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According to research published on the portal, introducing protein in a protected form (not broken down in the rumen) into the diet of dairy cows can improve nutrient digestion, reduce excessive rumen fermentation and minimize gas production (including methane). Thanks to this, the dairy industry has the potential to make a significant contribution to reducing emissions of one of the greenhouse gases.
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The above thesis was drawn from comprehensive research conducted by Spanish researchers from the Blanca From the Pyrenees center. The analysis included 250 Holstein cows divided into four groups, one of which was a control group, while three received a protected protein concentrate derived from rapeseed or one of two preparations produced on the basis of soybeans. Over a period of 42 days, milk yield, fatty acid profile, feed digestibility and methane emissions were meticulously monitored.
More milk and a better fatty acid profile
The results showed a positive effect of using protected protein on lactation performance. This was particularly true for the rapeseed protein-based product, which increased milk production by 2.8 kg. In the case of soy protein-based products, this increase ranged from 0.6 to 0.9 kilograms.
The use of protein in a protected form also had a positive effect on the fatty acid profile of milk: the increase in the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids desired by humans ranged from 11 to 45 percent.
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Reducing methane emissions
The study showed that the use of protected protein from rapeseed reduces methane emissions (expressed in litres per kilogram of milk produced) by 10.4%. A slightly smaller reduction is noted in the case of preparations based on soybeans (approx. 5.5%).
Calculated per unit of feed used, one tonne of rapeseed-based preparation reduces methane emissions by 629 kilograms, while the same amount of soy protein products reduces methane emissions by 476 kilograms.
Sustainable production in every respect
As the authors of the study write in their summary, nutritional strategies that include protein in a protected form create great prospects for reducing methane emissions from milk production, while simultaneously increasing animal productivity. Experts see particularly great potential in rapeseed protein, which is not only more effective than soy, but also more environmentally sustainable. Rapeseed cultivation in Europe does not involve costly and energy-intensive transport of the raw material from other continents, nor deforestation of land for cultivation.
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Source : Dairy Global
