Mitigating methane production in the dairy cow’s rumen

Methane production in the rumen often inhibits normal rumen fermentation and results in loss of dietary energy that could otherwise be used for productive purposes. In lactating cows, a 20% reduction in methane emissions represents the same amount of energy needed to synthesise 0.6 kg/d of milk. In terms of animal health, the accumulation of methane with other gases in the rumen results in cows being ill with bloat, leading to respiratory distress. This article considers feeding strategies that