosore Joseph Adegbeye, Marcos Barros-Rodríguez and Abdelfattah Zeidan Mohamed Salem

Animals 2023, 13(11), 1719; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13111719 - 23 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1801

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different percentages of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) hay (AH) and doses of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) in the diet on the mitigation of greenhouse gas production, the in vitro rumen fermentation profile [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different percentages of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) hay (AH) and doses of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) in the diet on the mitigation of greenhouse gas production, the in vitro rumen fermentation profile and methane (CH₄) conversion efficiency. AH percentages were defined for the diets of beef and dairy cattle, as well as under grazing conditions (10 (AH10), 25 (AH25) and 100% (AH100)), while the GAA doses were 0 (control), 0.0005, 0.0010, 0.0015, 0.0020, 0.0025 and 0.0030 g g⁻¹ DM diet. With an increased dose of GAA, the total gas production (GP) and methane (CH₄) increased (p = 0.0439) in the AH10 diet, while in AH25 diet, no effect was observed (p = 0.1311), and in AH100, GP and CH₄ levels decreased (p = 0.0113). In addition, the increase in GAA decreased (p = 0.0042) the proportion of CH₄ in the AH25 diet, with no influence (p = 0.1050) on CH₄ in the AH10 and AH100 diet groups. Carbon monoxide production decreased (p = 0.0227) in the AH100 diet with most GAA doses, and the other diets did not show an effect (p = 0.0617) on carbon monoxide, while the production of hydrogen sulfide decreased (p = 0.0441) in the AH10 and AH100 diets with the addition of GAA, with no effect observed in association with the AH25 diet (p = 0.3162). The pH level increased (p < 0.0001) and dry matter degradation (DMD) decreased (p < 0.0001) when AH was increased from 10 to 25%, while 25 to 100% AH contents had the opposite effect. In addition, with an increased GAA dose, only the pH in the AH100 diet increased (p = 0.0142 and p = 0.0023) the DMD in the AH10 diet group. Similarly, GAA influenced (p = 0.0002) SCFA, ME and CH₄ conversion efficiency but only in the AH10 diet group. In this diet group, it was observed that with an increased dose of GAA, SCFA and ME increased (p = 0.0002), while CH₄ per unit of OM decreased (p = 0.0002) only with doses of 0.0010, 0.0015 and 0.0020 g, with no effect on CH₄ per unit of SCFA and ME (p = 0.1790 and p = 0.1343). In conclusion, the positive effects of GAA depend on the percentage of AH, and diets with 25 and 100% AH showed very little improvement with the addition of GAA, while the diet with 10% AH presented the best results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies to Control Enteric Methane Production of Ruminants)

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16 pages, 678 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ensiling Characteristics, In Vitro Rumen Fermentation Patterns, Feed Degradability, and Methane and Ammonia Production of Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) Co-Ensiled with Artichoke Bracts (Cynara cardunculus L.)

by Mariam G. Ahmed, Adham A. Al-Sagheer, Ahmed M. El-Waziry, Samir Z. El-Zarkouny and Eman A. Elwakeel

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1543; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091543 - 4 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1981

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of co-ensiling increasing levels of artichoke bracts (Cynara cardunculus L.) with berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100, respectively) on silage quality after 0, 30, 60, and 120 days. Moreover, the in vitro [...] Read more.

This study investigated the effect of co-ensiling increasing levels of artichoke bracts (Cynara cardunculus L.) with berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100, respectively) on silage quality after 0, 30, 60, and 120 days. Moreover, the in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics and methane (CH₄) and ammonia (NH₃-N) production were evaluated using a buffalo inoculum source. The results showed that pH of the silage and the concentration of acetic, propionic, butyric acid, and NH₃-N significantly decreased (L; p < 0.01) with the increasing amounts of artichoke bracts in the mixture. At 30 and 60 days of ensiling, the highest lactic acid concentration was observed at intermediate proportions of artichoke bracts (p < 0.01). Cumulative gas production was higher in artichoke bracts than in the berseem silage. After 24 h of incubation, the highest value (p < 0.05) of truly dry matter, organic matter, natural detergent fiber degradability, and NH₃-N concentration was recorded with 500 g/kg of forage mixtures. As the artichoke bract concentration increased, the partitioning factor and ruminal pH declined linearly (p ≤ 0.05). No significant differences were observed for total volatile fatty acids and volatile fatty acids molar proportions. In summary, co-ensiling artichoke bracts with berseem at a ratio of 1:1 might be a promising and easy method for the production of high-quality silage from legume forage with positively manipulating rumen fermentation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies to Control Enteric Methane Production of Ruminants)

