November 30, 2023

Irish research suggests high-quality grass can lower methane emissions from cattle

Ciaran McDonnell, a researcher with the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), said that a recent study on methane emissions from dairy and beef cattle found that cattle grazing on "high-quality grass" emit lower methane levels, Agriland reported.

McDonnell, who is involved in environmental data analysis with the ICBF, shared these insights at an ABP beef finisher event at the ICBF's Tully Research Centre.

McDonnell emphasised the positive impact of transitioning animals from indoors to grass on reducing methane emissions. He noted a significant drop in methane as animals shift from indoor settings to high-quality grazed grass, particularly in calf-to-beef systems throughout the summer.

Addressing farmers, McDonnell stressed the effectiveness of high-quality grazed grass as a natural feed additive to decrease methane. He expressed confidence that these findings would contribute to obtaining accurate data on methane emissions in Irish dairy and beef systems.

Highlighting the current methane calculation for Irish beef animals and dairy cattle as "not correct," McDonnell explained that the existing model is based on European research rather than the Irish system. While research shows a methane reduction with high-quality grazed grass, the same effect is not observed with silage in the diet.

-      Agriland