Addressing Climate Change: Enhancing Productivity and Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Cattle and Buffalo
Below is the Simple Summary featured in: Provision of High-Quality Molasses Blocks to Improve Productivity and Address Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Smallholder Cattle and Buffalo: Studies from Lao PDR. By Peter Andrew Windsor
“Urgent responses to the climate change crisis are required, with concerns that cattle and buffalo are contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in developing countries where large ruminant production is inefficient. Recent studies in Lao PDR demonstrated that ad libitum supplementation of smallholder large ruminants with high-quality molasses nutrient blocks (MNB, 20 kg) with and without anthelmintics and 8% or 10% urea, provided from Australia (Four Seasons Pty Ltd., Brisbane, Qld, Australia), significantly improved productivity, average daily gains and milk production for MNB-supplemented animals compared to controls. ‘Emissions control molasses blocks (n = 200) were then formulated and distributed to beef farmers (n = 60) and two institutional farms to obtain block consumption rates (156 g/day) and farmer acceptance data. Modelling of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe) intensity using Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Inventory software model V 2.69 of the recently published data on use of molasses nutrient blocks demonstrated a conservative net abatement of 350 kg CO2e over a 200-day feeding period, whereas modelling of the Emissions control molasses blocks identified an abatement of 470 kg CO2e per block consumed. We conclude that provision of high-quality molasses blocks to smallholder large ruminants may achieve impressive productivity gains and inclusion of greenhouse gas reducing agents improves the likely abatement of greenhouse gases during rumen fermentation.”
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in sustainable agriculture practices that reduce the environmental impact of livestock farming. One area that has received attention is cattle feeding. This is a significant source of methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
Using molasses nutrient blocks as an alternative to traditional feed is a sustainable and effective approach.
In the Research Outreach article “Multiple benefits of molasses nutrient blocks for cattle: Helping the fight against climate change” the benefits of molasses block for cattle is discussed as an innovative and sustainable approach to cattle feeding.
Molasses nutrient blocks are made by mixing molasses with a variety of nutrients and minerals that are essential for cattle health, such as protein, minerals, and vitamins. The resulting blocks are a concentrated and balanced source of nutrients that can be consumed by cattle at their own pace. The blocks are easy to transport and store, making them a convenient option for farmers.
One of the main benefits of using molasses nutrient blocks is their impact on cattle health and productivity. The blocks provide a balanced source of nutrients that are easily digestible, which leads to improved weight gain and overall health. This, in turn, leads to economic benefits for farmers as their cattle are more productive and require fewer veterinary interventions.
The use of molasses nutrient blocks has also been shown to reduce methane emissions, which is a significant contributor to climate change. Cattle produce methane during digestion, and traditional feed can exacerbate this problem. However, the nutrients in the blocks improve digestion, reducing the amount of methane released by the cattle.
Another advantage of molasses nutrient blocks is their versatility. They can be used in a variety of feeding systems, including pasture-based and feedlot systems. They are also suitable for different types of cattle, including calves and lactating cows.
The use of molasses nutrient blocks is an innovative and sustainable approach to cattle feeding that benefits both livestock and the environment. By providing a balanced source of nutrients, improving cattle health and productivity, and reducing methane emissions, molasses nutrient blocks are a win-win solution for farmers and the planet. It is no surprise that they are increasingly becoming a popular option for cattle feeders worldwide.
Provision of High-Quality Molasses Blocks to Improve Productivity and Address Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Smallholder Cattle and Buffalo:
The following excerpt is from the Studies from Lao PDR.
Peter Andrew Windsor 1,* and Julian Hill 2
Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia
Ternes Scientific, Upwey, VIC 3158, Australia * Correspondence: peter.windsor@sydney.edu.au
Simple Summary:
Urgent responses to the climate change crisis are required, with concerns that cattle and buffalo are contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in developing countries where large ruminant production is inefficient.
