By Blake Jackson
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville's Pioneer Farm is at the forefront of agricultural innovation with the introduction of the GreenFeed machine.
This groundbreaking technology analyzes cow burps to measure methane emissions, a significant contributor to global warming.
“The GreenFeed machine offers a unique opportunity to directly measure the microbial activity within the cow's digestive system,” said Dr. Ryan Pralle, assistant professor of animal, dairy and veterinary sciences at UW-Platteville’s School of Agriculture. “This capability not only aids in improving cattle nutrition but also contributes to more sustainable farming practices by monitoring and potentially reducing methane emissions.”
The GreenFeed machine is a sophisticated green box placed in feeding areas. Equipped with an RFID tag system, it identifies individual cows and dispenses feed pellets to attract them.
As cows consume and regurgitate food, the machine captures and analyzes the gases they emit.
By measuring the composition of gases like methane, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and hydrogen, the GreenFeed machine provides data to optimize feed formulations and address the environmental impact of methane emissions.
UW-Platteville's Pioneer Farm is committed to innovation and sustainability, shaping the future of dairy farming and setting new standards in agricultural research in the tri-state area. The GreenFeed machine, along with other high-tech systems at the farm, is contributing to advancements in sustainable agriculture.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-digitalvision
Categories: Wisconsin, Education, Livestock, Dairy Cattle