Environmentally oriented techniques to reduce methanogenesis in dairy farming

Abstract

With the globalization of production, all countries in the world are working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Agriculture accounts for about 11-12% of the total, with methane emissions from the digestive tract of ruminants and nitrous oxide from manure, especially when stored in open lagoons, being the main sources in livestock production. The aim of the research was to analyze existing technological measures to reduce methanogenesis in dairy cattle production. The volume of intestinal fermentation products in dairy cattle depends on the growing technology, the number of livestock and the amount of roughage in the diet. By optimizing feed, methane emissions can be reduced by 10-15%, with high levels of degradable starch and low fiber content contributing to the reduction of methanogenesis. Special feed additives show good results in combating methanogenesis. The introduction of plant extracts into the diet of animals affects the change in the taxonomic composition of the microbiome of the gastrointestinal tract of animals. New phytogenic additives containing essential oils, herbs and spices and used in feed rations not only contribute to optimal productivity and profitability, but are also the best solution to reduce emissions of harmful gases in animal production. Some plant metabolites, especially esters, have the effect of reducing the breakdown of carbohydrates and proteins in the rumen by selective suppression of some microorganisms and at the same time have a positive effect on reducing methane emissions. The use of phytogenetics fits harmoniously into the strategy of organic, environmentally friendly cattle breeding. Due to the limited amount of data on the problem of methane emission reduction in dairy cattle breeding, it is promising and relevant to continue research on the mechanism and ways to control methanogenesis in the rumen of cows using natural additives of plant origin.