Angus Cow Methane Emissions and Health Data from Bromoform Supplementation Trial

This dataset documents a controlled trial with 80 Angus cows (40 control, 40 bromoform-supplemented) to evaluate the effect of bromoform extract oil on methane emissions and health in a grazing system. It includes measurements of methane and carbon dioxide emissions, cow and calf body weights at multiple time points, and blood sample data. The study found methane reductions between 49.5% and 77.0% in the supplemented group over an 8-week period.

Use Cases

• Analyze the interaction between week and treatment on methane emissions to quantify the reduction efficacy of bromoform.
• Model the relationship between bromoform supplementation and estimated dry matter intake, which was reduced by 1.56 kg/day in the treatment group.
• Compare base excess concentration in blood between control and bromoform groups at Day 7 post-calving to assess metabolic impact.
• Evaluate progeny growth from birth to Day 150 post-birth to test for carry-over effects of dam bromoform supplementation.
• Correlate greenhouse gas emissions (methane, carbon dioxide) with cow body weight measurements taken at Calving, Day 7, and Day 21.

Strengths

• Controlled trial design with a balanced sample size of 80 cows (40 per treatment group).
• Includes multiple measurement types: gas emissions, body weights, and blood sample data over a defined trial period.
• Reports statistically significant results, such as a 21.0% higher base excess concentration in the treatment group and specific methane reduction percentages.

Limitations

• Small dataset (67.1 KB) likely containing summary results rather than raw, row-level observational data.
• Limited to a single breed (Angus cows) in an extensive grazing system, reducing generalizability.
• Temporal scope of the primary emissions data is confined to an 8-week period, with longer-term effects unknown.

Provenance

Source

figshare, authored by Kellie M. Wenham.

Collection Method

Data collected from a controlled animal nutrition trial using GreenFeed systems for gas measurement and scheduled weighings.

Time Range

Trial period covering late gestation and early lactation, with measurements up to Day 150 post-calving for progeny.

Freshness

Last updated in March 2026, indicating recent availability.

Geography

Study conducted in an extensive grazing system; specific location not provided.