Measuring Methane Production from Ruminants

The world's livestock sector is amidst a major transformation, fuelled by high demand for meat and milk, which is likely to double over the next two decades in developing countries. The major driving force behind this demand for livestock products is a combination of population growth, urbanization and income growth, especially in developing countries. The challenge is to enhance animal productivity without adversely affecting the environment. A key to this is reducing methane emissions from ruminants. The major limitation to ruminant production in many tropical regions of Africa, Asia and Latin America, where a large proportion of the global ruminant population is located, is poor nutrition. The productivity of animals is restricted by the low nitrogen and high fibre content of the native grasses and crop residues, which form the basis of the diets in these regions. Animals on these types of diets emit more methane than animals fed better quality temperate forages. These methane emissions represent a loss of digestible energy to the animal (up to 15%) as well as a threat to the environment. Reducing methane production by ruminants could improve their productivity, provided the efficiency of ruminal metabolism is not compromised, and reduce their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. The challenge is to devise nutritional strategies and identify dietary components, particularly from locally available plant resources, that reduce methane emissions.

No other similar manual available Written by authorities in the field Gives comprehensive account of the methodologies and protocols for measuring methane The techniques can be adapted to other systems needing methane measurement, such as biogas plants, manure storage and application processes, sludge fermentation plants etc.

Klappentext

This book gives a comprehensive and unique account of the methodologies for measuring methane from in vitro fermentation systems, and from stall-fed and grazing animals. The methods and protocols have been presented in simple format for direct practical use. This book will equip the readers to measure and monitor methane emissions accurately and to meet the challenge of improving productivity from ruminants without damaging the environment.

Inhalt
Analysis of Methane.- Measuring Methane Emission of Ruminants by In Vitro and In Vivo Techniques.- The SF6 Tracer Technique: Methane Measurement From Ruminants.- Estimation of Ruminal Methane Production From Measurement of Volatile Fatty Acid Production.- Measurement of Methane Production Rate In the Rumen Using Isotopic Tracers.- Measurement of Methane from Grazing Animals - the Tunnel Method.- A Protocol for the Operation of Open-Circuit Chambers for Measuring Methane Output in Sheep.- Construction and Operation of Ventilated Hood-Type Respiration Calorimeters for In Vivo Measurement of Methane Production and Energy Partition in Ruminants.