
16 Dec 2024
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Foyle Food Group
16 Dec 2024
In the UK, the agricultural sector is accountable for 10% of the total Greenhouse Gas emissions in 2019 with methane contributing considerably. Methane is a by-product of enteric fermentation and from the decomposition of manure under anaerobic conditions. Both ruminant animals and non-ruminant animals produce methane, although ruminants are identified as the primary drivers per unit of feed intake.
In 2025, innovative methane reducing feed products are expected to enter the market. Research and trials have shown promising evidence that feed additives with methane-inhibiting properties can significantly reduce emissions, particularly in housed cattle. These feed products may include ingredients such as seaweed, biochar, probiotics and essential oils.
At Foyle’s Farms of Excellence, cattle are fed Elensis which is a blend of 100% natural substances, proven to improve energy efficiciency and digestibility. When included in the TMR, Elensis improves Daily Livewight Gains (DLWGs) and helps improve the microbial fermentation conditions within the rumen. The product stimulates rumen flora and maniplulates fermentation to reduce lactic acid and methane (CH4) whilst increasing propionic acid. Increasing propionic and reducing acetate and butyrate can help reduce hydrogen equivalents that would be otherwise be transferred to methanogenesis. Benefits of incorporating Elensis include
Foyle has also participated in a trial with Northern Ireland’s ARCZero project that includes beef cattle grazing a mixtue of perennial ryegrass and cut willow. Research has suggested that condensed tannins in willow will act to reduce enteric methane production levels and reduce ruminal degradation by binding to proteins. Willow silvopastoral systems have the potential for reduced CH4 and nitrous oxide emissions and increase soil carbon sequestration.
A portable respiration chamber was used to measure emissions from cattle on both sites and results found methane production was nearly 30% lower when cattle grazed willow.
Trial: Effect of grazing cattle on willow silvopastoral systems on animal performance and methane production
Twenty growing beef steers were blocked into 2 subgroups: Perennial Ryegrass (Control) vs Willow fodder mix with a grass understory.
Daily liveweight (LW) of each animal was recorded by a Beef Monitor Unit: an automatic weigh system. Methane, hydrogen (H2), and carbon dioxide (CO2) production and oxygen (O2) consumption from all animals were measured during the last two weeks of each period using two GreenFeed units. Pellets were offered as bait at 40 g/drop which ensured the cattle were in the unit for 3–5 minutes at each time and allowed access of maximum 5 measurement periods/day.
The average LW of the cattle by Grass and Willow treatment were 507 kg and 513 kg respectively. LWG (kg/d) differed (P < 0.01) by treatment (Grass: 1.04; Willow: 0.72), however, the effect was derived from P2 (LWG for grass vs willow in P1 = 0.76 vs 0.75 kg/d and in P2 = 1.29 vs 0.69 kg/d). CH4 (g/d) production reduced by 27% for the Willow treatment (P < 0.001 ; 236.7 vs 173.5). While CH4/LW (g/kg) reduced by Willow treatment (P < 0.001), CH4/LWG (g/kg) showed no differences between Grass and Willow treatments (0.27 vs 0.30, P = 0.555). CH4-E/GEI reduced by 22% on the Willow vs Grass treatments (6.0 vs 7.70%). H2, CO2 and O2 production (g/d) showed no significant differences between treatments. For more information, visit: Effect of grazing cattle on willow silvopastoral systems on animal performance and methane production – CentAUR
On the Foyle research farm we are continuously running trials and testing research to offer our producers ways to become more sustainable. We believe these should benefit both the farmer and the land, and we invite our producers to see our trials first hand on farm. Our trials include animal health and welfare, soil health and reduction in green house gas emissions.
16 Dec 2024
16 Dec 2024
16 Dec 2024
Visit our Agricultural Requirements page for useful downloads including:
FCI England, FCI Northern Ireland, FCI Republic of Ireland, HP-CIA & High Genetic Sires Recommended List