Additive composition for reducing methane emission of cows in lactation period and increasing milk yield as well as preparation and application of additive composition
By adding a combination of unsaturated fatty acids, saponins, B vitamins, and 2-hydroxysuccinic acid to dairy cow feed, the rumen microenvironment of dairy cows can be regulated, solving the problems of reducing methane emissions and increasing milk production, thus achieving green and efficient farming.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511330946.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-17
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies are insufficient to effectively reduce methane emissions from dairy cows without affecting milk production, and the cost of using existing substances is high. Research is mainly focused on in vitro studies with limited effectiveness.
A combination of unsaturated fatty acids, saponins, B vitamins, 2-hydroxysuccinic acid, and active yeast is used as an additive to regulate the rumen microenvironment, reduce methane emissions, and increase milk production when fed to dairy cows.
It significantly reduces methane emissions from lactating dairy cows, improves energy utilization and milk production, lowers breeding costs, and promotes the green and efficient development of the dairy farming industry.
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of dairy cow production. More specifically, it relates to an additive composition that reduces methane emissions from lactating dairy cows and increases milk yield, as well as its preparation and application. Background Technology
[0002] A major factor contributing to global warming is the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), which all contribute to global warming by absorbing and storing heat. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the energy sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 73.2% of global emissions, with the electricity and heating sector accounting for 42%. Agricultural activities, such as livestock farming and rice cultivation, are significant sources of methane and nitrous oxide, accounting for 17% of global emissions. Industrial processes such as cement production and chemical manufacturing account for approximately 20% of global CO2 emissions. Furthermore, waste treatment and landfills generate about 3% of methane emissions. These emission sources interact and collectively drive climate change. As mentioned above, agricultural activities account for 17% of methane emissions, with livestock farming itself contributing 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, a large portion of which comes from methane emitted by cattle through flatulence and burping. Ruminants like cattle produce methane during digestion, primarily due to anaerobic fermentation by microorganisms in their stomachs, especially the rumen, as they break down cellulose and other carbohydrates. One of the byproducts of this biochemical reaction is methane, which is released into the atmosphere through burping and flatulence.
[0003] Methane emissions vary depending on animal species, feed type, and farming methods. For example, each dairy cow emits approximately 250-500 liters of methane per day, accounting for about 20% of total methane emissions from ruminants. To reduce these emissions, adjustments to feed composition and improvements in farming practices can slow methane production, thereby mitigating the impact of livestock farming on global warming.
[0004] Currently, the main effective substance for reducing methane emissions in dairy cows is trinitropropanol ((3-NOP)) ("Study on the combined effect of trinitropropanol and vitamin B12 or fumaric acid in synergistic regulation of rumen propionic acid and methane production in dairy cows", Liu Zihao, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 2022-06-01). This substance was developed by the Dutch company DSM to reduce intestinal methane emissions in dairy and beef cattle. This substance can reduce intestinal methane emissions in dairy and beef cattle by about 20-25%, but it does not increase milk production per cow or improve weight gain efficiency in beef cattle, and its use cost is high. Domestic research largely focuses on studies of individual substances, such as Aspergillus niger ("The Effects of Adding Different Levels of Aspergillus niger on In Vitro Fermentation Parameters, Methane Emissions and Microbial Community in the Rumen of Dairy Bovines", Li Ruonan1, Wang Haotian1, Li Heping1, Liu Zhiyong2, Liu Yang1, Zhong Kai1, China Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, 2025, 52(02).), and the synergistic effect of trinitropropanol with vitamin B12 or fumaric acid ("Study on the Combined Effect of Trinitropropanol with Vitamin B12 or Fumaric Acid in Regulating Propionic Acid and Methane Generation in the Rumen of Dairy Bovines", Liu Zihao, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 2022-06-0). 1) Studies on flaxseed oil ("The Effects of Flaxseed Oil on Rumen Fermentation, Biohydrogenation and Methane Emissions", Agricultural Science and Technology, 2022, No. 01.) and xylo-oligosaccharides and complex enzymes on methane emissions in the gastrointestinal tract of dairy cows ("Study on the Regulation of Lactation Performance and Methane Emissions in Dairy Cows by Xylo-oligosaccharides and Complex Enzymes", Zhao Lei, Ningxia University, 2023, No. 02.) mainly focus on in vitro studies, with very few studies on substantive applications. Moreover, these substances can only reduce methane emissions by 0-15% and do not help increase milk production in dairy cows.
[0005] With the advocacy of low-carbon and green development in my country, efficient and green development has become an urgent bottleneck to overcome in the development of my country's animal husbandry industry. Among them, methane emissions are the largest in the dairy farming sector, and it is urgent to overcome this bottleneck and find effective products to solve the low-carbon challenges faced by my country's dairy farming industry, and to find new paths to promote the green, low-carbon and efficient development of my country's dairy industry. Summary of the Invention
[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the main objective of this invention is to provide an additive composition that reduces methane emissions from lactating dairy cows while simultaneously increasing milk production, thereby achieving green and efficient development of dairy farming in my country.
[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for preparing an additive composition that reduces methane emissions from lactating dairy cows and simultaneously increases milk production.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide the use of the above-described additive composition in the preparation of products that reduce methane emissions from lactating dairy cows and increase milk production.
[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0010] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an additive composition for reducing methane emissions from lactating dairy cows and increasing milk production, the additive composition comprising the following components in parts by weight: 100-200 parts of unsaturated fatty acids, 0-25 parts of saponins, 0.5-1 part of B vitamins, 50-100 parts of 2-hydroxysuccinic acid, and 0-10 parts of active yeast.
[0011] The unsaturated fatty acids contain more than 50% ω-3 fatty acids.
[0012] It should be noted that the milk production of this invention is measured by the milk yield per cow, which refers to the milk production of a single cow within a certain period (usually one year or one lactation period), reflecting the production efficiency of an individual cow.
[0013] In the additive composition formulation of the present invention, each component has the following effects:
[0014] Unsaturated fatty acids (with an ω-3 fatty acid content greater than 50%) contain unsaturated bonds, which can absorb hydrogen atoms from products of rumen metabolism, thereby reducing the production of methane in the rumen. At the same time, unsaturated fats can be used as energy to increase milk production in dairy cows. In addition, unsaturated fatty acids (with an ω-3 fatty acid content greater than 50%) have anti-inflammatory effects, improve gut health in dairy cows, and further improve production levels.
[0015] Saponins (chemical name: bisacrylic acid, trade name: Isopolyphenols) mainly have anti-inflammatory effects and improve health. In addition, they can lower cholesterol, improve fat utilization, promote fat metabolism, and promote fiber metabolism, further improving fiber digestibility, thereby further reducing methane emissions, increasing feed intake, and promoting yield per unit area.
[0016] B vitamins include vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, niacin, pantothenic acid, and folic acid. They primarily improve rumen stability, while also promoting metabolism, fat metabolism, and nutrient utilization, thus improving the health of cattle.
[0017] 2-Hydroxybutyric acid improves the tricarboxylic acid cycle, promotes energy metabolism, enhances energy utilization efficiency, and thus controls methane emissions.
[0018] Adding active yeast to this invention can promote metabolism, enhance microbial activity, and improve the efficiency of energy and protein metabolism; at the same time, it can improve the overall circulation of the body and improve production levels.
[0019] Secondly, the present invention provides a method for preparing an additive composition that reduces methane emissions from lactating dairy cows and increases milk production. The preparation method includes mixing unsaturated fatty acids, saponins, B vitamins, 2-hydroxysuccinic acid, and active yeast in a formula ratio.
[0020] Thirdly, the present invention provides the application of the above-mentioned additive composition for reducing methane emissions and increasing milk production in lactating cows in the preparation of products that reduce methane emissions and increase milk production in lactating cows.
[0021] The product is animal feed.
[0022] The additive composition of the present invention, when fed to lactating dairy cows at the following dosage per cow per day: 0.15-0.35 kg / d for at least one month, can significantly reduce methane emissions from lactating dairy cows and increase milk yield per cow.
[0023] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:
[0024] The additive composition of this invention can effectively reduce methane emissions from the intestines of lactating dairy cows, improve energy utilization, and increase milk production, thereby achieving green and efficient dairy farming. Because the additive composition of this invention not only enables low-carbon dairy farming but also increases milk production per cow, it effectively increases ranch revenue, extends the biological and economic value of dairy cows, and further promotes the development of my country's dairy farming industry. Detailed Implementation
[0025] To more clearly illustrate the present invention, the following description, in conjunction with preferred embodiments, further clarifies the invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the specific descriptions below are illustrative rather than restrictive and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the reagents involved in the embodiments of the present invention are all commercially available products and can be purchased through commercial channels.
