Progress 08/01/12 to 07/31/17
Outputs
Target Audience:Over the 5 year grant period we have reached multiple audiences including K-5 children through summer workshops, research opportunities for high school students and graduate students, producers, consultants, veterinarians and nutritionists through surveys, eXtension, extension educators and the methane conference held at Lincoln, NE, and finally the research community through peer reviewed publications, research reports andpresentations. We performed a producer survey within the state of Nebraska reaching out to producers and consultants in the beef cattle industry to understand their view point on climate change and the contribution of cattle production to Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. The survey was performed with the help of the USDA National Agricultural Service in Nebraska. The survey also helped identify key stakeholder groups and gaps in extension programing on climate change. The data from the survey was published in "The Professional Animal Scientist". We reached beef cattle producers, consultants, and nutritionists through extension educators and through the "Livestock and Environment" (http://beef.unl.edu/livestock-and-the-environment) website. The website contains timely topics and research results and data on beef cattle production and methane production. We also reached extension educators and conducted educator workshops to "train the trainers" on beef cattle production and methane production. We reached K-5 children through workshops at the Lincoln Childrens Museum and workshops at summer camps using fistulated animals to explore the rumen microbiome and educate about beef production and methane emission. Research opportunities were provided for high school students to perform research during the summer. Key stakeholder groups that include beef producers, consultants, veterinarians, nutritionists and researches were reached through a day and a half longmethane conference that was held in Lincoln, NE in May of 2016. Ted style talks from the speakers at the meeting are posted on thehttp://beef.unl.edu/livestock-and-the-environmentwebsite. This conference had invited speakers from the US and Canada that are leaders in the field of methane emission and cattle production. Additionally, the workshop contained producer views on climate issues, beef industry sustainability, relationship between methane production and performance, air quality among other topics. We also, reached graduate students and the scientific community through peer reviewed publications, research reports and presentations. Two graduate students were funded by the project. Changes/Problems:We purchased a Gas Chromatography eqioment for methane and carbondioxide measurement and will be used for future studies. As per requirement of reporting the equipment purchased through this grant the Gas Chromatography equipment is mentioned here. We did change the sequencing strtergy from 454 pyrosequencing to ion torrent and Illumina. This allowed more temporal evaluation of rumen microbial communities. This was disclosed in year 1 progres report. The scope or work on the grant was not effected by this change in sequencing platform. Finally, we only sequenced 52 metagenomes due to the complexity of the rumen microbiome. As the rumen microbiome was more complex deeper sequencing was needed to annotate reads with high confidence. As such the sequencing depth had to be increased for each sample and funds were not sufficient to sequence all samples at the higher depth. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has provided full funding for professional training of 2 graduate students and partially helped with the training of 2 additional graduate students. Additionally, the prject has helped with training and profession al development of 4 undergraduate students and 2 high school students. All students were trained in a multi-disciplinary environment and was trained in the fields of ruminant nutrition, rumen microbiology, microbial ecology, biology and bioinformatics. One of the graduate students developed through this project has continued to work on her Ph.D.and is continuing her work on rumen microbial populations and methanogenesis. Additionally, training oppertunities were provided to extension educators annually, at the Beef Committee Meetings. This platform was used to share results from the research being conducted and help extension educators with materials and resources including information available in the "Livestock and Environment" (http://beef.unl.edu/livestock-and-the-environment) website. Finally, the concfernce presentations, dissertation and manscript preparation oppertunities in the project helped technical development of graduate students and postdocs and the methane conference that was hosted by this project was a wonderful training opportunity for extension educators, nutritionists, veterinarians, graduate students and producers. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The rults for this project has been disseminated to communities of interest using multiple avanues. We have reached producers and key stakeholders through the Livestock and Environment" (http://beef.unl.edu/livestock-and-the-environment) website, extension educators, through research reports and through the methane conference. We have reached the scientific community and nutritionists through 6 peer reviewed publications (3 published and 3 under review), 14 conference proceedings at regional and national meetings, 8 research reports in Nebraska Beef Reports and have published 2 thesis dissertations. We are currently working on 3 additional manuscripts for publication. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
With respect to objective 1, we have completed all animal experiments, methane phenotyping and microbial community sequencing. Data pertaining to methane phenotype and performance are reported in the thesis dissertation of Pesta A.C. 2015,"Dietary Strategies for Mitigation of Methane Production by Growing and Finishing cattle".Simultaneous measurement of the microbial community was conducted on the same animals to evaluate the microbial community composition changes and to correlate microbial community composition data with methane emission data and the diet to identify dietary factors that change microbial communities and in-turn methane emission. Data generated from microbial community analysis is presented inthe thesis dissertation of A. Knoell2016, "The effect of diet on the bovine rumen microbial community structure and composition and its effects on methane production in growing and finishing cattle" both these dissertations are publicly available. Parts of the data from these studies have also been published in peer review journal articles, conference proceedings and research reports. Some of the key outcomes identified in objective 1 is how substrate availability drives rumen bacterial and archaeal communities, fermentation and in-turn methane production in the rumen. Our data suggest in growing diets syntrophism among rumen microbes influence methanogenesis and methane mitigation strategies could be aimed at eubacteria. Specifically, we observed that betaproteobacteria to play a key role in reducing methane emission in syntrophic methanogenic network: 1) OTUs from this class were significantly high in low methane emitting HQ diet, 2) OTU abundance of betaproteobacteria were negatively correlated with methane emission levels, and 3) most of the propionate pathway genes that were negatively correlated to methane production and high in HQ diet were attributed to betaproteobacteria. Finally, when annotated genes from contigs that showed more than 80% ORFs to betaproteobacterium were mapped to the syntrophic methanogenesis network, the enzymes mapped to propionate and butyrate pathways. Also, our data demonstrates that the archaeal diversity in the rumen is far greater than current estimation. We identified many genera that were not previously reported in the rumen which some include, Acidianus, Acidilobus, Aciduliprofundum, Aeropyrum, Archaeoglobus, Caldisphaera, Caldivirga, Caldiarchaeum, Korarchaeum, Methanomassiliicoccus, Methanomethylophilus, Methanosphaerula, Nitrosopumilus, Cenarchaeum, Desulfurococcus, Ferroglobus, Ferroplasma, Fervidicoccus, Halalkalicoccus, Haloarcula, Halobacterium, Haloferax, Halogeometricum, Halomicrobium, Halophilic archaeon DL31, Halopiger, Haloquadratum, Halorhabdus, Halorubrum, Haloterrigena, Halovivax, Hyperthermus, Ignicoccus, Ignisphaera, Metallosphaera, Methanocaldococcus, Methanococcoides, Methanococcus, Methanohalobium, Methanohalophilus, Methanolacinia, Methanopyrus, Methanosalsum, Methanothermobacter, Methanothermococcus, Methanothermus, Methanotorris, Nanoarchaeum, Natrialba, Natrinema, Natronobacterium, Natronococcus, Natronomonas, Picrophilus, Pyrobaculum, Pyrococcus, Pyrolobus, Salinarchaeum, Staphylothermus, Sulfolobus, Thermococcus, Thermofilum, Thermogladius, Thermoplasma, Thermoplasmatales, Thermoproteus, Thermosphaera