Methane Production and Performance of Steers Supplemented with Different Levels of Calcium Nitrate
Methane Production and Performance of Steers Supplemented with Different Levels of Calcium Nitrate
Herrera-Torres Esperanza1, Araiza-Rosales Esther2, Sierra-Franco Daniel3, Ortiz-Robledo Faviola1, Aguirre-Calderón Carlos3, Pámanes-Carrasco Gerardo4*
ABSTRACT
Methane emissions in ruminant livestock significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Various nutritional strategies have been explored to reduce CH4 emissions, one of which involves the use of nitrates. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of calcium nitrates inclusion on enteric methane production and steer performance. Two experiments were conducted: Trial 1 (in vitro assay) assessed methane production and fermentation of three experimental diets containing different levels of calcium nitrate: 0%, 1%, and 2%. Trial 2 (in vivo assay) examined the impact of nitrate on the production performance of steers. Both experiments utilized a completely randomized design. In Trial 1, maximum gas production (Gmax) and methane production decreased by 25% and 43% with the 2% calcium nitrate supplementation respectively compared to the control (P<0.05). In Trial 2, final weight and average daily gain (ADG) increased by 4.8% and 13%, respectively, with T3 compared to the control (P<0.05). A similar 43% reduction in methane production was observed in steers, aligning with the in vitro findings. Calcium nitrate supplementation not only enhanced productive parameters but also reduced enteric methane emissions in steers. Therefore, supplementation with 2% calcium nitrate in cattle presents a viable strategy for decreasing methane emissions without negatively impacting animal productivity.
Keywords | Methane, Productive parameters, Gas production, Nitrate, Silage, Nitrogen
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