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Addition of tannin-containing legumes to native grasslands: effects on enteric methane emissions, nitrogen losses and animal performance of beef cattle.

ABSTRACT.- Extensive cattle production on native grasslands is vital to the sustainability of the South American Pampas, and the inclusion of tannin-containing legumes can increase farm profitability, improve nitrogen (N) use and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study quantified the effec...

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Main Author: ALECRIM, F. (author)
Other Authors: DEVINCENZI, T. (author), REYNO, R. (author), MEDEROS, A. (author), SIMÓN, C. (author), MARIOTTA, J. (author), LATTANZI, F. (author), NÓBREGA, G. N. (author), SANTANDER, D. (author), GERE, J. I. (author), IRIGOYEN, L. (author), CIGANDA, V. (author)
Format: article
Language:English
Published: 2024
Subjects:
Emissions mitigation
Enteric methane
Legume
Nitrogen excretion
SF6 tracer technique
ÁREA DE RECURSOS NATURALES
PRODUCCIÓN Y AMBIENTE - INIA
ÁREA DE PASTURAS Y FORRAJES - INIA
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Climate action - Goal 13
GRASS FORAGE
GRASSLAND
Greenhouse gas
Online Access:https://ainfo.inia.uy/consulta/busca?b=pc&id=64912&biblioteca=vazio&busca=64912&qFacets=64912
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Summary:ABSTRACT.- Extensive cattle production on native grasslands is vital to the sustainability of the South American Pampas, and the inclusion of tannin-containing legumes can increase farm profitability, improve nitrogen (N) use and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study quantified the effects of adding tannin-containing legumes to native grasslands on enteric methane (CH4) emissions, animal performance and N balance in cattle. A crossover design trial was conducted with 22 beef heifers under two treatments: native grassland (NG) and native grassland with the addition of Lotus uliginosus and L. angustissimus (NG+L). The results showed that forage mass disappearance was similar between treatments; however, 54% of the forage disappearance in the NG+L corresponded with legumes, indicating that the heifers in this treatment consumed a better-quality diet. While individual CH4 emissions were similar between treatments, heifers grazing the NG+L showed a higher average daily gain (ADG) and lower emissions intensity than heifers grazing NGs (0.25 vs. 0.58 g CH4/g ADG, p < 0.05). Additionally, they also ingested 20% more N and were more efficient in its utilization. Incorporating tannin-containing legumes into native grasslands can improve animal productivity and N use efficiency while reducing the intensity of enteric CH4 emissions. © 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

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