and Vulcanisaeta. With respect to objective 2 we have performed metagenome sequencing of 50 rumen metagenome at high depth resulting from animals on high and low quality forage and nitrate and sulfate supplementation. These animals were selected for metagenome sequencing due to significant changes in methane production observed. The resulting two datasets are some of the largest datasets generated from the rumen and has valuable metadata associated with each dataset. The data set from high and low quality forage diet fed animals have 300 million 150 bp reads and the sulfate and nitrate supplementation study has 500 million 150 bp reads. Data from these metagenome sequencing have been reported in 2 publications that are currently under review. Some of the key outcomes from objective 2 describes rumen metabolism under different dietary condition and how different hydrogen sinks in the rumen are activates as response to diet. The data demonstrates that hydrogen sinks such as propionate production in the rumen can be used to reduce methane production in the rumen while increasing animal performance. Additionally, the metagenome analysis reveals a greater diversity of the rumen archaea population than previously thought. Especially, the metagenome analysis has identified greater diversity of archaea in the rumen than 16S rDNA sequencing. Additional, the data generated suggests that methylamine and methanol are substrates used by the archaea in the rumen for methanogenesis. Finally, the data also suggests that acetogenesis occurs at a greater level than previously thought. Acetogenesis by acetogens have been previously described to compete for hydrogen with methanogens. Our data suggests that acetogens in the rumen has two mechanisms of acetate production and can survive in the rumen and at times of high partial pressure of hydrogen, the acetogens can compete with methanogens for hydrogens. As such, acetogens might have a potential as probiotic feed additive to increase animal efficiency and reduce methane production. In addition to the research objectives, outreach activities were simultaneously performed throughout the grant period. We reached multiple audiences including K-5 children through summer workshops, research opportunities for high school students and graduate students, producers, consultants, veterinarians and nutritionists through surveys, eXtension, extension educators and the methane conference held at Lincoln, NE, and finally the research community through peer reviewed publications, research reports andpresentations. We performed a producer survey within the state of Nebraska reaching out to producers and consultants in the beef cattle industry to understand their view point on climate change and the contribution of cattle production to GHG emissions. The survey helped identify gaps in extension programing on climate change. The data from the survey was published in "The Professional Animal Scientist".The results from the survey was used to build extension material and for training extension educators on key concepts. As part of the extension activities, we reached beef cattle producers, consultants, and nutritionists through extension educators and through the "Livestock and Environment" (http://beef.unl.edu/livestock-and-the-environment) website. The website contains timely topics and research information on beef cattle production and methane production. We also reached extension educators and conducted educator workshops to "train the trainers" on beef cattle production and methane production. We also reached K-5 children through workshops at the Lincoln Childrens Museum and workshops at summer camps using fistulated animals to explore the rumen microbiome. Research opportunities were also provided for high school students to perform research during the summer at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Beef producers, consultants, veterinarians, nutritionists and researches were reached through a methane conference that was held in Lincoln, NE in May of 2016. Ted style talks from the speakers at the meeting are posted on the website. This conference had invited speakers from the US and Canada that are leaders in the field of methane emission and cattle production. Additionally, the workshop contained producer views on climate issues, beef industry sustainability, relationship between methane production and performance, air quality among other topics.We also, reached graduate students and the scientific community through peer reviewed publications, research reports and presentations. Two graduate students were funded by the project.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Christopher L. Anderson, Matthew B. Sullivan, and Samodha C. Fernando. Digestible energy content drives the dynamic response of bovine rumen viral communities. Submitted to the Journal Microbiome
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Henry A. Paz, Kristin E. Hales, James E. Wells, Larry A. Kuehn, Harvey C. Freetly, Elaine D. Berry, Michael D. Flythe, Matthew L. Spangler, and Samodha C. Fernando. Rumen bacterial community structure impacts feed efficiency in beef cattle. Submitted to the journal of Applied Environmental Microbiology
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
G. Morota, R. V. Ventura, F. F. Silva, M. Koyama, and S. C. Fernando. Machine learning and data mining advance predictive big data analysis in precision animal agriculture. Submitted to journal of Animal Science (Invited review)
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Castillo-Lopez, E., Jenkins, C.J.R., Aluthge, N.D., Tom, W., Kononoff, P.J. and Fernando, S.C. (2017). The effect of regular or reduced-fat distillers grains with solubles on rumen methanogenesis and the rumen bacterial community. Journal of Applied Microbiology. doi: 10.1111/jam.13583. [Epub ahead of print]
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Christopher L. Anderson, Galen E. Erickson, Jim C. MacDonald, and Samodha C. Fernando. 2016. Rumen bacterial communities can be adapted faster to high concentrate diets than currently implemented feedlot programs. Journal of Applied Microbiology. 120 (3): 588-599 doi: 10.1111/jam.13039
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
oyd, B. M., A. Jones, L. Franzen-Castle, K. Jenkins, R. Rasby, M. Luebbe, R. Stowell, S. C. Fernando, and G. E. Erickson. 2015. Producer concerns and perceptions regarding the effect of methane on cattle production and the environment: A survey of Nebraska producers. Professional Animal Scientist. 31 :601-607 doi:10.15232/pas.2015-01425
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Tom M. Winder, Brad M. Boyd, Henry F. Hilscher, Samodha C. Fernando, Rick R. Stowell, Galen E. Erickson. Impact of Intake on Methane Production in Growing Steers. Nebraska Beef report 2017
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Henry Paz, Matthew Spangler, Kristin Hales, Larry Kuehn, James Wells, Harvey Freetly, and Samodha C. Fernando. Identifying the influence of the rumen microbiome in the feed efficiency phenotype in beef cattle. American Society of Diary Science, Baltimore, MD (July 8-12)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Christopher L. Anderson, and Samodha C. Fernando. Targeted genomic approaches reveal novel viral and methanogen diversity with implications for understanding rumen function. American society of Animal science midwest meeting (March 2017- Young scholar Award presentation)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Christopher L. Anderson and Samodha C. Fernando. 2016. Dietary energy drives the dynamic response of bovine rumen viral communities. International Society of Microbial Ecology, Montreal, Canada. August 21 to 26
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Sanjay Antony-Babu, Jennifer Clarke and Samodha Fernando. 2016. Metagenomics reveals larger role of syntrophic eubacteria in rumen methane production. International Society of Microbial Ecology, Montreal, Canada. August 21 to 26
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Alterations of the rumen bacterial and archaeal communites in growing and Finishing beef cattle and its effects on methane emissions. Allison L. Knoell1, Christopher L. Anderson, Anna Pesta, Galen Erickson, Terry Klopfenstein, Samodha C. Fernando (2016). Midwest Animal Science Meeting Des Moines, IA (March 12-16)
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
The effect of diet on the bovine rumen microbial community structure and composition and its effects on methane production in growing and finishing cattle
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen cycling from beef production systems: Effects of climate, season, production system, and diet. Galen E. Erickson, Samodha C. Fernando, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Andrea K. Watson, James C. MacDonald, Anna C. Pesta, Allison L. Knoell, and Henry Paz (2015). Joint Annual Science Meeting held by the American Dairy Science Association, American Society of Animal Science and Canadian Society of Animal Science, Orlando, FL (July 12-16)
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Effect of diet on the rumen microbial community composition of growing cattle and the role it plays in methane emissions. Allison L. Knoell, Christopher L. Anderson, Anna Pesta, Galen Erickson, Terry Klopfenstein, Samodha C. Fernando. Nebraska 2015 Beef Cattle Report
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Pesta, A. C., M. L. Jolly-Breithaupt, P. J. Knonoff, S. C. Fernando, and G.E. Erickson. 2015. Methane production, diet digestibility, and VFA profile of growing steers fed high or low quality forage. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Pesta, A. C., A. K. Watson, R. G. Bondurant, S. C. Fernando, and G.E. Erickson. 2015. Use of dietary nitrate or sulfate for mitigation of methane production by finishing steers. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Pesta, A. C., R. G. Bondurant, S. C. Fernando, and G.E. Erickson. 2015. Impact of dietary nitrate and sulfate on methane to carbon dioxide ratio and performance of finishing steers. J. Anim. Sci. 93 (E-Suppl. 2):217
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Pesta, A. C., M. L. Jolly-Breithaupt, S. C. Fernando, P. K. Kononoff, and G.E. Erickson. 2015. Methane production and diet digestibility by growing cattle fed high or low quality roughage. J. Anim. Sci. 93 (E-Suppl. 2):220
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Pesta A. C. 2015. Dietary Strategies for Mitigation of Methane Production by Growing and Finishing Cattle.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Effect of diet on the rumen microbial community composition of growing cattle and the role it plays in methane emissions. Allison L. Knoell1, Christopher L. Anderson1, Anna Pesta, Galen Erickson, Terry Klopfenstein, Samodha C. Fernando. Nebraska 2015 Beef Cattle Report
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Evaluation of the Impact of an Alternative Corn Residue Harvest Method on Performance and Methane Emissions from Growing Cattle. Janessa J. Updike, Anna. C. Pesta, Robert G. Bondurant, Jim C. MacDonald, Galen E. Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein. Nebraska 2015 Beef Cattle Report
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Effects of Dietary Fat Source and Monensin on Methane Emissions, VFA Profile, and Performance of Finishing Steers. Anna. C. Pesta, Andrea K. Watson, Robert G. Bondurant, Samodha C. Fernando, and Galen E. Erickson. Nebraska 2015 Beef Cattle Report
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Evaluation of 2013 Survey of Beef Producers in Nebraska. M. Jones, R.J. Rasby, S.C. Fernando, G.E. Erickson, M.K. Luebbe, K.H. Jenkins, J.C. MacDonald, T.J. Klopfenstein, J. Larson, R. Stowell, C. Powers and M. Anderson-Knott. Joint Annual Science Meeting held by the American Dairy Science Association, American Society of Animal Science and Canadian Society of Animal Science, Kansas City MO.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Effects of diet on methane, VFA profile, and performance of growing calves. A.C. Pesta, A. K. Watson, S. C. Fernando, and G. E. Erickson. Midwest Animal Science Meeting Des Moines, IA
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Effects of dietary fat source and monensin on methane to carbon dioxide ratio, VFA profile, and performance of finishing steers. A. C. Pesta, A. K. Watson, R. G. Bondurant, S. C. Fernando, and G. E. Erickson. Joint Annual Science Meeting held by the American Dairy Science Association, American Society of Animal Science and Canadian Society of Animal Science, Kansas City MO.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Diet influences microbial community composition, and methane emission in growing and finishing beef cattle. Samodha C. Fernando, Allison L. Knoell1, Christopher L. Anderson1, Anna Pesta, Galen Erickson, Terry Klopfenstein. Joint Annual Science Meeting held by the American Dairy Science Association, American Society of Animal Science and Canadian Society of Animal Science, Kansas City MO.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Effect of diet on microbial community composition, and methane emission in growing beef cattle. Allison L. Knoell1, Christopher L. Anderson1, Anna Pesta, Galen Erickson, Terry Klopfenstein, Samodha C. Fernando. Midwest Animal Science Meeting Des Moines, IA
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Pesta, A.C., Watson, A.K., Fernando, S.C., Erickson, G.E., Effects of Forage Quality, MDGS, and Monensin on Performance, Methane Concentration, and Ruminal Fermentation of Growing Cattle. Nebraska 2014 Beef Cattle Report
|
Progress 08/01/15 to 07/31/16
Outputs
Target Audience:During the reporting year we have reached multiple audiances ranging from key stakeholder groups that include beef proucers, consultants, veterinarians, nutritionists, and research scientists. We have reached producers through extensition educator and also through the methane conference we hosted on May 11th and 12th at Cornhusker Marriott Hotel in Lincoln, NE. Additionallty, ted talks from all speakers are present at "http://beef.unl.edu/livestock-and-the-environment" website. INvited speakrs from US and canada working on methane and climate change were invited to talk to producers about climate change separating facts from fiction for the livestock industry. This included, producer views on climate issues, beef industry sustainability, the relation between methane production and performance, air quality issues, and other topics. Additionally, we have reached the scientific community by presenting our research findings in National and Regional scientific meetings and through publications. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has provided professional training for 2 graduate students and 3 undergraduate students in ruminant nutrition, rumen microbiology, microbial ecology, biology and bioinformatics. A second graduate student graduated in the spring of 2016 with her Master degree. She is continuing her education in a Ph.D. program at UNL focusing on methane emmission and cattle efficiency. In addition, we have presented our research findings and have discussed research publications with our extension educators at the Beef Comittee Meetings in May 2016 to train extension educators on GHG emissions and beef production. The conference we hosted in May was a wonderful training tool for the graduate students as well as beef producers, extension educators, veterinarians, and others key stakeholders about climate change and the beef industry. The website contains a form where questions can be submitted to the team where an extension specialist answers the question within two working days. The addition of the summeries of the conference presentation to the web site has resulted in furthur extension of the knowladge and information from the conference to the producers and other stakeholders in the beef industry. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results generated has been disseminated using multiple faucets which include presentations at regional and national scientific meetings, station reports and Nebraska beef reports, extension educator training workshops, peer reviewed journal articles and the "Livestock and Environment" website and via the methane conference that was hosted in May of 2016. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Our main goal in the next reporting period is to complete that remaining analysis and submit all the data generated in this project for publication. Currently, 3 manuscripts are almost ready to be submitted wnad will be submitted in the next few months. We also anticipate on haveing an additional 2-3 manuscripts submitted/ accepted by the next reporting period.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Research Objective 1: Test different diet compositions and phenotype (n=240) animals over 3 periods (720 observations) for level of methane produced and define the species composition of high and low methane producers, searching for specific interactions between diet and microbial species composition that may influence methane emission. In respect to objective 1, we have completed all animal experiments, methane phenotyping, and laboraratory analyses. Performance and methane phenotyping data from 180 animals are reported in the thesis dissertation of "Pesta A. C. 2015. Dietary Strategies for Mitigation of Methane Production by Growing and Finishing Cattle", and the microbial community data from 120 animals are reported in the thesis dissertation " Knoell, 2016. The data from these two dissertations are currently being formatted for publication. we will combine the performance and community data for publication and plan to submit two manuscripts. The performance data and metahne data from the additional 60 head has been collected and is currently being analyzed. Additionally the microbial community data from the 120 animals have been sequenced and is currently being analyzed. we plan to submit two additional manuscripts from these two studies. Currently, one manuscript has been published, and an additional manuscript is under review, with 4 manuscripts under preperation for submission. Additionally, this data has been presented at National and Reginal meetings (please see products section). One of the key outcomes identified so far is how substrate availablity drives rumen microbial fermentation and in-turn methane production in the rumen. Our data demonstates in growing diets syntrophic eubacteria to play an important role in methanogenesis. Specifically, we see an OTU belonging to Burkholderiaceae to be positively correlated with methane emmission and to play an important role in methanogenesis. The increase in Thermoplasmata populations in high forage diets suggests utilization of methylamines for methanogenesis, which is contrary to previous reports of methane in the rumen is predominatly produced through the utilization of CO2 and H2. This suggests, other substrates in the rumen (diet) plays an significant role in methane production and dietary manupulation can be used for methane mitigation. Research Objective 2: Identify the metabolic pathways of high and low methane emitting cattle and classify new targets and strategies to reduce methane emission. We have generated two large metagenomic data sets (one from low methane emitting and high methane emmiting cattle from 24 animals that contains 300 million illumina HiSeq reads,and an additional 600 million reads from cattle fed sulfate, nitrate or sulfate and nitrate in combination). The dataset from high and low quality forages has been anal;yzed and a manuscript is ready for submission which demonstrates syntrophic methanogenesis by gamma proteobacteria. This data will be presented at the Intenational Society of MIcrobial Ecology meeting in Montreal, Canada Later this August. Additionally, a large dataset is currently being analyzed envestigating how sulfate and nitrate supplimentation effect microbial metabolism and methanogenesis in the rumen. The preliminary analysis of the metagenome datasets, show correlation of functional features with methanogenesis. The metagenome from the low and high quality forage study identified 1956 enzymes to be differentially abundant between the diets. The increase in methane emission was correlated with propionate metabolism, especially in beta-proteobacteria.The analysis also identified stable functional differences in animals producing high and low methane demonstrating that the use of functional genes to characterize the rumen microbial community may provide better opportunities to understand microbial roles in the rumen for methane mitigation. The differential propionate concentration identified was also be correlated with total volatile fatty acids detected in the rumen. Results from this dataset, suggest syntrophism among rumen microbes influence methanogenesis and methane mitigation strategies could be aimed at eubacteria, especially targeting hydrogen-scavenging pathways such as propionate production and bio-hydrogenation in the rumen instead of archaea and their ecological niches. In summary, Based on the data generated we have completed all animal and laboratory experiments for objective1 and is currently analyzing the second dataset for objective 2 that is sequenced. . We anticipate in submitting 4-5 manuscripts in the comming year from the data generated in objectives 1 and 2. Outreach Objective: Develop science-based dietary intervention strategies and applied practices that reduces enteric methane production that is readily adopted by producers. We have completed objective 3. Breifly, we have published the survey data (see products). Additionally, we also performed training for extension educators discussing recent research conducted at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in addition to the survey conducted of Nebraska beef producers in the reporting year. This reporting year was mainly focused on the methane conference that we hosted in Lincoln, NE on May 11th and 12th 2016. The aim of this conference was to discuss current research and to give an overview to beef producers, extension educators, veterinarians, and others key stakeholders about climate change and the beef industry. There were 12 speakers from both the United States and Canada that presented on topics ranging from the science on climate change, ways to reduce methane emissions in beef cattle, and air quality issues. Speakers included, Kimberly Morrow (UNL), Frank Mitloehner (UC Davis), Troy Marshall (Cattle producer/ industry writer), Terry Klopfenstein (UNL), John Pollak (USMARC), Samodha Fernando (UNL), Harvey Freetly (USMARC), Alexander Hristov (Penn State), Andy Cole (USDA ARS), Karen Beauchemin (AgriFood Canada), Galen Erickson (UNL), and Rick Stowell (UNL). The conference lasted two days and there were 89 people in attendance. Ted style 2 min summeries from each presentation is present at http://beef.unl.edu/beef-methane-conference-may-2016
Publications
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
The effect of diet on the bovine rumen microbial community structure and composition and its effects on methane production in growing and finishing cattle
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Alterations of the rumen bacterial and archaeal communites in growing and Finishing beef cattle and its effects on methane emissions. Allison L. Knoell1, Christopher L. Anderson, Anna Pesta, Galen Erickson, Terry Klopfenstein, Samodha C. Fernando (2016). Midwest Animal Science Meeting Des Moines, IA (March 12-16)
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Boyd, B. M., A. Jones, L. Franzen-Castle, K. Jenkins, R. Rasby, M. Luebbe, R. Stowell, S. C. Fernando, and G. E. Erickson. 2015. Producer concerns and perceptions regarding the effect of methane on cattle production and the environment: A survey of Nebraska producers. Professional Animal Scientist. 31 :601-607 doi:10.15232/pas.2015-01425
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Sanjay Antony-Babu, Jennifer Clarke and Samodha Fernando. 2016. Metagenomics reveals larger role of syntrophic eubacteria in rumen methane production. International Society of Microbial Ecology, Montreal, Canada. August 21 to 26
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Christopher L. Anderson and Samodha C. Fernando. 2016. Dietary energy drives the dynamic response of bovine rumen viral communities. International Society of Microbial Ecology, Montreal, Canada. August 21 to 26
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Christopher L. Anderson, Galen E. Erickson, Jim C. MacDonald, and Samodha C. Fernando. 2016. Rumen bacterial communities can be adapted faster to high concentrate diets than currently implemented feedlot programs. Journal of Applied Microbiology. 120 (3): 588-599 doi: 10.1111/jam.13039
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Christopher L. Anderson, Matthew B. Sullivan, and Samodha C. Fernando. Digestible energy content drives the dynamic response of bovine rumen viral communities.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)
|
Progress 08/01/14 to 07/31/15
Outputs
