Prediction of enteric methane production, yield, and intensity in dairy cattle using an intercontinental database

Mutian Niu, Ermias Kebreab, Alexander N Hristov, Joonpyo Oh, Claudia Arndt, André Bannink, Ali R Bayat, André F Brito, Tommy Boland, David Casper, Les A Crompton, Jan Dijkstra, Maguy A Eugène, Phil C Garnsworthy, Md Najmul Haque, Anne L F Hellwing, Pekka Huhtanen, Michael Kreuzer, Bjoern Kuhla, Peter LundJørgen Madsen, Cécile Martin, Shelby C McClelland, Mark McGee, Peter J Moate, Stefan Muetzel, Camila Muñoz, Padraig O'Kiely, Nico Peiren, Christopher K Reynolds, Angela Schwarm, Kevin J Shingfield, Tonje M Storlien, Martin R Weisbjerg, David R Yáñez-Ruiz, Zhongtang Yu

    74 Citations (Scopus)
    46 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Enteric methane (CH4) production from cattle contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions. Measurement of enteric CH4is complex, expensive, and impractical at large scales; therefore, models are commonly used to predict CH4production. However, building robust prediction models requires extensive data from animals under different management systems worldwide. The objectives of this study were to (1) collate a global database of enteric CH4production from individual lactating dairy cattle; (2) determine the availability of key variables for predicting enteric CH4production (g/day per cow), yield [g/kg dry matter intake (DMI)], and intensity (g/kg energy corrected milk) and their respective relationships; (3) develop intercontinental and regional models and cross-validate their performance; and (4) assess the trade-off between availability of on-farm inputs and CH4prediction accuracy. The intercontinental database covered Europe (EU), the United States (US), and Australia (AU). A sequential approach was taken by incrementally adding key variables to develop models with increasing complexity. Methane emissions were predicted by fitting linear mixed models. Within model categories, an intercontinental model with the most available independent variables performed best with root mean square prediction error (RMSPE) as a percentage of mean observed value of 16.6%, 14.7%, and 19.8% for intercontinental, EU, and United States regions, respectively. Less complex models requiring only DMI had predictive ability comparable to complex models. Enteric CH4production, yield, and intensity prediction models developed on an intercontinental basis had similar performance across regions, however, intercepts and slopes were different with implications for prediction. Revised CH4emission conversion factors for specific regions are required to improve CH4production estimates in national inventories. In conclusion, information on DMI is required for good prediction, and other factors such as dietary neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration, improve the prediction. For enteric CH4yield and intensity prediction, information on milk yield and composition is required for better estimation.

    Original languageEnglish
    JournalGlobal Change Biology
    Volume247
    Issue number8
    Pages (from-to)3368-3389
    ISSN1354-1013
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Aug 2018

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Prediction of enteric methane production, yield, and intensity in dairy cattle using an intercontinental database'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this