Episode 355 - How Breed (Holstein and Crossbred) Influences Heifer Feed Intake and Emissions- UMN Extension's The Moos Room
Brad shares preliminary results from a University of Minnesota study examining feed intake, methane emissions, and feeding behavior in Holstein and crossbred dairy heifers. Using precision feeders, methane-monitoring equipment, and activity sensors, the research team compared Holsteins with ProCROSS and GrazeCross heifers.
The early findings show that methane production generally increased with feed intake. Smaller GrazeCross heifers consumed less feed and produced less methane and carbon dioxide, while ProCROSS heifers had the highest feed intake. However, methane produced per unit of dry matter intake did not differ significantly among the breed groups.
Brad also discusses how often heifers visited the feed bunk, how much time they spent eating, and what sensor data revealed about rumination and activity. These preliminary results highlight how body size, breed, and feeding behavior may influence heifer management and environmental efficiency.
Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!
Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory
The early findings show that methane production generally increased with feed intake. Smaller GrazeCross heifers consumed less feed and produced less methane and carbon dioxide, while ProCROSS heifers had the highest feed intake. However, methane produced per unit of dry matter intake did not differ significantly among the breed groups.
Brad also discusses how often heifers visited the feed bunk, how much time they spent eating, and what sensor data revealed about rumination and activity. These preliminary results highlight how body size, breed, and feeding behavior may influence heifer management and environmental efficiency.
Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!
Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory
