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Methane emissions from feedlot cattle fed barley or corn diets
1Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Research Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. beauchemin@agr.gc.ca
Journal of Animal Science
|February 12, 2005
Summary
Beef cattle fed corn-based diets produced less methane per kilogram of dry matter intake during the finishing phase than those fed barley. Dietary strategies can reduce livestock methane emissions, benefiting the environment.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Animal Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Livestock methane emissions contribute significantly to global greenhouse gases.
- Understanding diet-related methane variability is crucial for accurate emission inventories and reduction strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify enteric methane production in growing beef cattle fed corn- or barley-based diets.
- To assess the impact of grain source on methane emissions across different feeding phases.
Main Methods:
- Randomized complete block design with Angus heifer calves fed corn or barley diets.
- Methane production measured in environmental chambers during backgrounding, transition, and finishing phases.
- Diets varied in silage and concentrate composition, including monensin.
Main Results:
- Dry matter intake (DMI) was higher for corn than barley during backgrounding but similar during finishing.
- Methane emissions per kilogram of DMI and as a percentage of gross energy (GE) intake were not affected by grain source during backgrounding.
- Corn-based diets resulted in lower methane emissions per kilogram of DMI and as a percentage of GE intake during the finishing phase compared to barley-based diets.
Conclusions:
- Dietary strategies are needed to decrease methane emissions in cattle fed high-forage backgrounding and barley-based finishing diets.
- Reducing methane losses from cattle offers significant environmental benefits by lowering agriculture's greenhouse gas contribution.