Effect of Feed Additives (E.G., Seaweed, Essential Oils) on Methane Emissions in Nigerian Dairy Cows
Abstract
The impact of feed additives, specifically seaweed and essential oils, on methane emissions in Nigerian dairy cows is examined in this study. One of the main sources of methane (CH?), a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes greatly to global warming, is enteric fermentation in animals. Finding efficient mitigation techniques is crucial in light of Nigeria's expanding dairy sector and the need to fulfil international climate commitments. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of essential oils (such as extracts from oregano and garlic) and seaweed (Asparagopsis taxiformis) in lowering enteric methane emissions while preserving milk production and animal health. There were 200 Holstein-Friesian crossbred cows in four treatment groups (control, seaweed, essential oils, and combination) as part of a quantitative experimental design. During a 12-week feeding period, productivity and physiological markers were tracked, and methane emission was quantified using the GreenFeed system. The findings showed that cows fed seaweed and essential oil supplements had significantly lower methane emissions than the control group (p < 0.05). Essential oils and seaweed supplements reduced methane by 30% and 45% on average, respectively. When used together, they had synergistic benefits that reduced methane by up to 52%. Strong relationships between feed additive type, dosage, and methane suppression were validated by regression and ANOVA analyses without having a negative impact on milk output or animal welfare. These results are consistent with recent international evidence that bioactive chemicals play a role in mitigating intestinal methane (Kinley et al., 2020; Roque et al., 2021). By measuring additive efficacy, assessing production consequences, and examining relationships between supplementation and emission reduction, the study met all of its research goals. Potential difficulties were also brought to ligh
Keywords
Methane emissionsfeed additivesseaweedessential oilsNigerian dairy cows
References
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