Evaluation of Methane and CO₂ Production in Growing and Finishing Cattle Raised in Conventional or Partial Confinement-based Herds

Authors

L. J. McPhillips, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Z. E. Carlson, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Rick R. Stowell, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
J. C. MacDonald, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Andrew E. Suyker, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2022

Citation

2022 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report

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

Abstract

Methane emissions from growing and finishing calves compared either a spring calving, conventional cow system or a summer calving, partially-confined cow system. Calves weaned from the confinement-based production system were smaller at weaning and compensated with greater gain during the growing phase. More days on feed in the finishing phase were needed for the calves from the confinement system to reach same backfat thickness. Over the entire growing and finishing phases, calves from the confinement-based system produced more total CH₄ and CH₄ per lb. HCW. Production of methane and CO₂ per lb. of gain was lower in calves from the confinement system in the growing phase. During the finishing period, calves from the conventional system had greater daily gain and lower methane per lb. of gain. Cattle consuming finishing diets had less CH₄ per lb. feed intake and feeding growing diets resulted in less CO₂ per animal per day and per lb. feed intake. Differences in GHG emissions were a function of size, feed intake, growth rate and diet composition.