Meta-analysis on the effects of lipid supplementation on methane production in lactating dairy cows

• Published in: Canadian journal of animal science Vol. 88; no. 2; pp. 331 - 334
• Main Authors: Eugene, M, Masse, D, Chiquette, J, Benchaar, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-06-2008
• Subjects: cow feeding; dairy cows; dietary fat; digestible energy; dry matter intake; energy intake; feed supplements; gas production (biological); lactation; literature reviews; meta-analysis; metabolizable energy; methane; milk composition; milk fat percentage; milk yield
• ISSN: 0008-3984; 1918-1825
• DOI: 10.4141/cjas07112

A meta-analysis was conducted to statistically determine the effects of lipid supplementation on methane (CH
4
) production, milk production, and milk composition of lactating dairy cows. For this purpose, a data base was built using seven scientific publications (25 diets) available in the literature and reporting the effects of lipid supplementation on CH
4
production, milk production, and milk composition. Lipid supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) dry matter intake (DMI) by 6.4% compared with control diets, whereas production of milk and 4% FCM and milk composition were not changed (P > 0.05). Lipid supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) CH
4
production by 9%, either expressed as MJ d
-1
or as a percentage of gross energy intake (GEI), digestible energy intake (DEI), or metabolizable energy intake (MEI). This reduction was mainly a consequence of a decreased DMI. Key words: Meta-analysis, lipid supplementation, methane, dairy cows, lactating