A study by the University of California, Davis, on dairy cows compared a treated group versus a control group, showing reductions in enteric methane (CH₄) emissions of up to −20.4%, carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions up to −18.4%, and an increase in milk protein content (+6.5%) during the observation period using SOP® STAR COW.
Summary: This experimental study involved 20 dairy cows (10 treated and 10 control) with repeated measurements over six weeks. In the treated group, enteric emissions decreased over time (CH₄ up to −20.4% from day 14 to day 42) and milk protein content increased by +6.5% from day 0 to day 42, as reported in the study.
Enteric emissions from ruminants represent a significant portion of anthropogenic methane (CH₄) emissions. Nutritional additives for dairy cows are therefore receiving increasing attention as feasible mitigation options on farms, with parallel interest in maintaining productive performance and milk quality parameters.
In this context, the study conducted by Professor Mitloehner’s team (University of California, Davis) evaluated the effectiveness of the SOP STAR COW additive in reducing enteric methane emissions (CH₄) while monitoring potential effects on performance and milk quality. Enteric emissions were measured on 20 dairy cows (10 treated and 10 untreated controls) using individual chambers over 12-hour periods, with repeated measurements every 14 days for six weeks.
In the SOP STAR COW-treated group, CH₄ emissions decreased by up to −20.4% from day 14 to day 42. Concurrently, milk protein content increased by +6.5% from day 0 to day 42. The study also reported reductions in CO₂ emissions up to −18.4% during the observation period compared to the control.
Overall, the results indicate that SOP® STAR COW can contribute to the mitigation of enteric methane (CH₄) emissions in dairy cows, while showing a favorable effect on milk protein content during the observed period, as reported in the study.
Summary
Type of evidence:
Peer-reviewed scientific publication in the journal Sustainability
Instituition Involved:
University of California, Davis
Sector:
Bovini da latte — emissioni enteriche e performance
Experimental design:
Treated vs. Control Comparison on 20 Cows (10 + 10); Repeated Measurements in Individual Chambers
Duration:
6 weeks; measurements every 14 days (12 hours per session)
Main outcomes:
nteric CH₄ and CO₂ Emissions; Milk Quality Parameters
Main results:
Up to −20.4% enteric CH₄ emissions (treated vs. control; day 14 to day 42)
Up to −18.4% CO₂ emissions (as reported in the study)
+6.5% milk protein content (day 0 to day 42)
Context Note:
Mitigation of enteric CH₄ is a key leverage point for short-term climate benefits; on-farm adoption requires attention to compatibility with production performance and milk quality.
