Cattle are being fed a new diet in Britain to reduce their burping and cut methane emissions, as part of Dairy UK's campaign to boost the dairy industry's green credentials.
Methane from the dairy herd is estimated to contribute 1% of the UK's total greenhouse emissions but, following trials in Wales for this new diet, milk yields were boosted by up to four litres each day, with methane emissions reduced by 20%.
CO2 emissions could be lowered by 1.6million tonnes each year if every UK dairy farm adopted the new diet, which is a relatively small portion of chopped straw and hay, mixed with silage, wheat, maize, soya or sugar beet, to encourage the cows to eat it.
The cattle are being fed a new diet as part of Dairy UK's campaign to boost the dairy industry's green credentials.
To comment on this article, use the comment box below, or email us at clonews@ipcmedia.com. Read more about the countryside.
-
A well-connected rural playground with 23 acres on the edge of the South Downs National ParkOld House Farm is an impressive family home with a wealth of amenities that would inspire any rural passion.
-
The UK gets its first ‘European stork village’ — and it's in West SussexAlthough the mortality rate among white storks can be up to 90%, the future looks rosy for breeding pairs in southern England.
