Optimising methane yield from anaerobic digestion of manure: Effects of dairy systems and of glycerine supplementation

Biogas production is a very promising option to generate renewable energy. Currently, specific parameters on the anaerobic digestibility of animal manures are unavailable which restricts the exploitation of the promising potentials. Manures received from contrasting dairy systems were anaerobically digested. The resulting methane yield ranged between 125 and 166 Nl CH4 (kg VS)− 1 depending on the milk yield and diet of the dairy cow. A 6% supplementation of glycerine to pig manure and maize silage resulted in a significant increase in CH4 production from 569 to 679 Nl CH4 (kg VS)− 1.