92 Methane Mitigation in Dairy Animals Begins Before Birth with Opportunities to Impact Throughout Life

Abstract

Abstract Research efforts are underway to identify methane mitigators in the dairy sector to reach net zero carbon emissions, and ideally, net negative global emissions. Methane mitigation is multifactorial, including strategies in genetics, management, diet composition, diet nutrient composition, and implementation of feed additives. Research efforts thus far have primarily focused on adult ruminants. Research on how calf management and its impact on phenotypic traits including milk production and methane production is currently lacking. Supplying different levels of nutrients in late lactation results in demonstrated splits in feed intake, average daily gain, metabolism, and greenhouse gas emissions from their offspring. Post-calving, nutrient-restricted heifers entering the lactating herd are hypothesized to be less productive and have greater environmental impact due to reduced productive efficiency relative to their control herd mates. Identification of feed additives that are locally sourced, alter the rumen microbiome, and have lifetime reductions on emissions are under investigation. Further research efforts include identifying metabolic and genetic profiles to identify animals in early life as either high or low methane emitters. Being able to classify animals early in life can reduce the total economic inputs used to raise animals and reduce the total environmental impact of these animals through early culling or intervention of high methane emitting animals. The goal of this presentation is to discuss current knowledge and future potential of calf management, feeding regimes, and feed additive implementation to reduce methane emissions and total environmental impact in the dairy industry.