[0026] Unsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 fatty acid content greater than 50%) were purchased from Haisifu Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
[0027] Saponins (chemical name: nitric acid, trade name: Isopolyphenols) were purchased from Jia Yi Jia Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
[0028] B vitamins were purchased from Shengda Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
[0029] 2-Hydroxysuccinic acid was purchased from Changmao Biochemical Engineering Co., Ltd.
[0030] Example 1: In vitro screening experiment
[0031] Holstein cattle with rumen fistulas were selected. Two hours after morning feeding, 1 kg of rumen fluid was collected as a culture substrate. Saponins, unsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 fatty acid content greater than 50%), and 2-hydroxysuccinic acid were added to conduct individual experiments (the group with the above substances was the experimental group, and the group without the above substances was the control group). In vitro fermentation technology was used, and fermentation was carried out for 24 hours. Various indicators were measured. Each treatment point was replicated in 3 times. The experimental results are shown in Tables 1-3.
[0032] Specific method: After collecting rumen fluid, it was placed in a preheated 39°C thermos flask with CO2 purging and brought back to the laboratory. Then, after filtering through four layers of gauze, it was quickly dispensed into CO2-purging incubator flasks, with 40 ml of rumen fluid in each flask. 80 ml of culture medium was added to each flask (the culture medium was prepared by adding 0.12 ml of trace element solution, 237 ml of buffer solution, 237 ml of macro element solution, and 1.22 ml of human azurite solution to 474 ml of distilled water, preheating to 39°C in a water bath, and purging with carbon dioxide until saturated. When the mixture changed from dark blue to light pink, reducing solution was added and mixed until the mixture turned light yellow or colorless). The mixture was preheated to 39°C and CO2 purged before the experiment. Then, the culture flask was placed in a constant temperature water bath shaker, the shaker temperature was set to 39℃, the shaking speed was 50 times / min, and after 24 hours, the gas production, rumen pH value and methane production percentage were recorded, and finally the optimal addition amount was screened.
[0033] Table 1. Production of added saponins and methane
[0034] Added amount (g) 0 15 25 35 45 rumen 24-hour pH 6.19 6.21 6.23 6.19 6.23 Maximum gas production (ml) 130 129.2 136.9 125.9 126.1 methane production percentage 8.94 8.56 8.4 8.98 9.28 Methane reduction rate % -4.25 -12.18 0.45 3.34
[0035] As shown in Table 1, in the in vitro experiments, after adding saponins alone, methane production gradually decreased with increasing saponin dosage. The lowest methane production was observed when the added saponin dosage was 25g, with rumen pH and gas production at their optimal levels. However, further increases in saponin dosage led to an increase in methane production, indicating the need to control the added saponin dosage below 25g. Furthermore, Table 1 shows that saponins can reduce methane emissions by 4.25%–12.18%.
[0036] The reduction rate of methane emissions % = (methane production in the experimental group - methane production in the control group (0 addition group)) / control group.
[0037] Table 2. Methane production from the addition of unsaturated fatty acids
[0038] Added amount (g) 0 50 100 150 200 rumen 24-hour pH 6.45 6.48 6.49 6.5 6.46 Maximum gas production (ml) 178.38 175.75 177.75 172.75 170.75 methane production percentage 14.12 13.99 12.4 12.84 12.16 Methane reduction rate % -0.92 -12.18 -9.07 -13.88
[0039] As shown in Table 2, in the in vitro experiments, the methane production was lowest when 200g of unsaturated fatty acids were added alone, while rumen pH and gas production were at their relatively optimal levels. Furthermore, Table 2 also shows that unsaturated fatty acids reduced methane emissions by 0.92-13.88%.
