TITLE:
An Essential Oil Blend Decreases Methane Emissions and Increases Milk Yield in Dairy Cows
AUTHORS:
Kenton J. Hart, Hefin G. Jones, Kate E. Waddams, Hilary J. Worgan, Beatrice Zweifel, C. Jamie Newbold
KEYWORDS:
Dairy Cows, Essential Oils, Methane, Milk Yield
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Animal Sciences,
Vol.9 No.3,
May
9,
2019
ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to investigate
the effect of a commercial essential oil (EO) additive on milk production and
methane (CH4) emissions from dairy cows. Early lactation
Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were fed grass, whole crop wheat and corn silage
total mixed ration. Cows were allocated to one of two experimental treatments: Control
(no additive, CON) or 1 g/head/day of EO. Cows were housed in a free stall
barn, split into two pens for the duration of the experiment. Two gas data
loggers units used to measure CH4 emissions were provided per pen for
the duration of the 22 week-long study. Milk yield was determined daily, and
milk components were analyzed every two weeks. CH4 was recorded
continuously, and daily values were tabulated. Body weight and body condition
score were determined at the start and bi-weekly. Results were analyzed as a
randomized complete block trial. In total, 149 cows participated in the study
(76 CON, 73 EO). Milk yields were greater (P 0.05) by treatment. Yields of
fat, protein, lactose, and solids were higher for EO fed cows (P 4 output was reduced with the EO compared to the CON treatment (411 g/day vs 438
g/day; 13.8 g/L of milk vs 17.2 g/L of milk, P 4 emissions whilst also increasing performance.