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Low-methane cows tackle emissions
Vivien Lin
Cattle can be bred to emit less methane, according to the latest research from the Davies Research Centre at the University of Adelaide , with the methane-reduced cows potentially more efficient than their counterparts.
Researchers analysed the microbiomes in fluid samples taken from the stomachs of 1000 cows. They also measured the cows’ feed intake, milk production, methane production and other biochemical characteristics. Their findings reveal that an individual cow’s genetics strongly influence the make-up of the microorganisms in its rumen, the first stomach in its digestive system.
“What we showed is that the level and type of methane-producing microbes in the cow is to a large extent controlled by the cow’s genetic makeup,” says project leader Professor John Williams from the University of Adelaide’s School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences. “This means that we could select for cattle which are less likely to have high levels of methane-producing bacteria in their rumen.”
This potentially signals a new way to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. Cattle currently contribute 37 percent of the methane emissions resulting from human activity and, on average, a single cow produces between 70 and 120kg of methane per year.
“Previously we knew it was possible to reduce methane emissions by changing the diet,” Professor Williams says. “But changing the genetics is much more significant – in this way we can select for cows that permanently produce less methane.”
However, Professor William notes that breeding for low-methane cattle depends on selection priorities and whether other desired characteristics such as meat quality, milk production and disease resistance are compromised.
“It depends on what else we are selecting for, and the weighting that is placed on methane – that’s something that will be determined by industry or society pressures,” he says.
The study also found a correlation between the cows’ microbiomes and milk production efficiency, although this was not investigated in detail.
“We don’t yet know, but if it turned out that low-methane production equated to greater efficiencies of production – which could turn out to be true given that energy is required to produce the methane – then that would be a win, win situation,” Professor Williams says.
To find out about other methane reduction initiatives, click here.
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Trace minerals are required for optimal growth, reproduction, and immunity. Optimising trace mineral status relying solely on oral supplements across a herd may fail because of variation in individual intake and reduced absorption due to antagonism of other ration components and minerals. The use of injectable trace mineral supplements has been associated with positive reproductive outcomes including improved conception rate, increased odds of pregnancy and greater final in calf rate. A study conducted on 2,168 dairy cows, administered injectable trace minerals, four weeks prior to calving and again four weeks prior to the start of mating showed treated animals had a 3.3 per cent greater final in-calf rate, and a reduced time from start of mating to conception, compared to control animals 1 . The Importance of B12 Dr Carl Eden, Technical Services Veterinarian with Boehringer Ingelheim says “Vitamin B12 is sometimes referred to as a ‘super vitamin’ because it is only required in very small amounts but vital to many essential metabolic pathways. However, demand for B12 can vary considerably during the year and we see serum levels of B12 fall at critical times, such as the first few months after calving.” Vitamin B12 contains cobalt, so deficiency in cobalt can lead to deficiency in vitamin B12 because ruminants get most of their B12 as a byproduct of ruminal fermentation where the bacteria in their rumen assemble B12 from cobalt for use by the cow. Sub-optimal trace mineral and vitamin B12 status at calving, mating, and drying off has been shown to negatively impact growth, reproduction, and immunity. Using a trace mineral injectable containing vitamin B12 can improve trace mineral and vitamin B12 status at these critical times. Marks-Min with Vitamin B12 – The Evidence In the largest trace element study to date, Marks-Min Injectable Trace Mineral with Vitamin B12 demonstrated remarkable results when compared to a reference trace mineral injection. “Given the differences between Marks-Min and other products on the market, we wanted to generate a compelling data set to demonstrate how effective it was compared to the pioneer product. We entrusted this work to a third-party research company” says Dr Eden. “We chose farms that were at the top of their game from a reproductive perspective. We made sure that the farms had no evidence of trace element or vitamin B12 deficiencies or excess.” Across all outcomes of interest, Marks-Min demonstrated clear non-inferiority when compared to the reference product. Outcomes measured included submission, pregnancy and conception rates, and six week in-calf rate. Marks-Min demonstrated it is highly suited as an alternative treatment to the reference product. Reference: 1. Hawkins, D., and B. V. S. Franklin. New Zealand Dairy Veterinarians Newsletter 24 (2007): 12-16 Company website: livestockfirst.com.au Company email address: CustomerCare.Australia@boehringer-ingelheim.com Company video: https://vimeo.com/1138807630?fl=pl&fe=cm
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