Dairy Cow Methane Production Measurements
Luke conducts gas measurement studies in the Jokioinen research farm in Jokioinen. In the methane production experiments, cows are fed different feeds and the methane and other greenhouse gases they produce are measured. By analysing the effects of different ingredients, the customer can design an optimal feed mix that produces the lowest possible emissions from cows.
Customer benefits
The universal benefit of reducing methane production is its impact on slowing down climate change. This benefits the whole planet and humankind. In addition, there are two major customer benefits to be outlined:
- It would be expensive and resource-consuming for customers to carry out the emission trials themselves, including the construction of respiratory chambers, acquire breath analysis instrumentation, employing skilled staff to perform the measurement tests and analyzing the obtained results.
- Luke has the state of art infrastructure for these tasks and is a scientifically qualified partner to perform the tests in a trustworthy yet cost-effective manner.
Services
Luke can perform the needed tests in Jokioinen research farm, Finland where the respiratory chambers and breath analysis instruments are located. Effect of various ingredients and additives on animal performance, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy metabolism can be carefully studied. Measurements can include:
- Feed intake
- Milk production
- Faecal and urine excretion
- Rumen fermentation
- Microbial ecology
- Oxygen consumption
- Carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrogen production
In addition to performing the measurements, Luke’s professionals can provide expert consultation and recommendations. They have strong domain knowledge, which enables them to tailor the analyses to always meet the customers’ needs.
Application areas
By analyzing the impact of various ingredients, the customer can formulate optimum feed mixtures producing as little enteric methane emissions as possible. Feed production is the first link in a long chain. The composition of feed has a major impact on milk production and greenhouse gas emissions and thus affects the carbon footprint of all food production.
Why Luke?
Luke is a very trustworthy operational partner by virtue of the high-quality and state of the art infrastructure combined with qualified professionals and operate. Partnering with Luke and its research barn is a worthwhile decision. The quality of performance and Luke’s attitude has already convinced many feed and feed supplement producers as well as other companies working in cattle industry, both from Finland and abroad, to start the co-operation.
The research carried out in Luke’s research dairy barn produces valuable information for sustainable dairy production taking into account economic and environmental aspects as well as animal nutrition and welfare in order to produce high quality animal products. Watch the video for more information.