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18 pages, 1389 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Beef Steers and Enteric Methane: Reducing Emissions by Managing Forage Diet Fiber Content

by Daniel Santander, Juan Clariget, Georgget Banchero, Fabiano Alecrim, Claudia Simon Zinno, Julieta Mariotta, José Gere and Verónica S. Ciganda

Animals 2023, 13(7), 1177; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071177 - 28 Mar 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2457

Abstract

Understanding the methane (CH₄) emissions that are produced by enteric fermentation is one of the main problems to be solved for livestock, due to their GHG effects. These emissions are affected by the quantity and quality of their diets, thus, it [...] Read more.

Understanding the methane (CH₄) emissions that are produced by enteric fermentation is one of the main problems to be solved for livestock, due to their GHG effects. These emissions are affected by the quantity and quality of their diets, thus, it is key to accurately define the intake and fiber content (NDF) of these forage diets. On the other hand, different emission prediction equations have been developed; however, there are scarce and uncertain results regarding their evaluation of the emissions that have been observed in forage diets. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of the NDF content of a forage diet on CH₄ enteric emissions, and to evaluate the ability of models to predict the emissions from the animals that are consuming these forage diets. In total, thirty-six Angus steers (

\bar{x}

= 437 kg live weight) aged 18 months, blocked by live weight and placed in three automated feeding pens, were used to measure the enteric CH₄. The animals were randomly assigned to two forage diets (n = 18), with moderate (<50%, MF) and high (>50%, HF) NDF contents. Their dry matter intake was recorded individually, and the CH₄ emissions were measured using the SF₆ tracer gas technique. For the model evaluation, six prediction equations were compared with 29 studies (n = 97 observations), analyzing the accuracy and precision of their estimates. The emission intensities per unit of DMI, per ADG, and per gross energy intake were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the animals consuming the MF diet than in the animals consuming the HF diet (21.7 vs. 23.7 g CH₄/kg DMI, 342 vs. 660 g CH₄/kg ADG, and 6.7% vs. 7.5%, respectively), but there were no differences in the absolute emissions (p > 0.05). The best performing model was the IPCC 2006 model (r² = 0.7, RMSE = 74.04). These results show that reducing the NDF content of a forage diet by at least 10% (52 g/kg DM) reduces the intensity of the g CH₄/kg DMI by up to 8%, and that of the g CH₄/kg ADG by almost half. The use of the IPCC 2006 model is suitable for estimating the CH₄ emissions from animals consuming forage-based diets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies to Control Enteric Methane Production of Ruminants)

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11 pages, 274 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Direct-Fed Lactobacillus Species on Milk Production and Methane Emissions of Dairy Cows

by S. Richard O. Williams, Joe L. Jacobs, Subhash Chandra, Martin Soust, Victoria M. Russo, Meaghan L. Douglas and Pablo S. Alvarez Hess

Animals 2023, 13(6), 1018; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13061018 - 10 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2707

Abstract

Using direct-fed microbials to mitigate enteric methane emissions could be sustainable and acceptable to both consumers and producers. Forty lactating, multiparous, Holstein-Friesian cows were randomly allocated one of two treatments: (1) a base of ad libitum vetch (Vicia sativa) hay and 7.0 kg [...] Read more.

Using direct-fed microbials to mitigate enteric methane emissions could be sustainable and acceptable to both consumers and producers. Forty lactating, multiparous, Holstein-Friesian cows were randomly allocated one of two treatments: (1) a base of ad libitum vetch (Vicia sativa) hay and 7.0 kg DM/d of a grain mix, or (2) the basal diet plus 10 mL of MYLO^® (Terragen Biotech Pty Ltd., Coolum Beach, Queensland, Australia) delivering 4.17 × 10⁸ cfu of Lactobacillus per mL. Neither feed intake (25.4 kg/d vs. 24.8 kg/d) nor milk yield (29.9 vs. 30.3 kg/d) were affected by treatment. Feed conversion efficiency was not affected by treatment when expressed on an energy-corrected milk basis (1.15 vs. 1.18 kg/kg DMI). Neither methane yield (31.6 vs. 31.1 g/kg DMI) nor methane intensity (27.1 vs. 25.2 g/kg energy corrected milk) were affected by treatments. While these results are contrary to our expectations and not significant, all were numerically in a favorable direction. Given there are reports that diet and dose rate may impact the size of any effect, we recommend a dose–response study be undertaken using a basal diet that is commonly used in pasture-based dairy systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies to Control Enteric Methane Production of Ruminants)

10 pages, 260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Processing Methods and Inclusion Levels of Dried Garlic on In Vitro Fermentation and Methane Production in a Corn Silage-Based Substrate

by Juan Vargas, Federico Tarnonsky, Araceli Maderal, Ignacio Fernandez-Marenchino, Federico Podversich, Wilmer Cuervo, Camila Gomez-Lopez, Tessa Schulmeister and Nicolas DiLorenzo

Animals 2023, 13(6), 1003; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13061003 - 9 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1773

Abstract

Garlic (Allium sativum) contains secondary compounds that are known to modify rumen fermentation parameters and decrease methane (CH₄) emissions. The objective was to evaluate the effects of increasing the inclusion levels and processing methods of garlic on in vitro [...] Read more.

Garlic (Allium sativum) contains secondary compounds that are known to modify rumen fermentation parameters and decrease methane (CH₄) emissions. The objective was to evaluate the effects of increasing the inclusion levels and processing methods of garlic on in vitro fermentation and CH₄ production. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with a 2 × 3 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement, where the main factors were the initial condition of garlic (intact or smashed), drying process (freeze-dried, oven-dried, or autoclaved), and garlic proportion in the diet (2.5 and 5%) and one control (without garlic supplementation). Incubations were conducted using corn silage and cotton-gin trash (80:20, respectively) as basal substrates on three different days. Final pH, the concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), total gas production, and CH₄ concentration were determined after 24 h. Initial garlic condition or drying processing neither modify (p > 0.05) the in vitro fermentation nor the CH₄ production. However, increasing garlic inclusion linearly increased (p < 0.05) IVOMD, the concentration of the total VFA, and the proportion of propionate. Also, the concentration of NH₃-N and the proportion of acetate increased quadratically (p < 0.05) with greater garlic inclusions. Finally, garlic inclusion did not affect (p > 0.05) gas and CH₄ production. In conclusion, increasing garlic levels, but not the processing methods, improved in vitro fermentation but did not modify CH₄ emissions under in vitro conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies to Control Enteric Methane Production of Ruminants)

19 pages, 2680 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Co-Ensiling of Maize with Moringa oleifera on the Production of Greenhouse Gases and the Characteristics of Fermentation in Ruminants

by Edwin Rafael Alvarado-Ramírez, Aristide Maggiolino, Mona M. M. Y. Elghandour, Marco Antonio Rivas-Jacobo, Gilberto Ballesteros-Rodea, Pasquale De Palo and Abdelfattah Z. M. Salem

Animals 2023, 13(4), 764; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13040764 - 20 Feb 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2378

