New Methane Prediction Model for Lactating Dairy Cows in NorFor

Advancing Enteric Methane Estimation

NorFor has developed a new methane prediction model for lactating dairy cows based on Nordic studies and studies from other countries to enhance accuracy in estimating enteric methane production. This improved model provides dairy advisors, nutritionists and farmers a science-based and more precise tool for evaluating and reducing methane emissions at the farm level.

Data

The dataset used to develop and evaluate the new NorFor methane prediction model included 124 treatment means from 41 studies (publication years 2013–2024) across Sweden, Denmark, Norway , and other countries (e.g. the Netherland, Finland, France, Germany). Methane was measured using respiration chambers or GreenFeed. The data covers lactating dairy cows (Holstein, Swedish Red, Norwegian Red) fed preserved forages indoors.

Model

The new NorFor enteric methane equation for lactating cows improves accuracy by incorporating more feed-related parameters than previous Nordic models. Compared to the previous NorFor model (Nielsen et al., 2013), the new NorFor enteric methane equation for lactating dairy cows generally estimates lower methane production, reflecting the latest scientific findings. By refining how different feed related components contribute to methane production, the model provides a more nuanced and realistic assessment of enteric methane emissions.

Practical Use

Dry matter intake is the primary driver for methane production. By including more starch (especially from roughage, e.g. maize silage), concentrate, or fatty acids in the diet, or increasing the organic matter digestibility of the roughage, it is possible to lower the enteric methane production from cows. The new NorFor enteric methane equation for lactating dairy cows captures the effect of all these dietary aspects, giving advisors and farmers a clearer understanding of how feed choices impact enteric methane production.

The model supports better sustainability assessments and methane reduction efforts in dairy farming, underlining NorFor’s commitment to advancing precision feeding and climate-smart dairy production.

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