Almost 35% of the total greenhouse gas emission from Danish agriculture is from dairy cattle, and enteric methane emission makes up about 50% of the climate footprint of milk.
Globally, milk and meat consumption are expected to increase. Production and management strategies for improved animal health, longevity and fewer young stock may be important tools to reduce the total climate impact from the production of milk and meat. When reducing methane emission, productivity and animal welfare should not be allowed to deteriorate. Relevant management strategies involving changes in feed, health, reproduction and /or herd dynamics are simulated with a model (SimHerd) using input data from 10 Danish commercial dairy herds.
The results are presented to and discussed with the farmer to evaluate feasibility of the strategies. Economic effects can be included as well. Depending on the duration of the thesis project, the student will be expected to participate in data collection.
To be decided in agreement with the supervisor.
Department of Animal- and Veterinary Sciences, AU Viborg - Forskningscenter Foulum, DK-8830 Tjele.
30, 45 or 60 ECTS thesis as appropriate. The MSc student may be invited to co-author a scientific publication.
Prerequisites: an interest in data analysis is required. The student will become part of a research team working on the on-going project: ”Development of a model of enteric methane emissions from dairy herds under different management strategies”.
