grazing; methane; dry ration; dairy cows; ruminal function
Abstract :
[en] In order to compare methane emissions and carbon footprint of milk produced by dairy cows with different feeding strategies, a trial was carried out on 2 groups of 11 Holstein cows from May to July 2017. One group was grazing day and night with a target sward availability of 17 kg per cow. The other one received a diet composed of dried pellets mixed with straw, molasses and alfalfa hay. In the barn where all the cows had permanent access, an automatic concentrate supplier provided concentrates to complement the ration of both groups. Methane emissions were assessed by predictions based on the mid infra-red spectra of milk samples and by the Guardian® located in the automatic concentrate supplier. Furthermore, ruminal fluid was sampled monthly on 5 cows of each group to check the ruminal function (pH, redox potential, presence and mobility of protozoa). The aim of this study was to get a holistic overview of the effect of contrasted feeding practices on methane emissions, environmental impact, zootechnical and economical performances. Grazing decreased feeding costs and feeding environmental impacts while methane emissions per kg milk increased. This highlights the complexity of mitigation actions of GHG in the dairy sector.
Research Center/Unit :
FARAH - Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals and Health - ULiège
Disciplines :
Animal production & animal husbandry
Author, co-author :
Lessire, Françoise ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Dpt. de gestion vétérinaire des Ressources Animales (DRA) > LESNA
Scohier, Catherine
Dufrasne, Isabelle ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Dpt. de gestion vétérinaire des Ressources Animales (DRA) > Nutrition des animaux domestiques
Language :
English
Title :
Methane emissions and milk carbon footprint of dairy cows at grazing or fed with a concentrate diet
Alternative titles :
[en] Emissions de méthane et empreinte carbone chez des vaches au pâturages comparées à celles d'un groupe nourri exlusivement avec des concentrés.
Publication date :
17 June 2018
Event name :
27th General meeting of the European Grassland Federation
Event organizer :
Teagasc Ireland
Event place :
Cork, Ireland
Event date :
17-21 June 2018
Audience :
International
Main work title :
Sustainable meat and milk production from grassalnds
Main work alternative title :
[en] Productions durables de lait et viande à l'herbe