Abstract
Introduction of solid feeds in the ration of calves has been shown to increase rumen size and stimulate rumen fermentation. With the initiation of bacterial fermentation in the rumen, the intermediary metabolism moves from a glucose-based to a volatile fatty acid-based metabolism, which releases methane. MootralTM has been identified as a promising plant-derived feed supplement to reduce methane emission in dairy and beef cattle. Therefore, the present study aimed at quantifying and mitigating the methane emissions in calves until the slaughtering age of 28 weeks. The study consisted of 20 Holstein bull calves at a commercial farm, assigned randomly into 2 groups (control n = 10; treatment n = 10), for 2 weeks of adaptation and 8 weeks of sample collection. The calves were fed an increasing amount of milk replacer and ad libitum wheat straw. Mootral was fed once a day to the treatment calves. Methane was measured using GreenFeed units where concentrate feed was offered as bait. The calves were weighed at the start and every four weeks during the experiment. The calves in the treatment group had lower methane emissions (54 g/d) compared to the control group (70 g/d), a reduction of 22.8%. In contrast, carbon dioxide emission and dry matter intake did not differ significantly between the study groups. Moreover, no negative impact on the average daily weight gain and carcass weight was observed in Mootral fed calves. Although the methane emission (g/kg body weight) was lower in treatment than in the control group, the absolute difference between the groups narrowed with increasing age of the calves. The results suggest a need to increase the dose in line with the increased body weight and intake of the calves. In conclusion, Mootral effectively reduced methane in calves. Further trials to determine the optimal dose for calves are warranted, and as well studies to investigate if interventions (such as Mootral) applied at an earlier life cycle stage would have an impact on methane emissions at later stages of cattle’s life, would be of scientific interest.
Highlights
Born calves are pre-ruminants and they gradually emerge as ruminants [1]
The results suggest a need to increase the dose in line with the increased body weight and intake of the calves
Further trials to determine the optimal dose for calves are warranted, and as well studies to investigate if interventions applied at an earlier life cycle stage would have an impact on methane emissions at later stages of cat
Summary
Born calves are pre-ruminants and they gradually emerge as ruminants [1]. The transition phase (from the pre-ruminant to the ruminant phase) occurs between 3 and 8 weeks of age, while the ruminant phase begins at about 6 to 8 weeks of age, and a calf usually has a fully developed rumen at 12 weeks of age [2]. Bacterial fermentation in the rumen and the intermediary metabolism moves away from being glucose-based towards being volatile fatty acid-based [4]. This results in volatile fatty acid synthesis by bacterial fermentation in a fully developed rumen, which in due course starts methane (CH4) production. There are limited strategies for reducing CH4 from enteric fermentation that can be widely applied Two such strategies with the greatest potential are diet manipulation and the use of feed supplements. Feed supplements may be a better alternative to reduce enteric emissions in a cost-effective manner
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
