Body weight vs. milk production : identifying the optimal blocking factor of dairy cattle for methane emission eduction

Date

2025

Adviser

Precious Jewel Dela Cruz

Principal

Mabel S. Buela

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the influence of body weight and milk production on methane yield (g CH4

/kg DMI) in dairy cattle. CH4 emissions and daily dry matter intake (DMI) were recorded from 16 Holstein × Jersey dairy cattle subjected to four diets commonly used by Filipino farmers. The experimentation procedure involved three stages: pre-trial (14d), adaptation (14d), and experimental stages (7d). Cows were fed experimental diets and, during the experimental stage, placed in headbox respiration chambers where CH4 emissions were measured using a gas analyzer. Correlation analysis examined the relationships between CH4 yield, milk production, and body weight. The results were used to develop a predictive model based on body weight and milk production. Kruskal-Wallis test showed no statistically significant differences in CH4 yield among blocks based on milk production (p = 0.1681) or body weight (p = 0.5484). However, further analysis showed a moderately strong and positive correlation between milk production and CH4 yield (r = 0.5343, p = 0.0599) while a non-significant correlation between body weight and CH4 yield (r = -0.1250, p = 0.6841), indicating that milk production is a more significant factor in CH4 yield. Meanwhile, the developed predictive model (CH4 yield = 16.1164 + 0.9132 x average milk production) was statistically significant (p = 0.0599) and was able to explain 28.85% of the variations in the methane yield within the dataset. Based on these findings, milk production is recommended as the more appropriate blocking factor in future CH4 emission studies, as it demonstrated a stronger relationship with CH4 yield compared to body weight. These results emphasize the importance of considering other factors like feed composition and rumen function. Additionally, future research should use larger sample sizes, evaluate native cattle breeds, and explore dietary supplements such as seaweed to reduce CH4 emissions.

Language

English

Location

UP Rural High School

Notes

To access this capstone, please contact the UP Rural High School Library at uprhslibrary.uplb@up.edu.ph. You may also visit the library in person, provided you secure prior confirmation from the librarian. We will be happy to assist you.

Document Type

Capstone

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS