DairyCo

Greenhouse Gas Factsheet 3 - Methane

Published 28 April 10

Methane

Methane (CH4) is a powerful greenhouse gas and a significant contributor to global warming. It is produced naturally by the millions of micro-organisms that live in the rumen as part of the normal digestion process. As well as having an environmental effect, methane also represents a loss of energy that otherwise might be used for milk production. Any measures to reduce methane production will also improve efficiency.