Effect of Fermented Total Mixed Rations Differing in Methane Production Potential on Milk Production, Methane Emission, Ruminal Fermentation, Digestibility and Performance of Lactating Dairy Cows in Thailand

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of fermented total mixed rations (FTMR) differing in calculated methane production on in vivo methane emission and performance of lactating dairy cows. Four mid-lactation Holstein-Friesian dairy cows, averaging 424.2±23.0 kg BW and yielding 13.86±7.05 kg/d milk, were used in an experiment based on a 2´2 switch-over design. Two experimental diets, low methane (LM) and high methane (HM), were formulated to differ in methane production potential using Napier silage, rice straw, and concentrate. Intake and digestibility of DM was higher (P 0.05) were observed in methane emissions between the groups. Milk yield and composition were also similar between the groups. It is concluded that the feeding FTMR with low methane-producing potential improved feed intake, digestibility and the ruminal propionate concentration of lactating dairy cows.