Abstract

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the impact of maize co-ensiling with increasing percentages of MOL forage on the kinetics of biogas, methane (CH₄), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) production, as well as the characteristics [...] Read more.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the impact of maize co-ensiling with increasing percentages of MOL forage on the kinetics of biogas, methane (CH₄), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) production, as well as the characteristics of ruminal fermentation and CH₄ conversion efficiency, using steers (STI) and sheep (SHI) as inoculum sources. With the STI, the inclusion of MOL reduced (linear: p ≤ 0.0199; quadratic: p ≤ 0.0267) biogas production (mL g⁻¹ DM incubated and degraded), CH₄ (mL g⁻¹ DM degraded), CO (mL g⁻¹ DM degraded), and H₂S (mL g⁻¹ DM incubated and degraded), without affecting (p > 0.05) the parameters (b = asymptotic gas, c = rate of gas production and Lag = initial delay time before gas production) of CH₄ and H₂S, and the proportion and production of CH₄ per kg of dry matter (DM). In addition, with this inoculum, pH, and dry matter degradation (DMD) increased (linear: p ≤ 0.0060), and although short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and metabolizable energy (ME) decreased (linear: p < 0.0001; quadratic: p ≤ 0.0015), this did not affect (p > 0.05) the CH₄ conversion efficiency. Meanwhile, with the SHI, the inclusion of MOL only decreased (linear: p ≤ 0.0206; quadratic: p ≤ 0.0003) biogas per dry matter (DM) degraded and increased (linear: p ≤ 0.0293; quadratic: p ≤ 0.0325) biogas per DM incubated, as well as the production (mL g⁻¹ DM incubated and degraded and g⁻¹ kg DM) and proportion of CH₄, and CO per DM incubated and degraded. In addition, it did not impact (p > 0.05) on the CH₄ and H₂S parameters, and in the H₂S by DM incubated and degraded, and although it increased (linear: p ≤ 0.0292; quadratic: p ≤ 0.0325) the DMD, SCFA, and ME, it was inefficient (quadratic: p ≤ 0.0041) in CH₄ conversion. It is concluded that regardless of the percentage of MOL, the STI presented the highest values in the production of biogas, CH₄, H₂S, DMD, SCFA, and ME, and the lowest pH, so it turned out to be the most efficient in CH₄ conversion, while with the SHI only the highest production of CO and pH was obtained, and the lowest DMD, SCFA, and ME, so it was less efficient compared to STI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies to Control Enteric Methane Production of Ruminants)

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13 pages, 1071 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of a Model (RUMINANT) for Prediction of DMI and CH₄ from Tropical Beef Cattle

by Alejandro Ruden, Bernardo Rivera, Julio Ernesto Vargas, Secundino López, Xiomara Gaviria, Ngonidzashe Chirinda and Jacobo Arango

Animals 2023, 13(4), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13040721 - 17 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2529

Abstract

Simulation models represent a low-cost approach to evaluating agricultural systems. In the current study, the precision and accuracy of the RUMINANT model to predict dry matter intake (DMI) and methane emissions from beef cattle fed tropical diets (characteristic of Colombia) was assessed. Feed [...] Read more.

Simulation models represent a low-cost approach to evaluating agricultural systems. In the current study, the precision and accuracy of the RUMINANT model to predict dry matter intake (DMI) and methane emissions from beef cattle fed tropical diets (characteristic of Colombia) was assessed. Feed intake (DMI) and methane emissions were measured in Brahman steers housed in polytunnels and fed six forage diets. In addition, DMI and methane emissions were predicted by the RUMINANT model. The model’s predictive capability was measured on the basis of precision: coefficients of variation (CV%) and determination (R², percentage of variance accounted for by the model), and model efficiency (ME) and accuracy: the simulated/observed ratio (S/O ratio) and slope and mean bias (MB%). In addition, combined measurements of accuracy and precision were carried out by means of mean square prediction error (MSPE) and correlation correspondence coefficient (CCC) and their components. The predictive capability of the RUMINANT model to simulate DMI resulted as valuable for mean S/O ratio (1.07), MB% (2.23%), CV% (17%), R² (0.886), ME (0.809), CCC (0.869). However, for methane emission simulations, the model substantially underestimated methane emissions (mean S/O ratio = 0.697, MB% = −30.5%), and ME and CCC were −0.431 and 0.485, respectively. In addition, a subset of data corresponding to diets with Leucaena was not observed to have a linear relationship between the observed and simulated values. It is suggested that this may be related to anti-methanogenic factors characteristic of Leucaena, which were not accounted for by the model. This study contributes to improving national inventories of greenhouse gases from the livestock of tropical countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies to Control Enteric Methane Production of Ruminants)

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Review

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29 pages, 1173 KiB

Open AccessReview

Dietary Ruminant Enteric Methane Mitigation Strategies: Current Findings, Potential Risks and Applicability

by Tomas Lileikis, Rasa Nainienė, Saulius Bliznikas and Virginijus Uchockis

Animals 2023, 13(16), 2586; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13162586 - 10 Aug 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3350

Abstract

This review examines the current state of knowledge regarding the effectiveness of different dietary ruminant enteric methane mitigation strategies and their modes of action together with the issues discussed regarding the potential harms/risks and applicability of such strategies. By investigating these strategies, we [...] Read more.

