Methane Emissions From Dairy Goats Can Be Measured Using Cattle Respiration Chambers

Reducing methane emissions from dairy goat production is essential for meeting sustainability targets and consumer expectations. Accurate quantification of enteric methane per unit of feed intake is a prerequisite for developing emission inventories and mitigation strategies. This pilot study developed and validated a methodology for measuring methane emissions from dairy goats using respiration chambers originally designed for cattle. Ten nonlactating Saanen dairy goats (mean ± standard deviation liveweight: 63 ± 9 kg) were group‐housed for 2 days and, then paired and housed in small pens for 9 days to adapt to the diet and environment. They were fed pasture silage ad libitum , supplemented with 200 g of maize grain daily. Four pairs were selected for methane measurements in cattle chambers following a 2‐day acclimation period. Methane emissions were recorded over 48 h at an airflow rate of 756 L/min. The mean methane yield was 22.9 ± 1.4 g/kg dry matter intake, consistent with values reported for sheep and cattle. Power analysis indicated that six pairs per treatment group are required to detect a 10% difference in methane yield with 80% power. These findings establish a validated protocol for using cattle respiration chambers to measure methane emissions from dairy goats.