Sugarcane Extract (Polygain™) Supplementation Reduces Enteric Methane Emission in Dairy Calves

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Animal Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Livestock farming contributes significantly to global methane (CH4) emissions.
• Polyphenolic compounds show potential for mitigating enteric methane production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of Polygain™ (PG), a sugarcane-derived polyphenolic extract, in reducing enteric methane emissions from Holstein Friesian calves.
• To assess the impact of PG supplementation on calf growth and development.

Main Methods:

• A completely randomized design experiment involving 24 weaned Holstein Friesian calves over three months.
• Calves were divided into two groups: a control group receiving standard pellets and a treatment group receiving pellets supplemented with 10 g PG/calf/day.
• Enteric methane emissions were measured using a GreenFeed emission monitoring unit (GEM).

Main Results:

• PG supplementation significantly reduced daily methane production in calves by approximately 24.5% (26.66 ± 2.06 g/day) compared to the control group (35.28 ± 1.39 g/day; p < 0.001).
• A significant difference was observed in the CO2/O2 ratio between the treatment and control groups (235 ± 14 vs. 183 ± 9.6; p < 0.001).
• No adverse effects on calf growth and development were observed.

Conclusions:

• Polygain™ supplementation at 10 g/calf/day effectively reduces enteric methane emissions in weaned Holstein Friesian calves.
• PG demonstrates anti-methanogenic potential without negatively impacting animal growth, suggesting its viability as a sustainable livestock feed additive.