Prediction of methane output in beef cattle from indirect respiration calorimetry data

An investigation was undertaken at the Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland using data from 135 beef steers, on five feeding experiments, to investigate factors influencing methane production. Methane production was measured using indirect calorimeter chambers. Linear and multiple regression techniques were used to examine the effects of various animal and dietary factors on methane output. Methane output was positively and significantly (P < 0.001) related to gross energy intake (R2 = 0.631), and digestible energy intake (R2 = 0.569). There were significant (P < 0.001) and positive relationships between methane output and total dry matter intake and live weight (R2 = 0.621 and 0.174 respectively). The relationship that most accurately described methane output was based on digestible energy intake, live weight, feeding level and forage proportion (R2 = 0.767).