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Updated: May 27, 2026
11:02
The Use of an Automated System (GreenFeed) to Monitor Enteric Methane and Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Ruminant Animals
Published on: September 7, 2015
Genetic parameters for predicted methane production and potential for reducing enteric emissions through genomic
Y de Haas1, J J Windig, M P L Calus
1Animal Breeding and Genomics Centre, Wageningen UR Livestock Research, PO Box 65, NL-8200 AB Lelystad, the Netherlands. Yvette.deHaas@wur.nl
Journal of Dairy Science
|November 29, 2011
Summary
Breeding dairy cows for better feed efficiency can reduce enteric methane emissions. Genetic selection for lower residual feed intake offers a promising strategy for decreasing methane production in cattle.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Environmental Science
- Genetics
Background:
- Enteric methane (CH₄) emissions from ruminants contribute to global warming.
- Reducing CH₄ emissions is crucial for environmental sustainability.
- Breeding strategies for lower CH₄ yield are underexplored, unlike nutritional and microbial approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the genetic and phenotypic variation in predicted methane output in dairy cattle.
- To determine the potential of genetic selection to mitigate methane emissions.
- To investigate the relationship between feed efficiency and methane production.
Main Methods:
- Utilized experimental data from 548 dairy heifers, including feed intake, body weight, and milk production records.
- Calculated predicted methane emission (PME) using IPCC methodology based on gross energy intake.
- Estimated residual feed intake (RFI) as the difference between energy intake and requirements.
Main Results:
- Heritability estimates for PME and RFI were 0.35 and 0.40, respectively.
- A positive genetic correlation (0.18–0.84) was found between RFI and PME, indicating lower RFI is associated with lower PME.
- Theoretical reductions of 11–26% in methane emissions are possible within 10 years through genetic selection for efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Selecting dairy cattle for improved feed efficiency (lower RFI) can effectively reduce enteric methane emissions.
- Genetic variation supports the potential for significant methane reduction through breeding programs.
- Further research, including direct methane measurements and international data collaboration, is needed to refine selection strategies and validate biological consequences.
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