Target Audience:During the reporting year we have reached multiple audiances ranging from key stakeholder groups that include beef proucers, consultants, nutritionists, and research scientists. We have reached producers through extensition educators and also through our "Livestock and Environment" (http://beef.unl.edu/livestock-and-the-environment) website, where we post articles about methane and beef production in the "timely topics" section and through webinars. We have conducted training workshops for extension educators on methane and beef production. Additionally, we have reached the scientific community by presenting our research findings in National and Regional scientific meetings and through publications. We have also reached the K-5 children through an annual workshop the PI conducts at the Lincoln Children's Museum in Lincoln, NE. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has provided professional training for 2 graduate students and 3 undergraduate students in ruminant nutrition, rumen microbiology, microbial ecology, biology and bioinformatics. One of the graduate students graduated in the summer of 2015 with her Ph.D. The master's student in the project plans to graduate in the spring of 2016. In addition, we have presented our research findings and have discussed research publications with our extension educators at the Beef Comittee Meetings in May 2015 to train extension educators on GHG emissions and beef production. The webinars and timely topic published at the Livestock and Environment website was also used as a tool for training and development and also to enducate producers. The website also contains a form where questions can be submitted to the team where an extension specialist answers the question within two working days. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results generated has been disseminated using multiple faucets which include presentations at regional and national scientific meetings, station reports and Nebraska beef reports, extension educator training workshops, the "Livestock and Environment" website via webinas and timely articleas and peer reviewed journal articals. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?As mentioned above we can completed all animal trials and are currently analyzing and preparing manuscripts. Within the next year we plan to submit 3 more manuscripts for publication pertaining to the microbial community data and methane measurements collected. Adiitionally, we are analyzing metagenomics data pertaining to objective2 and is sequencing the final set of animals for the metagenome analysis. We hope to complete the metagenomic sequencing a nd analysis within the next year and prepare manuscripts for publication. We will aslo continue to develop webinars, NebGuides and timely topics to desiminate information on beef cattle and GHG emissions through the Livestock and Environment website in an effort to increase the educational value of the livestock and the environment webpage. We will also continure educator training activities and will host a methanae conference in May of 2016 targeting extension educators and producers (scheduled for May 11th and 12th of 2016). The aim of this conference is to discuss current research specifically related to the beef industry as it pertains to methane production from cattle and how it effects the environmental sustainability of the beef industry. We also plan to have representation at the greenhouse gas in animal agricultural conference in February of 2016 in Melbourne, Australia.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Research Objective 1: Test different diet compositions and phenotype (n=240) animals over 3 periods (720 observations) for level of methane produced and define the species composition of high and low methane producers, searching for specific interactions between diet and microbial species composition that may influence methane emission. In addition to finishing phenotyping the microbiota (both bacteria and Archaea) and methane measurements for all year 1 animals (120), we have completed all animals experiments and methane measurements proposed in the project (additional 120 animals). All performance and VFA data has also been analyzed for these animals. The sequencing of the microbiota for the remaining animals is currently ongoing and will be completed soon. Currently, one manuscript has been accepted for publication, and one under review with additional 3 manuscripts under preperation for submission. Additionally, data has been presented at National and Reginal meetings. Although not part of the proposed project, we conducted 2 headbox studies to validate our novel sampling strategy and to validate our methane collecting method. As a result we have conducted a growing study and a finishing study utilizing diets used in the Caln gates system. we have evaluated digestability and VFA profiles in these samples and show that the new method developed generates similar results to head box measurements. One of the key outcomes identified so far is that the main substrate for methane production in the rumen changes with diet and the most abundant methanogenic population is not always CO2 and H2 utilizers belonging to methanosarcina and methanobrevibacter. In forage based diets methylamine utilizing thermoplasmata population predominate suggesting that other substrates in the rumen also lead to significant production of methane. This finding shows that contrary to previous reports of methane in the rumen is produced mainly through the utilization of CO2 and H2, other substrates in the rumen (diet) plays an significant role in methane production and dietary manupulation can be used for methane mitigation. Research Objective 2: Identify the metabolic pathways of high and low methane emitting cattle and classify new targets and strategies to reduce methane emission. We have also generated a large metagenomic data set from low methane emitting and high methane emmiting cattle from 24 animals that contains 300 million illumina HiSeq reads. this data set is currently being analyzed to identify microbial processes that pertain to methanogenesis.preliminary analysis reveal multiple differentially abundant genes that are present in low and high methane emitting rumen samples collected under low and high quality forage diets. In addition, metagenomic sequencing is under way for microbial communities from nitrate and sulfate supplimented diets to evaluate the metabolic processes of nitrate and sulfate supplimentation on methane emission and rumen function. In summary, Based on the data generated we have completed objective1 and have generated and is currently analyzing one of two datasets for objective 2. The second dataset fo objective 2 is being sequenced. We have recruted a postdoc to perform all bioinformatic analyses of these large datasets. The postdoc recruited is currently analyzing the matagenomic data. Outreach Objective: Develop science-based dietary intervention strategies and applied practices that reduces enteric methane production that is readily adopted by producers. On objective 3, we have been adding new information in the form of webinars and timely topics to our web page at http://beef.unl.edu/livestock-and-the-environment the webinars and timely topics include; Luebbe, M. 2015. Corn Processing for Reduced Methane Production. Retrieved from: http://beef.unl.edu/corn-processing-reduced-methane-production Pesta, A., 2014. UNL Research Update: Growing Cattle and Methane Emissions. Retrieved from: http://beef.unl.edu/growing-cattle-and-methane-emissions Jenkins, K. 2014. Impacts of Forage Maturity on Methane Production. Retrieved from: http://beef.unl.edu/impacts-of-forage-maturity-on-methane-production Watson, A. 2014 Methane emissions from manure - Part 3: Manure digestion to produce methane. Retrieved from: http://beef.unl.edu/manure-digestion-to-produce-methane Fernando, S. 2015. Rumen Microbes and Fermentation. Retrieved form: http://beef.unl.edu/rumen-microbes-and-fermentation Cole, A. 2014. Grain Processing Effects on Enteric Methane Production of Finishing Beef Cattle. Retrieved from: http://beef.unl.edu/grain-processing-effects-on-enteric-methane-production Berger, L. 2014. Methane production and a rising global demand for food. Retrieved from: http://beef.unl.edu/rising-global-demand-for-food-webinar The survey that we performed during year one and two has been accepted for publication in the journal of Professional Animal scientists. We also presented at the Waste to Worth conference at Saettle, WA. Where we had a panel discussion on "Beef Greenhouse Gas". We also performed training for extension educators discussing recent research conducted at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in addition to the survey conducted of Nebraska beef producers. Currently, we are planing for the methanae conference scheduled for the next year. we have tentetively scheduled the methane conference targeting extension educators and producers for May 11th and 12th of 2016. The aim of this conference is to discuss current research specifically related to the beef industry as it pertains to methane production from cattle and how it effects the environmental sustainability of the beef industry. We also plan to have representation at the greenhouse gas in animal agricultural conference in February of 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. We will also develop additional webinars and timely topics to be posted to the website in an effort to increase the educational value of the livestock and the environment webpage.
