Abstract
This experiment was conducted to determine methane production and emission factors for a range of roughage diets fed to Hanwoo cows at a level of maintenance energy requirement. Seven cows were fed mixed hay only, 12 cows were fed mixed hay containing 30~50% rice straw and 6 cows were fed a mixed hay diet supplemented with 1.0 kg of wheat bran. Each cow was placed in a metabolic crate for 10 consecutive days, including last 7 days for sampling of feces and urine. At the end of the sampling period, the cows were transferred to an open-circuit respiration chamber for 24 consecutive hours. Methane conversion rate (5.5~6.2%, mean value = 5.8%) and emission factor (33.6~38.6 kg/head/year, mean value = 35.2) were not significantly affected by the diets although the mixed hay only diet resulted in 11 and 15% higher respective rates than the other two. However, in light of the many assumptions that forage with good quality might reduce methane production, additional experiments should be required for participation in the greenhouse gas emission trading system. (Key words : Hanwoo cow, Maintenance, Methane emission factor, Roughage sources)
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