The mitigation of enteric methane (CH4) from dairy cows has been a global discussion point for more than a decade now, just read over any conference agenda or news publication from that period and it will have been front and centre.
Many at the farm gate are now joining the chorus with Elvis Presley and asking for “a little less conversation” and more action … we agree.
Feedworks has recently launched its enteric methane abatement in dairy aggregation project across Australia.
The certified project revolves around the use of the well-known and proven rumen modifier – Agolin.
Agolin is a proprietary blend of essential oils that tweak the microbiome in the rumen to deliver increased levels of metabolic fuels for lactating dairy cows.
A recently published meta-analysis showed a 4.1 per cent increase in fat and protein corrected milk (additional milk solids), a 9.1 per cent reduction in total enteric methane and a 12.9 per cent reduction in methane/kg DMI (intensity).
Certified by VERRA, the globally recognised non-profit for greenhouse gas reduction programs, dairy businesses utilising this rumen-modifying technology will reap immediate milk solids benefits.
They can also legitimately claim they have reduced their enteric methane emissions by circa 10 per cent, due to their participation in the certified aggregation project.
The Feedworks Methane Abatement Project trades carbon credits in exchange for a reduced price of Agolin, and then sells them to businesses part of the dairy product supply chain.
While there is no government-driven mandate to reduce enteric methane emissions today, many dairy producers want to start the journey of reducing their methane footprint to promote sustainability credentials for the dairy industry.
The great benefit of this project is not only does it provide an opportunity to reduce your footprint, it also “washes its own face” economically.
The cost of participation is only $0.03 per cow daily, or $9.15/cow per annum.
Therefore, at current farm gate milk solids prices, one additional kg MS/cow covers the inclusion cost.
The Feedworks project offers dairy producers a low-risk strategy to commence their enteric methane emissions reduction journey.
For more information, visit https://feedworks.com.au/methane-abatement/