Publications
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Pesta A. C. 2015. Dietary Strategies for Mitigation of Methane Production by Growing and Finishing Cattle.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Pesta, A. C., M. L. Jolly-Breithaupt, S. C. Fernando, P. K. Kononoff, and G.E. Erickson. 2015. Methane production and diet digestibility by growing cattle fed high or low quality roughage. J. Anim. Sci. 93 (E-Suppl. 2):220
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Pesta, A. C., R. G. Bondurant, S. C. Fernando, and G.E. Erickson. 2015. Impact of dietary nitrate and sulfate on methane to carbon dioxide ratio and performance of finishing steers. J. Anim. Sci. 93 (E-Suppl. 2):217
- Type:
Other
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Pesta, A. C., A. K. Watson, R. G. Bondurant, S. C. Fernando, and G.E. Erickson. 2015. Use of dietary nitrate or sulfate for mitigation of methane production by finishing steers. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP-102(pages unassigned yet)
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
2) Christopher L. Anderson, Galen E. Erickson, Jim C. MacDonald, and Samodha C. Fernando. 2015. Rumen bacterial communities can be adapted faster to high concentrate diets than currently implemented feedlot programs. Applied Environmental Microbiology.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
" Effect of diet on the rumen microbial community composition of growing cattle and the role it plays in methane emissions. Allison L. Knoell, Christopher L. Anderson, Anna Pesta, Galen Erickson, Terry Klopfenstein, Samodha C. Fernando. Nebraska 2015 Beef Cattle Report
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
1) Greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen cycling from beef production systems: Effects of climate, season, production system, and diet. Galen E. Erickson, Samodha C. Fernando, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Andrea K. Watson, James C. MacDonald, Anna C. Pesta, Allison L. Knoell, and Henry Paz (2015). Joint Annual Science Meeting held by the American Dairy Science Association, American Society of Animal Science and Canadian Society of Animal Science, Orlando, FL (July 12-16)
- Type:
Other
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Pesta, A. C., M. L. Jolly-Breithaupt, P. J. Knonoff, S. C. Fernando, and G.E. Erickson. 2015. Methane production, diet digestibility, and VFA profile of growing steers fed high or low quality forage. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP-102(pages unassigned yet)
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
1) Boyd, B. M., A. Jones, L. Franzen-Castle, K. Jenkins, R. Rasby, M. Luebbe, R. Stowell, S. C. Fernando, and G. E. Erickson. 2015. Producer concerns and perceptions regarding the effect of methane on cattle production and the environment: A survey of Nebraska producers. Professional Animal Scientist.(page numbers not assigned)
|
Progress 08/01/13 to 07/31/14
Outputs
Target Audience: During the reporting year we have reached multiple audiences ranging from key stakeholder groups such as beef producers and consultants in the industry. In addition we have reached producers through extension educators and have performed traing workshops for extension educators. We have also reached producers and the general public through the "The Livestock and Environment website" (http://beef.unl.edu/livestock-and-the-environment). Finally, in addition to producers, extension educators and the gereral public, we have reached the scientific community by presenting our results at National and regional meetings. FInally, we have reached the K-5 children through the workshop conducted at the childrens museum in Lincoln, NE. Changes/Problems: Other than the changes proposed in year one we have no additional changes. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The project has provided professional training for 2 graduate students in ruminant nutrition, ruminant microbiology, molecular biology and bioinformatics. In addition, survey results form year 1 were presented to Nebraska Extension educators at Beef Committee Meetings in May 2014 in Scottsbluff, Neb. The purpose of the presentation was to inform Extension educators of the USDA-AFRI grant and begin educational outreach. Survey results were presented in order to give the current perception among local producers and assist educators with potential conversation starters as well as other educational tools as they communicate with producers. The Livestock and Environment website was also used as a tool for training and development. The website contains an animation describing the digestive process of ruminants, including how methane is formed during enteric fermentation. There are also Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and monthly articles regarding methane production in beef cattle and management practices that reduce the amount of methane emitted during enteric fermentation. Content is updated monthly. The website contains a form for individuals to submit questions about the content or related question. Each question is answered by an Extension Specialist in the research group within two working days. We have also used webinars and Nebguides to help in educator and producer training. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The results generated has been disseminated through confernce presentations at regional and national meetings, station reports and nebraska beef reports. In addition, we have dessiminated results via extension educator training and through the newly establised, Livestock and Environment website. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? We will continue analysis of the samples collected in year 2 while preparing the manuscripts for the data generated in year one. We will be conducting a growing study with 60 head to reach our goal in objective 1 of 240 head growing and finishing. Currently we have 120 head completely finished on growing and finishing and analysis completed. In addition, we have completed 60 head (growing) and currently have a 120 head finishing study ongoing. We will also start objective 2, from the data/samples collected we will pick samples for metagenome analysis. We are also currently performing headbox studies to validate our sampling methods and to derive more accurate equations for methane based on methane/carbon dioxide ratio. We will also continue to develop new Neb guides, FAQs and webinars for the Livestock and Environment website, and continue are educator training and other eXtension activities. We will also start planing for the methane conference proposed to be held in 2016.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
We have finished phenotyping the microbiota and meathane measurements completely in 120 animals out of the 240 proposed. Microbiota phenotyping was performed on 5 time points( 3 proposed in the proposal) and methane sampling was performed at weekly or bi-weekly intervals, in addition performance data was collected from all animals and VFA profiles have been measured. The data generated in the first year has been presentaed at regional and National meetings, and currently 2 publication are in preparation to be submitted for peer review publication. We have finished feeding trials on an additional 60 head on growing diets and have collected the samples and analysis is ongoing. Currently 120 head are being used in a finishing trial and methane data is being constantly collected. We have been proactive in the study and we are currently using headboxes to furthur validate aour novel sampling approach. therefore, a headbodx study is currently under way utilizing similar diets in year one to help estimate methane emmissions more acurately and to derive equations for calculating total methane using carbon dioxide as ainternal standard. Based on the data generated, we are starting objective 2 in the comming year. we have secured additional funding for a postdoctoral fellow that will help with objectinve 2. On objective 3 we have developed a website for the project named "Livestock and Environment" as part of the UNL BEEF website (http://beef.unl.edu/livestock-and-the-environment) . The website contains an animation describing the digestive process of ruminants, including how methane