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Updated: Aug 14, 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
Enteric methane emissions and mitigation strategies within pasture-based dairy systems
Jane Kay1, Konagh Garrett1, Kirsty Verhoek1
1DairyNZ, Hamilton, 3286, New Zealand.
JDS Communications
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Pasture-based dairy systems emit less enteric methane than estimated. While well-managed systems show lower emissions, current mitigation strategies lack cost-effectiveness and scalability for consistent reductions.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Animal Science
Background:
- Enteric methane (CH4) is a primary greenhouse gas (GHG) from pasture-based dairy systems.
- These systems are defined by high grazed pasture intake.
- Current estimates may overestimate CH4 emissions from these systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review drivers of CH4 emissions in pasture-based dairy systems.
- To summarize available CH4 mitigation options for these systems.
- To evaluate the effectiveness and scalability of mitigation strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing evidence on CH4 emissions and mitigation.
- Analysis of factors influencing methane conversion factors and yields.
- Assessment of technological, genetic, and nutritional interventions.
Main Results:
- High-nutritive-value ryegrass pasture can lead to lower CH4 emissions than current estimates.
- Mitigation strategies (feed additives, vaccines, genetics, nutrition) face challenges in grazing conditions.
- Delivery constraints, variable responses, and cost-effectiveness limit mitigation impact.
Conclusions:
- Well-managed pasture-based dairy systems likely have lower baseline CH4 emissions.
- No current mitigation strategy offers cost-effective, scalable, and consistent CH4 reductions.
- Further research is needed to overcome limitations of mitigation strategies in grazing systems.
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