Recent studies in Lao PDR demonstrated that ad libitum supplementation of smallholder large ruminants with high-quality molasses nutrient blocks (MNB, 20 kg) with and without anthelmintics and 8% or 10% urea, provided from Australia (Four Seasons Pty Ltd., Brisbane, Qld, Australia), significantly improved productivity, average daily gains and milk production for MNB-supplemented animals compared to controls. ‘Emissions control molasses blocks (n = 200) were then formulated and distributed to beef farmers (n = 60) and two institutional farms to obtain block consumption rates (156 g/day) and farmer acceptance data. Modelling of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe) intensity using Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Inventory software model V 2.69 of the recently published data on use of molasses nutrient blocks demonstrated a conservative net abatement of 350 kg CO2e over a 200-day feeding period, whereas modelling of the Emissions control molasses blocks identified an abatement of 470 kg CO2e per block consumed.
We conclude that provision of high-quality molasses blocks to smallholder large ruminants may achieve impressive productivity gains and inclusion of greenhouse gas reducing agents improves the likely abatement of greenhouse gases during rumen fermentation.
Carbon neutrality is as much about production as it is about reducing methane output in cattle and sheep. Both go hand in hand, where new additional pasture technologies increase profits alongside improving rumen function and lowering greenhouse gasses (GHG).
Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and Agcotech have formed a partnership alongside The University of Sydney to further develop pasture supplements that deliver new mitigants that directly suppress methane production, whilst improving breeder condition and weaning rates. MLA are also continuing to improve GHG accounting systems to help red meat businesses demonstrate a carbon neutral or low carbon status at farmgate.
Managing Director at MLA, Jason Strong said, “The partnership between Agcotech and the University of Sydney is one example of an investment that aims to bring profitable livestock methane technologies to market through the Emissions Avoidance Partnership (EAP).
“MLA is also leading the Environmental Credentials for Australian Grassfed beef project, in a consortium with World Wildlife Fund-Australia and The University of Queensland. This project is funded through the Federal Governments Landcare Grant program ‘Smart Farming Partnerships’.
“This investment will enable grassfed beef producers to demonstrate their environmental credentials and reduce their emissions to access market opportunities and participate in carbon neutral and low carbon supply chains,” Mr Strong said.
Agcotech Chairman, Charles (Chick) Olsson believes the Australian Red Meat industry is leading the world in all classes of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policy, and this newest collab between MLA, The University of Sydney and Agcotech, will potentially take the red meat industry to a new level on the international playing field.
“Australia has dominated the red meat market with best practice on farm welfare, and now looks forward to repeating performance to achieve CN 30. I fully support this huge goal, and believe with the right motivation, we can shift the red meat industry to even higher levels of production and control methane at the same time to be the envy of the world,” Mr Olsson said.
Agcotech already has two products already released into the Australian market, and one product released into Asia. Various methodologies exist for Australian farmers:
A new energy supplement that intends to meet ‘additionality’, under the existing beef herd methodology method. This method is classified to reduce “’methane intensity’ aiming at increasing liveweight gain during dry seasons, allowing animals to be turned off earlier: also aiming to identify nonperforming breeding cows allowing them to be shipped off the property earlier, all adding up to a reduced carbon footprint and more productive herd.
A direct abatement pasture product that achieves a modest CO2e reduction in methane produced by cattle, mainly for southern regions in Australia (NSW and below), while also improving pasture digestibility. This method will allow graziers to participate in a Voluntary Carbon Market, offsetting their emissions against their footprint to begin a pathway to Carbon neutrality.
It is hoped over the next 4 years, this joint investment in new or existing combinations of methane mitigants combined with patented feedblock technology, will allow higher levels of direct methane mitigation (target 50%), whilst improving production on pastures.”
CN30 is a target for the red meat industry to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions while at the same time doubling the value of red meat sales as the trusted source of the highest quality protein. For more information on CN30, check out MLA’s Sustainability Huband the Sustainability Special Edition of Feedback magazine. For more information on Agcotech, visit Agcotech.
Taken From MLA Australia: https://www.mla.com.au/news-and-events/industry-news/mla-partners-with-agcotech-and-the-university-of-sydney-to-reduce-livestock-methane-output/.Yv8z8wecPvo.mailto
Reducing the incidence of lamb deaths is the aim of every sheep producer.
With prime lamb prices at record levels and demand for all types of sheep nearly inexhaustible, reducing lamb deaths by even 10 per cent will have a significant impact on the bottom line for individual sheep producers, not to mention the gross returns to the industry as a whole.
Ben spoke to Sam about the new nutrition blocks specifically designed for northern Australia’s cattle industry that have been launched, with 5 per cent of sales going to the Isolated Children’s Parent’s Association.
