Less Methane and More Milk at a working Australian Dairy Farm
Summary
The trial was conducted on a commercial dairy farm in Gippsland, Australia
Tracked 31 cows before and after supplementation with Polygain
Methane reduced by 35%
Milk production increased by 2L (+8%)
Somatic Cell Count halved, indicating an improvement in udder health
La Trobe University supervised the trial, which was published in Animals
Please complete the form here to request a copy of this journal article.
Background
Enteric methane is a significant contributor to climate change. It is produced by microorganisms in the digestive systems of ruminant animals. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and it is estimated that ruminant animals account for about 15% of global methane emissions. As such, strategies to mitigate CH4 emissions from dairy cows are crucial for reducing their environmental impact.
Polygain demonstrated a reduction in methane using standard laboratory tests (see here). Polygain is approved by the APVMA (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority), so we could trial our product at a working Australian dairy farm.
Trial Design
Three weeks of baseline measurements were recorded, followed by a 3-week intervention with Polygain for half of the cows. All animals were monitored for milk yield, enteric methane production, and Somatic Cell Count. Polygain was added to the concentrate ration offered to cows whilst milking.
Set up of feed bin showing two methane meter and a Polyain dosing pipe
Results
Increased Milk Yield
Milk production increased by an average of 2 litres per day, directly translating into increased profitability for dairy farms.
Weekly milk yield
Reduced Methane Emissions
Methane emissions were reduced by 35%, contributing to a smaller environmental footprint for dairy operations.
Mean daily methane concentration during the baseline collection phase (week 1–3, before Polygain™) and during the following 3-week intervention period (week 4–6, After Polygain™).
Improved Udder Health
Somatic Cell Count halved, indicating improved udder health and reduced risk of mastitis, a common and costly infection that can affect milk quality and production.
Somatic Cell Count
These results are an excerpt from a published journal article:
Ahmed, A.; Flavel, M.; Mitchell, S.; Macnab, G.; Dunuarachchige, M.D.; Desai, A.; Jois, M. ‘Increased Milk Yield and Reduced Enteric Methane Concentration on a Commercial Dairy Farm Associated with Dietary Inclusion of Sugarcane Extract (Saccharum officinarum)’. Animals 2023, 13, 3300. Please complete the form here to request a copy of this journal article.
These summaries are a brief outline of the research activities we have undertaken. For further information or to learn more about our products, please get in contact.