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Research Journal of Veterinary Sciences

Year: 2011 | Volume: 4 | Issue: 1 | Page No.: 1-8
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Authors

V. Sejian

J. Lakritz

T. Ezeji

R. Lal

Keywords

Research Article

Forage and Flax Seed Impact on Enteric Methane Emission in Dairy Cows

V. Sejian, J. Lakritz, T. Ezeji and R. Lal
Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) and its release into the atmosphere is directly linked with animal agriculture, particularly ruminant production. The primary objective of the study is to identify whether high quality forage and flax seed feeding can reduce enteric CH4 emission in non-lactating dairy cattle. Two 8 year old Jersey cows weighing 545 kg were used in the present study. The animals were fed with a total mixed ration (corn silage, alfalfa hay and grain mixture) with the proportion consisting of 70% roughage and 30% grains. The flax seed were provided of 7% added fat on DM basis. In both experiments, gas samples were collected through the rumen fistula. Gaseous samples were obtained at 6:00, 8:30, 10:30, 12:30, 13:30, 15:30 and 17:30 h. The results of the experiments showed that both high proportion forage feeding and flax seed supplement reduced the enteric CH4 emission. The highest CH4 emission % after forage feeding was recorded at 15:30 h and the lowest at 6:30 h. Flax seed feeding started reducing CH4 from 10:30 h onwards and this reduction continued until end of sampling period. The data presented show that both high quality forage and flax seed supplement reduced enteric CH4 production. However, detailed studies are required to identify the exact quantity of flax seed to be fed to avoid its negative influence on production efficiency of the cow.
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How to cite this article

V. Sejian, J. Lakritz, T. Ezeji and R. Lal, 2011. Forage and Flax Seed Impact on Enteric Methane Emission in Dairy Cows. Research Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 4: 1-8.

URL: https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=rjvs.2011.1.8

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