Sugarcane Extract (Polygain™) Supplementation Reduces Enteric Methane Emission in Dairy Calves
Polygain™ (PG), a polyphenolic extract from sugarcane, has recently been identified as a potential additive to reduce methane (CH<sub>4</sub>) emissions in livestock. This experiment examined the effects of PG on the enteric CH<sub>4</sub> emission from Holstein Friesian wean...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Animals |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/6/781 |
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| Summary: | Polygain™ (PG), a polyphenolic extract from sugarcane, has recently been identified as a potential additive to reduce methane (CH<sub>4</sub>) emissions in livestock. This experiment examined the effects of PG on the enteric CH<sub>4</sub> emission from Holstein Friesian weaned calves. Calves were allocated to annual pasture grazing and received supplementary pellets (200 g/calf/day; Barastoc calf-rearer cubes—Ridley Corporation). The experimental design followed was a completely randomized design (CRD), comprising 24 female calves (4–5 months old) allocated to two equal groups; control (standard pellets) vs. treatment (pellets formulated by adding PG to control pellets to deliver 10 g PG/calf/day). Experimental diets were fed for three months between August and November 2023, including a two-week adaptation period. Calves were weighed at the start and at the end of the study. A GreenFeed (C-Lock Pvt Ltd.) emission monitoring unit (GEM) was used to measure GHG emissions from the experimental calves in their groups in a 2-day rotational cycle. During a visit to the GEM, the calves were encouraged to enter an enclosed area or individual feeding stall where enteric CH<sub>4</sub>, CO<sub>2</sub>, O<sub>2</sub>, H<sub>2</sub>, and H<sub>2</sub>S measurements were taken. The results indicated a significant effect of PG supplementation on enteric methane emission in calves, with a lower production of CH<sub>4</sub> in calves supplemented with PG (26.66 ± 2.06 g/day) as compared to the control group (35.28 ± 1.39 g/day, <i>p</i> < 0.001). The CO<sub>2</sub>/O<sub>2</sub> ratio in the treatment (235 ± 14) and control groups (183 ± 9.6) differed significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Overall, PG supplementation (10 g/calf/day) reduced their average methane emission per day and did not adversely affect the growth and development of experimental calves, confirming its useful anti-methanogenic potential. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-2615 |