[0040] Table 3. Production of 2-hydroxysuccinic acid methane
[0041] Added amount (g) 0 50 100 150 200 rumen 24-hour pH 6.41 6.45 6.47 6.45 6.42 Maximum gas production (ml) 140.2 142.5 139.4 143.5 142.3 methane production percentage 10.1 9.3 8.2 9.5 9.8 Methane reduction rate % -7.92 -18.81 -5.94 -2.97
[0042] As shown in Table 3, in the in vitro experiments, after adding 2-hydroxysuccinic acid alone, methane production gradually decreased with increasing 2-hydroxysuccinic acid concentration. The lowest methane production was observed when the amount of 2-hydroxysuccinic acid added was 100g, with rumen pH and gas production at their optimal levels. However, further increases in the amount of 2-hydroxysuccinic acid led to an increase in methane production, indicating that the amount of 2-hydroxysuccinic acid added should be kept below 100g. Furthermore, Table 3 shows that 2-hydroxysuccinic acid can reduce methane emissions by 2.97%–18.81%.
[0043] Example 2, Feeding Trial
[0044] Based on the in vitro screening results of Example 1, the functional substances were further compounded and a feeding trial was conducted on a ranch in Hohhot. Holstein dairy cows in their second parity, with similar milk yield and lactation days, were selected for the feeding trial from April to September 2024. Simultaneously, Greenfeed, a dedicated methane detection device, was used to monitor methane emissions from each group of cows monthly. This trial focused on observing changes in feed intake, milk yield, milk fat percentage, milk protein percentage, and methane production to ultimately verify the reliability of the experiment.
[0045] As shown in Table 4, this experiment divided second-parity cows in the farm into 5 experimental groups and 1 control group. Cows with consistent baseline characteristics were selected for the experiment. All experimental and control groups received the same TMR diet. The focus was on verifying the actual effects of different additive combinations fed to different groups (see Table 5). In addition, the cost of the added functional substances for each group was recorded (see Table 6). Changes in feed intake, milk yield, milk fat percentage, milk protein percentage, and methane production were closely monitored (see Tables 7 and 8).
[0046] Table 4. Information on experimental animals
[0047] control group Experimental group 1 Experimental group 2 Experimental group 3 Experimental group 4 Experimental group 5 parity 2 2 2 2 2 2 Days of lactation (d) 31 36 41 31 46 44 Average yield per unit area (kg) before the trial 39.75 39.73 39.78 39.88 39.79 39.82 Number of experimental animals (heads) 105 105 104 102 105 103
[0048] Table 5 Test Plan
[0049] control group Experimental group 1 Experimental group 2 Experimental group 3 Experimental group 4 Experimental group 5 Saponins (g) / 0 27 0 20 25 Unsaturated fatty acids (g) / 98 203 100 150 200 2-Hydroxybutanoic acid (g) / 49 103 50 60 100 B vitamins (g) / 0.3 1.1 0.5 0.7 1 Active yeast (g) / 0 11 0 5 10 total / 147.3 345.1 150.5 235.7 336
[0050] Table 6 Costs of Each Option
[0051] Unit price (yuan / gram) Experiment 1 Experiment 2 Experiment 3 Experiment 4 Experiment 5 Saponins (unit) 0.032 0.00 0.86 0.00 0.64 0.80 Unsaturated fatty acids (yuan) 0.015 1.47 3.05 1.50 2.25 3.00 2-Hydroxybutanoic acid (unit) 0.024 1.18 2.47 1.20 1.44 2.40 B vitamins (yuan) 0.092 0.03 0.10 0.05 0.06 0.09 Active yeast (RMB) 0.050 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.25 0.50 Total (RMB) 2.67 6.48 2.75 4.64 6.79
[0052] Note: Cost calculation: Multiply the corresponding raw material addition amount in Table 5 by the unit price column in Table 6 to obtain the raw material price for each scheme, and finally sum them up.
[0053] Table 7 shows the methane levels, milk yield per cow, milk fat percentage, milk protein percentage, and feed intake of each group before the experiment.
[0054] control group Experimental group 1 Experimental group 2 Experimental group 3 Experimental group 4 Experimental group 5 methane g / d 272.9 279.4 380.4 311.4 318.9 322.8 Average yield per unit area (kg) before the trial 39.75 39.73 39.78 39.88 39.79 39.82 Milk fat percentage 3.98 3.95 3.98 3.98 3.97 3.98 Milk protein percentage 3.25 3.24 3.23 3.22 3.25 3.22 Dry matter intake (kg / d) 26.03 26.11 26.4 26.1 26.2 26.58
[0055] Table 8 shows the methane levels, milk yield per cow, milk fat percentage, milk protein percentage, and feed intake of each group after the experiment.
