In a first project currently underway (led by Dr. Georg Terler), the influence of dairy cow genotype and diet on methane emissions is being investigated. For these measurements, Fleckvieh cows and cows of three different Holstein genotypes (Holstein_High Performance, Holstein_Lifetime Production, and Holstein_New Zealand) are being used. The cows are fed a basic feed mixture consisting of 40% grass silage, 30% hay, and 30% corn silage, as well as varying proportions of concentrate in the ration (0 to 50% of dry matter).
Initial interim results from the measurements show that daily methane emissions per cow differed significantly between genotypes. However, when methane production was related to milk yield (g methane/kg milk), the differences between genotypes were small. With increasing concentrate feed intake, methane production per kg of milk decreased slightly, but daily methane emissions per animal increased. Further respiration measurements are currently being conducted in this project to obtain more conclusive data. The final results of this project are expected to be published in spring 2021.