is formed during enteric fermentation. There are also Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and monthly articles regarding methane production in beef cattle and management practices that reduce the amount of methane emitted during enteric fermentation. Content is updated monthly. The website contains a form for individuals to submit questions about the content or related question. Each question is answered by an Extension Specialist in the research group within two working days. Two webinars have been recorded in order to educate producers on methane production in beef cattle. The first webinar was recorded by Dr. Larry Berger, Animal Science Department Head at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and discussed how methane emissions relate to food production and the growing world population. The second webinar was done by Dr. Andy Cole, an Animal Scientist with the United States Department of Agriculture, and gave an overview of current research on how feed processing affects methane production in beef cattle. A third webinar is scheduled to be recorded in early fall with Dr. Harvey Freetley at the United States Department of Agriculture- MARC. A Twitter account has also been set-up for the Extension component of the grant (CH4_BEEF). Future work includes publications for the Extension website. In addition we have summerized the survey results obtained in year one and have presented that data at the Joint animal science meetings in Kansas City Missuri.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Effect of diet on microbial community composition, and methane emission in growing beef cattle. Allison L. Knoell1, Christopher L. Anderson1, Anna Pesta, Galen Erickson, Terry Klopfenstein, Samodha C. Fernando. Midwest Animal Science Meeting Des Moines, IA
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Diet influences microbial community composition, and methane emission in growing and finishing beef cattle. Samodha C. Fernando, Allison L. Knoell1, Christopher L. Anderson1, Anna Pesta, Galen Erickson, Terry Klopfenstein. Joint Annual Science Meeting held by the American Dairy Science Association, American Society of Animal Science and Canadian Society of Animal Science, Kansas City MO.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Effects of dietary fat source and monensin on methane to carbon dioxide ratio, VFA profile, and performance of finishing steers. A. C. Pesta, A. K. Watson, R. G. Bondurant, S. C. Fernando, and G. E. Erickson. Joint Annual Science Meeting held by the American Dairy Science Association, American Society of Animal Science and Canadian Society of Animal Science, Kansas City MO.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Effects of diet on methane, VFA profile, and performance of growing calves. A.C. Pesta, A. K. Watson, S. C. Fernando, and G. E. Erickson. Midwest Animal Science Meeting Des Moines, IA
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Evaluation of 2013 Survey of Beef Producers in Nebraska. M. Jones, R.J. Rasby, S.C. Fernando, G.E. Erickson, M.K. Luebbe, K.H. Jenkins, J.C. MacDonald, T.J. Klopfenstein, J. Larson, R. Stowell, C. Powers and M. Anderson-Knott. Joint Annual Science Meeting held by the American Dairy Science Association, American Society of Animal Science and Canadian Society of Animal Science, Kansas City MO.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Effects of Dietary Fat Source and Monensin on Methane Emissions, VFA Profile, and Performance of Finishing Steers. Anna. C. Pesta, Andrea K. Watson, Robert G. Bondurant, Samodha C. Fernando, and Galen E. Erickson. Nebraska 2015 Beef Cattle Report
- Type:
Other
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Evaluation of the Impact of an Alternative Corn Residue Harvest Method on Performance and Methane Emissions from Growing Cattle. Janessa J. Updike, Anna. C. Pesta, Robert G. Bondurant, Jim C. MacDonald, Galen E. Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein. Nebraska 2015 Beef Cattle Report
- Type:
Other
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Effect of diet on the rumen microbial community composition of growing cattle and the role it plays in methane emissions. Allison L. Knoell1, Christopher L. Anderson1, Anna Pesta, Galen Erickson, Terry Klopfenstein, Samodha C. Fernando. Nebraska 2015 Beef Cattle Report
|
Progress 08/01/12 to 07/31/13
Outputs
Target Audience: During the first year we have initiated a survey using the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service in Nebraska as a means to identify the key stakeholder groups and to develop an extension program on the impacts of methane on beef cattle performance and efficiency. Our focus has been directed primarily to beef producers and consultants in the industry that assist with management decisions. Based on survey responses, we will be able to determine what strategies are currently being implemented to reduce methane emissions and the awarness within the beef industry on methane emmision. This information will allow us to tailor our extension efforts towards a specific format for the audience being targeted as research results become available. In addition to the survery two graduate students (one M.S. and 1 Phd), and one undergraduate student have been recruited to perform the research component of the project. The training gained through working in this project will contribute towards the educational activities that will help develop human capital relevant to the mitigation and adaption goals through graduate and undergraduate mentoring of these students. Changes/Problems: The LaserMethane detector described in the proposal was unavailable to purchase in the US. Therfore, we developed new method where air was sampled from an enclosed feed bunk during feeding into gas sampling bags and these bags wer analyzed for methane and carbon dioxide using a gas chromatograph. Repeated measurements were taken to ensure accuracy. To this end we retro fitted the feed bunks with auto pumps that turn on when the animal enters the feed bunk and shuts off when the animal leaves the bunk. Sampling was done at a constant flow rate. At least 10 min of feeding time was used for each sampling point. We also had controls sampling the feed bunk with no animal to measure amibient air methane and carbon dioxide levels, and was used as background levels. As described earlier, we have collected 600 observation from 120 cattle for microbiota composition analysis just in the first year (720 total observationbs was described in the proposal over 240 animals in 2 years). The PI has recently purchased an Ion Torrent PGM next generation semiconductor based sequencer and is wondering if this sequencing platform could be used for all sequencing in the project? (project proposal describes the use of Ion torrent and the 454 pyrosequencing in combination). This will allow the analysis of the additional samples collected and the extra samples that will be collected in year 2, within the proposed budget. Currently, the Ion Torrent provides read lengths in the range of 400 bp, which is camparable to the Roche 454 pyrosequencer, but at a higher depth. Our two runs described in the results have on avarage 21,000 reads per sample. In addition, the Roche 454 sequencer at University of Nebraska has been deemed inoparable. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The project has recruited 2 graduate students (MS and Phd) and have also employed an undergraduate student. These students have worked closely with Drs. Erickson, Klopfenstein and Fernando so far. The MS student war recruited in June of 2013 and is currently mentored by Dr Fernando on a one -on-one basis. The Phd student has been working on the project since last August and have attended the animal science midwest regional meeting tin Iowa. She has also taken coursework pertaining to rumen microbiology and ruminant nutrition and in montored by both Dr. Erickson and Dr. Fernando. In addition, a undergraduate student has been working on the project during the school year. She has been helping the graduate student on their analysis of samples and have also learnt valuable molecular techniques in the lab. