Changes to feed formulation
Diet formulation influences GHG emissions directly (enteric methane) and indirectly (GHG emissions generated during feed production, GHG emissions generated from manure).
Aim: To reduce methane emissions by modifying dietary formulations
Action on farm:
Working with a nutritionist:
Review current ration
Explore options to reduce enteric methane via known pathways:
Increase starch in the diet by feeding a higher proportion of maize or whole-crop cereal silage, cereal grains in various forms, and various food industry co-products
Increase fat in the diet by feeding high oil feed ingredients, such as oil seeds or oil seed expeller meals, or rumen-inert fats
Increasing feed intake by limiting the inclusion of slowly digested, high-fibre ingredients
Formulate diets for lower CP (likely lower RDP) while maintaining (or improving) metabolisable amino acid supply (offer rumen-protected methionine and lysine to the formulation).
Conduct a wastage assessment
Assess if mixed, fed out and consumed ration matches the recommendation