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Genetic Parameters for Methane Emissions of Dairy Cows Predicted Based on Milk Fatty Acids
Milk fatty acid profiles of 1905 first lactation Dutch Holstein Friesian cows were used to predict methane emissions. Genetic variation for predicted methane production was detected, and suggests that the genotype of the cow influences the amount of methane produced by the microorganisms in the rumen. Consequently, average predicted methane emissions of the cow population can be reduced by genetic selection. Herd variation for predicted methane production was also detected, and confirms the effect of the cow’s diet on methane production. Genetic correlations showed that methane emissions predicted with two different equations are genetically similar traits, while methane production predicted with a third equation is genetically different. The use of milk fatty acid profiles to predict methane emissions of dairy cows could be useful for genetic evaluations that require phenotypes for large numbers of animals.
Keywords:
dairy cattle
methane emissions
heritability
genetic correlation
