De Veetelers

sollicitanten

Ruminants such as dairy cows are important contributors to methane emitted into the air, and therefore global warming. Methane (CH4) from enteric microbial fermentation and manure management represent a major part of total CH4 emission. The hydrogen released during enteric fermentation processes is utilized by microorganisms residing in the rumen to produce methane. The produced methane is emitted mainly through burping.

Methane production from dairy cows is influenced by the type of feed. Feeding practices can therefore not only improve a livestock operation’s production efficiency, but also reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the manipulation of ruminal fermentation, direct inhibition of the methanogens and protozoa or by a redirection of hydrogen ions away from the methanogens. Reducing methane emission from dairy cows supports achieving the targets for the Kyoto protocol and reduces energy loss. Carbohydrates such as starch are important energy sources for dairy cows and are therefore targeted for the reduction of methane emission.

The current project focuses on the effect of starch degradability and level in the concentrate on methane emission in lactating dairy cows.
We are looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic MSc students with the ability and interest to work in this project. Students will participate in any of the following experiments.

What will be examined?

• Methane emission from cows (in respiration chambers)
• Volatile fatty acid production pattern in the rumen
• Feed digestibility (in sacco and total digestibility)
• Archaeol and coenzyme F-420 levels in faeces and milk

• Methane emission from faeces

• Open to suggestions

When?
As soon as possible. Experiments will start at the beginning of January, 2012.

Contact
If you are interested, please contact Sabrina Podesta (sabrina.podesta@wur.nl) or Bayissa Hatew (bayissa.chuko@wur.nl).