Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Reducing methane emissions from dairy goat production is essential for meeting sustainability targets and consumer expectations. Accurate quantification of enteric methane per unit of feed intake is a prerequisite for developing emission inventories and mitigation strategies. This pilot study developed and validated a methodology for measuring methane emissions from dairy goats using respiration chambers originally designed for cattle. Ten nonlactating Saanen dairy goats (mean ± standard deviation liveweight: 63 ± 9 kg) were group‐housed for 2 days and, then paired and housed in small pens for 9 days to adapt to the diet and environment. They were fed pasture silage ad libitum , supplemented with 200 g of maize grain daily. Four pairs were selected for methane measurements in cattle chambers following a 2‐day acclimation period. Methane emissions were recorded over 48 h at an airflow rate of 756 L/min. The mean methane yield was 22.9 ± 1.4 g/kg dry matter intake, consistent with values reported for sheep and cattle. Power analysis indicated that six pairs per treatment group are required to detect a 10% difference in methane yield with 80% power. These findings establish a validated protocol for using cattle respiration chambers to measure methane emissions from dairy goats.
DOI: 10.1002/jag2.70007
Institution: Bioeconomy Science Institute
Language: English
Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Climate action, Zero hunger
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7128511471