Researchers have tested a new type of feed supplement that may help reduce methane emissions while also boosting milk production.

A research team from the University of Florida has studied a feed supplement made from flaxseed and pea protein, aimed at reducing methane emissions from dairy cows. When cows produce methane in their stomachs, they lose valuable energy that could otherwise be used to produce milk, reports Dairy Global.

The American researchers simulated the digestion process of dairy cows in a lab setting to measure how much methane was produced and to examine whether the supplement could have beneficial effects on both methane output and milk production.

The supplement, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and proteins, was found to reduce methane emissions and improve overall digestion.

• It could not only reduce methane emissions but also increase energy levels in the cows, which could potentially lead to increased milk production,” said Antonio Faciola, professor at the University of Florida’s Department of Animal Sciences.

The lab-based results show promising potential. The next step is to conduct further studies on actual dairy cows in fields or barns to see if the real-world effects match those observed in the lab.

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