Urinary and fecal potassium excretion prediction in dairy cattle: A meta-analytic approach.

Quantification of potassium (K) excretion in dairy cattle is important to understand the environmental impact of dairy farming. To improve and monitor the environmental impact of dairy cows, there is a need for a simple, inexpensive, and less laborious method to quantify K excretion on dairy farms. The adoption of empirical mathematical models has been shown to be a promising tool to address this issue.

Predicting orthophosphate in feces and manure from dairy cattle.

Dairy cattle excreta are a valuable source of orthophosphate (Ortho-P), an inorganic form of phosphorus (P) that is readily available for microorganisms, plant growth, and development. There is, however, a growing environmental concern about the potential negative environmental impact of excessive amounts of Ortho-P excretion, which can lead to the eutrophication of water bodies. As a result, the development of mathematical equations to quantify and manage Ortho-P excretion on dairy farms could prove valuable for environmental sustainability.

Enteric Methane Emissions Prediction in Dairy Cattle and Effects of Monensin on Methane Emissions: A Meta-Analysis.

Greenhouse gas emissions, such as enteric methane (CH) from ruminant livestock, have been linked to global warming. Thus, easily applicable CH management strategies, including the inclusion of dietary additives, should be in place. The objectives of the current study were to: (i) compile a database of animal records that supplemented monensin and investigate the effect of monensin on CH emissions; (ii) identify the principal dietary, animal, and lactation performance input variables that predict enteric CH production (g/d) and yield (g/kg of dry matter intake DMI); (iii) develop empirical models that predict CH production and yield in dairy cattle; and (iv) evaluate the newly developed models and published models in the literature.