Research project Accelerated implementation of methane reducing feeding strategies in dairy farming

Complete METHEEN 01/04/2023 → 31/03/2025

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Jonas Vandicke

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General introduction

METHEEN has demonstrated on eight dairy farms that methane-reducing feed measures from the Covenant on Enteric Emissions from Cattle (CEER) are applicable in practice, resulting in greater confidence and support among livestock farmers. The demonstration project focused on accelerating the implementation of these measures so that the reduction targets for methane from ruminants in Flanders remain achievable by 2030. Farmers learned directly from fellow farmers and researchers, which helped to reduce doubts about practical feasibility and economic impact. This was important because, despite scientifically proven methane reduction, there was still a lot of reluctance to implement the measures on dairy farms, even when subsidies were linked to them through the eco-schemes of the Common Agricultural Policy.

Research approach

Eight cattle farms were monitored, each applying one of the methane-reducing measures. Together with the farmers, feasible rations were developed, and through regular farm visits, the farmers were guided during the demo trial. The results are being used to update the ILVO ration tool. A meta-analysis of scientific literature provided insights into the impact of methane-reducing measures on production and nutrient levels. Broad communication through webinars and online fact sheets raised awareness and motivated other cattle farmers to also apply these methane-reducing feed measures on their farms.

Relevance/Valorization

At the start of this project (2023), there was still considerable reluctance among dairy farmers to actually implement the CEER feed measures. Despite the scientifically proven effect of these measures on methane reduction, farmers feared practical and economic feasibility. However, subsidies have recently been linked to the CEER feed measures through the eco-schemes of the CAP. After METHEEN, we hope to convince more Flemish dairy farmers more quickly to implement methane-reducing feed measures on their farms.