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? We have written a research report on the growing data collected during the first year and will be published in the 2014 Nebraska Beef report. In addition we have met with extension educators in Nebraska at the Beef committee meetings and have talk to them about this ongoing project and the long term objectives of this project. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? We will continue with the analysis of the sample collected, looking at the microbial community of both eubacterial and the archeal community. In addition we will also analyze the samples collected for VFA profiles. We will also start the growing and finishing study for the second set of animals (n=120) and will collect methane and carbon dioxide emmited and samples for microbial community analysis. We are in the process of hiring an extension educator for the outreach component of the project. Once the surveys are back we hope to analyze and summarize the responses of the survey. In addition, we will start eXtension activities, and developing other training material.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Major activities completed As part of objective one, we have tested 120 animals under 10 different diets (growing phase) and an additional 10 diets in the (finishing phase). The finishing phase is currently ongoing and will end late October. We have collected 600 (5 time points X 120 animals) observations for microbiota composition and at least 6 repeated observations of methane and carbon dioxide emissions under each diet from each animal (>1400 observations). For methane sampling, we developed a novel protocol with minimum stress to the animal by retrofitting the calan gates system by enclosing the feed bunk and adding gas-sampling pumps to trigger sampling when the animal enters the feed bunk to feed. We have initiated microbial community analysis. Currently we have completed the analysis of the eubacterial community of 200 samples using the Ion Torrent PGM sequencing approach with an average of 20,000 reads per sample after quality control and removing low quality reads. We are also currently analyzing the VFA profile of each sample collected and have collected all intake and performance measures. As part of objective three, the UNL animal science ruminant nutrition research and extension team is developing extension programming on the impacts of methane on beef cattle performance and efficiency. A survey targeted to feedlot and cow calf producers was developed. The questions developed were designed to identify the knowledge base of our clientele on methane emission and beef production. We cooperated with the Nebraska Agriculture Statistics Service to identify operations that the survey was sent to. The list was stratified across size (number of head) of operation. Using NASS, each operation size (number of head of cattle) strata was sampled to ensure adequate number of returned surveys. Specific objectives met; We have completed the testing of 120 animals out of the 240 animals proposed in objective one. We have collected more observation than promised in objective 1 from the tested animals, and have completed the analysis of 200 observations on microbiota composition. In addition we have collected at least 6 repeated observations of methane and carbon dioxide emissions under each diet from each animal (>1400 observations). We believe we have made significant progress in reaching objective 1. Objective two is planned for years 3 and 4 of the proposal. We have developed a survey targeted to feedlot and cow calf producers on the impacts of methane on beef cattle performance and efficiency. The questions developed were designed to identify the knowledge base of our clientele on methane emission and beef production. We cooperated with the Nebraska Agriculture Statistics Service to identify operations that the survey was sent to. We are anticipating about 30% return rate and the survey was mailed to a larger population assuming the 30% return rate. We have obtained IRB approval and plan to publish the data obtained through the survey. The survey was the only activity proposed for year 1 on objective 3. Significant results achieved, including major findings, developments, or conclusions (both positive and negative) As the finishing study is ongoing, the results discussed below are from the growing study that included 10 different diets. As figures are nto acceptaable in the REEport system the data has been explained, but I would be happy to share the figures showing the data if needed. The methane levels of animals on the common diet displayed similar CH4/CO2 ratios, both at the start and the end of the growing study. However when the dietary treatments were iposed the CH4/CO2 ratios changed. Therefore, sampling points collected during dietary treatments suggests that the diet influences methane emission. Except for the low quality forage diet with 40% deoiled modified distillers with no rumensin, all diets with low quality forage decreased the CH4/CO2 ratios, suggesting decreased methane released compared to a unit of CO2 released. Interestingly, the only low quality diet to increase the CH4/CO2 ratio was the diet that did not contain monensin. However, monensin did not have an effect on the CH4/CO2 ratio in diets with high quality forage, suggesting that monensin may have limited effect on methane emission, and may be important only on low quality diets. The microbial community composition was compared in 100 animals when fed a common diet and when the same 100 animals were on different dietary treatments. Each sample had an average of 20,000 or more sequences per sample. The Principal Component Analysis showed that, when the animals are on a common diet they contain a similar microbial community composition. However, when the animals were put on different dietary treatments the gut microbial community shifted and clustered based on supplementation level and forage quality. This suggests that diet influenced the microbial community to change. Thus, under different dietary conditions the change in community structure has influenced methane emission in cattle as seen by the lower CH4/CO2 ratios in low quality forage diets. The structuring of community based on forage quality and the difference in methane production based on forage quality suggests, forage quality to be an important determinant of methane levels. Identifying the members of the communities with high and low methane levels would help identify microbial community members that influence methane production in cattle. We are in the process of analyzing the remaining 400 samples and identifying the microbial community that directly impacts methane emission in beef cattle. The sampling and analysis efforts that will be done in the next 2 years will help us reach this target of identifying specific member of the microbial community. Figure 3 shows genus level changes in microbial community. To this end, we have started taxonomic analysis of the microbial communities. As part of the outreach component we have developed a survey targeting feedlot and cow calf producers in Nebraska. The questions developed were designed to identify the knowledge base of our clientele on methane emission and beef production. We cooperated with the Nebraska Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) to identify operations that the survey was sent to. The list was stratified across size (number of head) of operation. Using NASS, each operation size (number of head of cattle) strata was sampled to ensure adequate number of returned surveys. We are expecting at least 30% return of the survey and will be summarizing the data during the second year of the project. 4) key outcomes or other accomplishments realized. We have developed a novel sampling strategy to sample methane released from feedlot cattle within the individual feeding barn with minimum stress to the animal. Forage quality is a significant contributor towards methane levels emitted from ruminants. Methane levels and the microbial composition suggest that dietary intervention is a viable strategy to reduce methane emission from cattle.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Pesta, A.C., Watson, A.K., Fernando, S.C., Erickson, G.E., Effects of Forage Quality, MDGS, and Monensin on Performance, Methane Concentration, and Ruminal Fermentation of Growing Cattle. Nebraska 2014 Beef Cattle Report
|