Effect of Biochar on Enteric Methane Production and Cattle Performance

Authors

Hanna Cronk, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Holly Heil, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Rebecca McDermott, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Mitch Norman, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Andrea Watson, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Date of this Version

2024

Citation

2024 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report

UNL Beef, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Abstract

Methane is a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Because ruminant animals, including cattle, emit methane, strategies are actively being sought to reduce these emissions. Pistachio shell-sourced biochar was included at 0.5% of a finishing cattle diet to determine effects on methane emissions and cattle performance. Eight pens of cattle were rotated through a 2-chambered emissions barn to analyze methane and carbon dioxide produced by the cattle. Biochar tended to increase methane emissions on a g/d basis with no effect on methane emissions as g/lb of feed intake and no differences in carbon dioxide emissions. There were no differences in cattle performance and most carcass characteristics (daily gain, feed intake, feed:gain, hot carcass weight, ribeye area, marbling) between treatments. The control group did have increased 12^th rib fat and yield grade scores compared to the biochar group. Feeding biochar at 0.5% of the diet did not impact enteric methane or cattle performance.