This review examines the current state of knowledge regarding the effectiveness of different dietary ruminant enteric methane mitigation strategies and their modes of action together with the issues discussed regarding the potential harms/risks and applicability of such strategies. By investigating these strategies, we can enhance our understanding of the mechanisms by which they influence methane production and identify promising approaches for sustainable mitigation of methane emissions. Out of all nutritional strategies, the use of 3-nitrooxypropanol, red seaweed, tannins, saponins, essential oils, nitrates, and sulfates demonstrates the potential to reduce emissions and receives a lot of attention from the scientific community. The use of certain additives as pure compounds is challenging under certain conditions, such as pasture-based systems, so the potential use of forages with sufficient amounts of plant secondary metabolites is also explored. Additionally, improved forage quality (maturity and nutrient composition) might help to further reduce emissions. Red seaweed, although proven to be very effective in reducing emissions, raises some questions regarding the volatility of the main active compound, bromoform, and challenges regarding the cultivation of the seaweed. Other relatively new methods of mitigation, such as the use of cyanogenic glycosides, are also discussed in this article. Together with nitrates, cyanogenic glycosides pose serious risks to animal health, but research has proven their efficacy and safety when control measures are taken. Furthermore, the risks of nitrate use can be minimized by using probiotics. Some of the discussed strategies, namely monensin or halogenated hydrocarbons (as pure compounds), demonstrate efficacy but are unlikely to be implemented widely because of legal restrictions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies to Control Enteric Methane Production of Ruminants)

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29 pages, 7110 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceSystematic Review

A Review of Potential Feed Additives Intended for Carbon Footprint Reduction through Methane Abatement in Dairy Cattle

by Ian Hodge, Patrick Quille and Shane O’Connell

Animals 2024, 14(4), 568; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14040568 - 8 Feb 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3889

Abstract

Eight rumen additives were chosen for an enteric methane-mitigating comparison study including garlic oil (GO), nitrate, Ascophyllum nodosum (AN), Asparagopsis (ASP), Lactobacillus plantarum (LAB), chitosan (CHI), essential oils (EOs) and 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP). Dose-dependent analysis was carried out on selected feed additives using a [...] Read more.

Eight rumen additives were chosen for an enteric methane-mitigating comparison study including garlic oil (GO), nitrate, Ascophyllum nodosum (AN), Asparagopsis (ASP), Lactobacillus plantarum (LAB), chitosan (CHI), essential oils (EOs) and 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP). Dose-dependent analysis was carried out on selected feed additives using a meta-analysis approach to determine effectiveness in live subjects or potential efficacy in live animal trials with particular attention given to enteric gas, volatile fatty acid concentrations, and rumen microbial counts. All meta-analysis involving additives GO, nitrates, LAB, CHI, EOs, and 3-NOP revealed a reduction in methane production, while individual studies for AN and ASP displayed ruminal bacterial community improvement and a reduction in enteric CH₄. Rumen protozoal depression was observed with GO and AN supplementation as well as an increase in propionate production with GO, LAB, ASP, CHI, and 3-NOP rumen fluid inoculation. GO, AN, ASP, and LAB demonstrated mechanisms in vitro as feed additives to improve rumen function and act as enteric methane mitigators. Enzyme inhibitor 3-NOP displays the greatest in vivo CH₄ mitigating capabilities compared to essential oil commercial products. Furthermore, this meta-analysis study revealed that in vitro studies in general displayed a greater level of methane mitigation with these compounds than was seen in vivo, emphasising the importance of in vivo trials for final verification of use. While in vitro gas production systems predict in vivo methane production and fermentation trends with reasonable accuracy, it is necessary to confirm feed additive rumen influence in vivo before practical application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies to Control Enteric Methane Production of Ruminants)

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