Section 20: Greenfeed SOP - Revision history

Cvangemert: Cvangemert moved page Greenfeed SOP to Section 20: Greenfeed SOP

2026-02-18T07:39:43Z

Cvangemert moved page Greenfeed SOP to Section 20: Greenfeed SOP

← Older revision	Revision as of 07:39, 18 February 2026
(No difference)

Cvangemert: /* Introduction */

2026-02-11T13:22:22Z

Introduction

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:22, 11 February 2026
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	== Introduction ==		== Introduction ==
	~~This document~~ is the ~~report obtained~~ from the ~~presentations, talks, chats and discussions~~ of the ~~Zoom meetings on 5~~<~~sup~~>th</~~sup~~> ~~December 2022 (Dairy)~~ and 7<~~sup~~>th</~~sup~~> ~~December 2022 (Beef)~~. ~~In both meetings~~ an ~~introduction was made about~~ the ~~ICAR Feed&Gas Working Group~~, ~~the objectives~~ of the ~~Working Group~~, ~~including~~ the ~~revision of~~ the ~~guidelines (Section 20 - Recording Dairy Cattle Methane Emission~~ for ~~Genetic Evaluation) published two years ago~~. ~~Moreover~~, the ~~aim~~ of the ~~meeting was to share knowledge on GreenFeed operating procedure including tips~~, ~~tricks and trouble-shooting data recording using the Greenfeed system. 50 to 60 people from 14 countries participated to both meetings~~.		Enteric methane (CH<sub>4</sub>) production and carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) production can be measured non-invasively using a GreenFeed emission monitoring system (C-lock Inc. Rapid City, SD, USA). GreenFeed is an adapted feeding station that continuously measures both CH<sub>4</sub> and CO<sub>2</sub> concentration and the quantitative airflow in order to generate individual gaseous production. GreenFeed is equipped with a fan that pulls air from around the head of the cow with 30-40 L/s. The airflow is measured continuously by a hot-film anemometer that needs to be calibrated monthly. In the air collection pipe continuous subsamples are drawn to analyse the CH<sub>4</sub> and CO<sub>2</sub> concentration by nondispersive infrared sensors, which are automatically calibrated on a daily basis. Additionally, head positioning is registered by an infrared sensor. This sensor only determines the distance of the cow to the sensor, not what part of the cow causes this distance, could be the nose but also the ear for example. Temperature and radiofrequency identification tags specific to each cow for individual recognition are recorded as well. All variables are logged at a 1 s interval. GreenFeed measures continuously, even if there are no animals present, to correct for background emissions in the barn. The periods within a visit where the head position of the animal is correct are used for measuring gaseous emissions. Quantitative concentrations in g/d were calculated at a 1 s interval, which were then averaged per visit (minimum of 2 min).

	~~Enteric methane (CH<sub>4</sub>) production~~ and ~~carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) production can be measured non-invasively using a GreenFeed emission monitoring system (C-lock Inc~~. ~~Rapid City~~, SD, ~~USA)~~. GreenFeed ~~is an adapted feeding station that continuously measures~~ both ~~CH<sub>4</sub> and CO<sub>2</sub> concentration~~ and the ~~quantitative airflow in order to generate individual gaseous production.~~ GreenFeed is equipped with ~~a fan that pulls air from around the head of the cow with 30-40 L/s~~. ~~The airflow~~ is ~~measured continuously by a hot-film anemometer that needs to be calibrated monthly. In~~ the ~~air collection pipe continuous subsamples are drawn to analyse the CH<sub>4</sub> and CO<sub>2</sub> concentration by nondispersive infrared sensors, which are automatically calibrated on~~ a ~~daily basis. Additionally~~, ~~head positioning is registered by~~ an ~~infrared sensor. This sensor only determines the distance of the cow to the sensor, not what part~~ of the cow causes this distance, could be the nose but also the ear for example. Temperature and radiofrequency identification tags specific to each cow for individual recognition are recorded as well. All variables are logged at a 1 s interval. GreenFeed ~~measures continuously, even if there are no animals present, to correct~~ for ~~background emissions in the barn~~. The ~~periods within~~ a ~~visit where~~ the ~~head position of the animal is correct are used for measuring gaseous emissions. Quantitative concentrations~~ in ~~g/d were calculated at a 1 s interval, which were then averaged per visit (minimum of 2 min)~~.		Most of the information on this page refers to the standard version of the GreenFeed, most often used for dairy and beef cattle. There are two other versions, which are discussed separately, for small ruminants and for animals with large horns. GreenFeed can be used both in barn and on pasture. For pasture systems, the GreenFeed is mounted on a trailer and equipped with solar panels. There is also the option of a skid system, an enhanced version of the GreenFeed for heavy-duty application. The skid system consists of a protective housing around the GreenFeed and includes a build in retractable alleyway.

	~~Most of~~ the ~~information on this page refers to the ordinary version of~~ the GreenFeed, ~~most often used for dairy and beef cattle~~. ~~There are two other versions, which are discussed separately, for small ruminants and for animals with large horns~~.		The Global Research Alliance ([https://globalresearchalliance.org/ GRA]) published new materials from the New Zealand Climate Smart Agriculture Initiative ([https://www.climatesmartagriculture.org.nz/ CSA]). This includes a technical manual for the GreenFeed, find this page [https://globalresearchalliance.org/library/greenfeed-emission-monitor/ here].

