3rd Edition Of Plant Science and Molecular Biology World Conference 2026

Abstract

The current study aimed to assess the possibility to reduce the milk specific carbon footprint. In this respect, different botanical structures were tested. Three hundred and twenty cows were random assigned in one of four groups associated to alfalfa, chicory, Sudan grass and perennial gramineous rations. The carbon content of the forages was determined by wet oxidation 7184/21-62, PTL 12, ED 4, REV D protocol. The milk yield was assessed according to botanically structures based on Performances Recording Scheme. Unifactorial ANOVA protocol was used in order to test the ration differences occurred in terms of milk yield and associated carbon footprint. The carbon footprint was evaluated in respect with botanical structures and milk yield. The higher milk yield was associated to chicory (19.12±0.86 kg/day) compared to alfalfa (17.34±0.11 kg/day), Sudan grass (16.9±1.06 kg/day) and gramineous (16.3±0.87 kg/day), the differences being significant (p≤0.01). In terms of carbon, the milk yield obtained from chicory-based ration recorded the lower carbon footprint (3.29 kg C eq/kg milk) compared to alfalfa, Sudan grass and gramineous (3.73, 3.38, 4.02 kg C eq/kg milk, p≤0.01). The chicory proved the efficiency in milk production compared to legumes and gramineous due to an increased palatability. Based on the high carbon storage capacity and milk production, the specific carbon footprint of chicory was the lowest. The positive effects in reducing the milk carbon footprint and increasing milk yield rightfully recommend the chicory as an appropriate forage in cows feeding.
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by a grant of the Romanian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, throughout the projects ADER 8.1.1/14.07.2023
Keywords: carbon footprint, cows, forages, milk, nutrition.