Forage quality and feed intake effect on methane emissions from dairy farming
2015
Trupa, A., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava (Latvia) | Aplocina, E., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava (Latvia) | Degola, L., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava (Latvia)
Based on the statistical data the situation of dairy farming in Latvia characterized by the feeding base and dry matter intake of dairy cows in herds and the effect on CH4 emissions were evaluated. The dairy farming in Latvia is fragmented with the majority of farms having a small number of cows. 79.5 % of all farms have only 1-5 cows, but the number of big herds (over 50 cows) increases annually. The average milk yield in the monitored farms also increases annually, and reaches an average of 6584 kg per cow. Many opportunities exist to reduce enteric CH4 and other GHG emissions per unit of product from ruminant livestock. To predict the potential for CH4 reduction in dairy cattle production, the feeding strategy was analyzed. Optimized feeding of dairy cattle can reduce CH4 emissions per 1 kg of the ECM from 2.5 % to 15 % without affecting milk production. CH4 formation in the rumen can be minimized by the inclusion in the ration high-quality forage or concentrates, which are easily digestible. The fodder quality has also a significant effect on CH4 production, and if the quality is poor, CH4 production increases.
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