The effect of ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) on enteric methane emission during grazing

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference paperAcademic

Abstract

Herb-rich grasslands are of increasing interest due to their potential properties for reducing enteric methane (CH4) emission and increasing biodiversity. The objective of this study was to compare enteric CH4 emission of cows grazing on perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne, LP) pastures with and without ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata, PL). Thirty-two dairy cows were blocked and assigned to one of the treatments: LP and LP with PL (LP-PL) in Duplo on adjacent pastures that received the same grassland management. Cows were continuously grazing for four weeks per period: two weeks of adaptation and two weeks of measurement period. The trial was repeated three times in 2022: May-Jun (period 1), Jul-Aug (period 2) and Sept-Oct (period 3). Enteric CH4 emission was measured using GreenFeed. A restricted maximum likelihood (REML) analysis was done with pasture and botanical composition (LP / LP-PL) as fixed effects and block as random effect. The CH4 production and yield was significantly higher for LP-PL compared to LP (P<0.001 and P=0.046, respectively). This study did not show a CH4 reduction potential of PL, but that may be due to the low proportion of PL in the pasture and the possibility for cows to select while grazing.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWhy grasslands?
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the 30th General Meeting of the European Grassland Federation Leeuwarden, the Netherlands 9-13 June 2024
EditorsC.W. Klootwijk, M. Bruinenberg, M. Cougnon, N.J. Hoekstra, R. Ripoll-Bosch, S. Schelfhout, R.L.M. Schils, T. Vanden Nest, N. van Eekeren, W. Voskamp-Harkema, A. van den Pol-van Dasselaar
Place of PublicationLeiden
PublisherBrill
Pages214-216
ISBN (Electronic)9789090384948
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Event30th General Meeting of the European Grassland Federation (EGF2024): Why grasslands? - Leeuwarden, Netherlands
Duration: 9 Jun 202413 Jun 2024

Publication series

NameGrassland Science in Europe
Volume29

Conference

Conference30th General Meeting of the European Grassland Federation (EGF2024)
Country/TerritoryNetherlands
CityLeeuwarden
Period9/06/2413/06/24

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