Methane (CH4) emissions from livestock contribute significantly to Swiss greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast to intensive cattle farms, grassland-based farms have only been marginally researched in this respect. This research has shown that CH4 emissions can differ between different pasture. Differences are based on variability in forage intake, as well as nutrient and secondary plant compounds (e.g. polyphenols and tannins) content. Greenhouse gas inventories are usually based on estimates representative for the valley zone, a data basis for summering farms is missing. The aim of this project is to investigate the CH4 formation potential of various summering pastures in connection with the Alpine and Mountain Farming Research Station led by Agroscope.
To investigate the CH4 formation potential, plant samples of different alpine pastures with very different botanical composition are taken twice a year for two years in several representative alpine areas. These will be analysed with an in vitro method for CH4 formation potential, digestibility, and basic nutrient and polyphenol content. Thus, the variability of CH4 formation potential on summer pastures can be evaluated and correlations with botanical composition, as well as nutrient and tannin contents can be investigated. The results can be used to estimate greenhouse gas emissions from cattle on summering farms in a differentiated manner.
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