[0056] control group Experimental group 1 Experimental group 2 Experimental group 3 Experimental group 4 Experimental group 5 methane g / d 372.9 399.4 440.5 260.4 252.9 264.8 Average yield per unit area at the end of the trial (kg) 41.15 42.24 41.18 41.85 42.11 42.16 Milk fat percentage 3.93 3.93 3.92 3.98 3.95 3.99 Milk protein percentage 3.21 3.24 3.21 3.24 3.22 3.21 Dry matter intake (kg / d) 26.58 26.71 26.8 26.74 26.85 26.78
[0057] As shown in Tables 7 and 8, at the end of the experiment, methane emissions increased in the control group and experimental groups 1-2, while yields and feed intake increased in all groups. Methane emissions decreased in experimental groups 3, 4, and 5, with higher yields and feed intake than the control group, while other indicators remained stable.
[0058] Table 9 shows the changes in indicators for each group before and after the experiment.
[0059]
[0060] Based on the data in Tables 7 and 8, the changes in indicators for each group before and after the experiment were calculated, as shown in Table 9. At the end of the experiment, methane emissions increased by 36.64% in the control group, 42.95% in experimental group 1, 15.8% in experimental group 2, decreased by 16.38% in experimental group 3, decreased by 20.7% in experimental group 4, and decreased by 17.97% in experimental group 5. In the control group, the yield per unit area increased by more than 1.4 kg in experimental groups 1 and 2, and increased by more than 1.97 kg in experimental groups 3, 4, and 5. Feed intake increased in all groups, and milk fat content remained basically stable.
[0061] In summary, the additive composition of this invention has a good effect on reducing methane emissions and improving production performance in lactating dairy cows, and the feeding cost per cow is relatively low at 2.75-6.79 yuan (if a methane emission reduction additive purchased from abroad is used (the main active ingredient is trinitrooxypropanol ((3-NOP))), the cost is approximately 5 yuan / cow*per day, without increasing yield per cow). Based on 3 yuan / kg of milk, experimental group 3 increased revenue by 3.16 yuan, experimental group 4 increased revenue by 2.31 yuan, and experimental group 5 increased revenue by 0.228 yuan.
[0062] The additive composition of the present invention for reducing methane emissions and increasing milk production in lactating dairy cows plays a positive role in reducing methane emissions, improving production levels, and reducing farm operating costs.
[0063] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is impossible to exhaustively list all the implementation methods here. All obvious variations or modifications derived from the technical solutions of the present invention are still within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. An additive composition for reducing the amount of methane emitted by a lactating cow and increasing milk production, characterized in that, The additive composition comprises the following components by weight: unsaturated fatty acid 100-200 parts, saponin 0-25 parts, vitamin B 0.5-1 part, 2-hydroxy succinic acid 50-100 parts, active yeast 0-10 parts. The content of omega-3 fatty acid in the unsaturated fatty acid is greater than 50%.
2. The additive composition of claim 1, wherein The additive composition comprises the following components by weight: unsaturated fatty acid 100 parts, vitamin B 0.5 part, 2-hydroxy succinic acid 50 parts.
3. The additive composition of claim 1, wherein The additive composition comprises the following components by weight: unsaturated fatty acid 150 parts, saponin 20 parts, vitamin B 0.7 part, 2-hydroxy succinic acid 60 parts, active yeast 5 parts.
4. The additive composition of claim 1, wherein The additive composition comprises the following components by weight: unsaturated fatty acid 200 parts, saponin 25 parts, vitamin B 1 part, 2-hydroxy succinic acid 100 parts, active yeast 10 parts.
5. A method of preparing an additive composition for reducing the amount of methane emitted by a lactating cow and for increasing milk production according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The unsaturated fatty acid, saponin, vitamin B, 2-hydroxy succinic acid and active yeast are mixed according to the formula proportion to obtain the additive composition.
6. Use of the additive composition for reducing the methane emission of lactating cows and improving milk yield according to any one of claims 1-4 in the preparation of a product for reducing the methane emission of lactating cows and improving milk yield.
7. Use according to claim 6, characterized in that, The product is feed.
8. Use according to claim 6, characterized in that, The additive composition is fed according to the following amount per cow per day: 0.15-0.35 kg / d for lactating cows, and the feeding period is at least one month.