Some Aspects of Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions on Dairy Farms to Mitigate Climate Change – An Overview

Abstract Climate change is the greatest threat to humanity this century. The impact of dairy cows on climate change is currently being intensively discussed. There are several ways to reduce methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions on dairy farms. The aim of this study was to present some aspects of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in dairy farms to mitigate climate change. It has been found that methane emissions from dairy farms could be reduced by using feed additives such as the addition of oilseeds, various oil blends, seaweed, rapeseed cake, grape pomace, increasing the proportion of grains or changing the feed ratio between rough feed and concentrates. Another important tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions is extending the useful life of dairy cows. T he longer the useful life of dairy cows, the fewer animals must be kept as replacements, the lower the feed requirements and the lower the greenhouse gas emissions. Mastitis is a major problem on dairy farms worldwide and many cows do not recover after treatment. This means that many cows must be culled between the first and third lactation. It is noteworthy that the longevity of dairy cows milked with a suitable milking machine such as the “MultiLactor” (Siliconform, Germany) was higher. However, the right milking machine for dairy cows is of great importance on the farm as it ensures a healthy udder and a longer lifespan of the cow, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, technological improvements in herd management and productivity can help reduce methane emissions. A notable, computational methods offer the potential to reduce methane production in dairy cows. This approach is based on molecular dynamics techniques that can be used to develop inhibitors of methane production. In conclusion, it is important to make dairy farms as climate-friendly as possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to take this into account when designing feeding management, milking technology, animal husbandry and computational methods.