Does Processing of Low-quality Forages Impact Enteric Methane Emissions and Animal Efficiency?

To reduce feed costs Canadian beef cow/calf producers often use lower-quality forage, however these forages can cause palatability, digestibility, and consistent intake challenges. Forage processing can be used to combat these issues as identified in dairy and feedlot cattle who expressed improved performance and health. However, the benefits of forage processing for the cow-calf sector have not been well-established. Forage processing can also improve NDF digestibility and may help lower enteric methane emissions.

Therefore, the objectives of this project are to investigate the use of bale processing technology and its impact on feed intake, feeding behaviour, feed efficiency, and enteric methane emissions in gestating beef cows. To meet these objectives 82 multiparous Angus cows 90 ± 20 days to calving will be fed a ration containing 33% wheat straw, 64% mixed haylage, and 3% supplement pellet, on a DM basis. Cows will be randomly assigned to a dietary treatment of processed straw (PS: ~2-inch) or unprocessed straw (UnS: ~7-inch). Weight, ultrasound (rib fat and rump fat), and BCS will be collected every 28 d. Fecal grab samples and rumen fluid samples will be collected as indicators of digestibility. Feeding behaviour and intake will be measured by automated feed bins and enteric emissions will be collected every 14 d by a Greenfeed trailer (C-lock Inc.). This project aligns with Canada’s goal of reducing methane emissions in the beef sector and could provide producers with a practical solution to reduce their environmental impact while also improving their animal performance on lower-quality forages.