	== Equipment description ==		== Equipment description ==

Cvangemert: /* Problems faced and upgrades */

2025-10-27T10:51:49Z

Problems faced and upgrades

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:51, 27 October 2025
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	\|RFID identification problems		\|RFID identification problems
	\|Caused by either low power supply (check and replace power supply if needed) or antenna problems (follow instructions from C-lock to find the cause and replace if needed).		\|Caused by either low power supply (check and replace power supply if needed) or antenna problems (follow instructions from C-lock to find the cause and replace if needed).
	\|		When placing ISO 11784/5 tags too close to own tags (<5 cm), the ISO 11784/5 tag cannot be read by the system. The own tag does work on its own systems.
			\|ISO 11784/5 tags are recognized by the system. Other tags might not be. An extra ISO 11784/5 tag can be added to the collar.
			No interference with AMS systems observed.
			Place the ISO 11784/5 tags at least 5 cm away from other tags, even if the GreenFeed system does not recognize the other tag.
	\|-		\|-
	\|Leaky CO<sub>2</sub> cylinder and lower CO<sub>2</sub> release		\|Leaky CO<sub>2</sub> cylinder and lower CO<sub>2</sub> release

Cvangemert: /* Problems faced and upgrades */

2025-10-21T06:45:17Z

Problems faced and upgrades

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:45, 21 October 2025
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	\|Connectivity problem		\|Connectivity problem
	\|Replaced using C-Lock spare parts and assistance.		\|Replaced using C-Lock spare parts and assistance.
	\|In alternative, purchase an external Wi-Fi router or SIM-card router.		When caused by low coverage of the provider for the sim card used: Shutting down the device for a while and powering it back up can restore connectivity. You might have to repeat this a few times.
	~~If connectivity is lost days after installation. Shutting down~~ the ~~device~~ for ~~a while and powering it back up might restore~~ connectivity.		\|In alternative, purchase an external Wi-Fi router or SIM-card router.
			When possible use with the cable instead of cellular connection for better connectivity
	\|-		\|-
	\|Power supply problem		\|Power supply problem

Cvangemert: /* Problems faced and upgrades */

2025-09-17T06:18:29Z

Problems faced and upgrades

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:18, 17 September 2025
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	\|Replaced using C-Lock spare parts and assistance.		\|Replaced using C-Lock spare parts and assistance.
	\|In alternative, purchase an external Wi-Fi router or SIM-card router.		\|In alternative, purchase an external Wi-Fi router or SIM-card router.
	If ~~there was~~ connectivity ~~originally:~~ Shutting down the device for a while and powering it back up ~~can also~~ restore connectivity.		If connectivity is lost days after installation. Shutting down the device for a while and powering it back up might restore connectivity.
	\|-		\|-
	\|Power supply problem		\|Power supply problem

Cvangemert: /* Experimental protocols */

2025-09-17T06:16:52Z

Experimental protocols

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:16, 17 September 2025
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	The correct placement of the GreenFeed unit inside the barn is crucial.		The correct placement of the GreenFeed unit inside the barn is crucial.

	Indoor, it is advisable to place it on solid, non-slatted floor, in a location with good ventilation. Irregular ventilation or background emissions from manure may negatively affect the estimates of methane and carbon dioxide emissions.		Indoor, it is advisable to place it on solid, non-slatted floor, in a location with good ventilation. Irregular ventilation or background emissions from manure may negatively affect the estimates of methane and carbon dioxide emissions. Take into account that installation of the GreenFeed on low-emission floors can be more difficult and take longer. This is because there are fewer anker points available.

	Outdoor, the GreenFeed have to be located in a solid place (not in the mud), with a good phone (internet) connection and a good sunlight (if equipped with solar panel). The GreenFeed unit and the grazing site have to be nearby. The grazing area should not be so large as it could impact the number of visits. It may be appropriate to install an electric fence to protect the GreenFeed unit from animals’ damage, but also to avoid animals to enter by side of the GreenFeed; this was not always undertaken and warrants further investigation. A plastic and waterproof cover can be installed on the unit and a weather station on its top. Together with the GreenFeed, the trailer can also be purchased from C-Lock. This trailer is suitable for short distance moving and it is essential for placement in pasture (i.e. the trailer contains a spot where the unit can be attached, since it has to be standing solid to prevent it from getting damaged by cows, where the gas cylinders can stand and contain power supply (solar panel or batteries). If it is necessary to move the GreenFeed unit for longer distances it is essential to have a more solid trailer available and should be compatible with the legal requirements for road vehicles in the respective country.		Outdoor, the GreenFeed have to be located in a solid place (not in the mud), with a good phone (internet) connection and a good sunlight (if equipped with solar panel). The GreenFeed unit and the grazing site have to be nearby. The grazing area should not be so large as it could impact the number of visits. It may be appropriate to install an electric fence to protect the GreenFeed unit from animals’ damage, but also to avoid animals to enter by side of the GreenFeed; this was not always undertaken and warrants further investigation. A plastic and waterproof cover can be installed on the unit and a weather station on its top. Together with the GreenFeed, the trailer can also be purchased from C-Lock. This trailer is suitable for short distance moving and it is essential for placement in pasture (i.e. the trailer contains a spot where the unit can be attached, since it has to be standing solid to prevent it from getting damaged by cows, where the gas cylinders can stand and contain power supply (solar panel or batteries). If it is necessary to move the GreenFeed unit for longer distances it is essential to have a more solid trailer available and should be compatible with the legal requirements for road vehicles in the respective country.
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	\|4 - 12		\|4 - 12
	\|}		\|}
			An example of a feeding protocol for cows would be a drop dispense interval of 30 second; 3 hours between feeding periods (10.800 seconds); max. 8 drops per feeding period and max. 6 feeding periods. This means that a cow can visit 6 times a day and stays for at least 4 minutes if it eats all it's concentrates.

	For other species different protocols apply, below a few experimental protocol variables currently known:		For other species different protocols apply, below a few experimental protocol variables currently known:
	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
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	!Buffalo		!Buffalo
	\|-		\|-
	\|~~Number of drops per visit~~		\|MAX. DROPS PER FEEDING TIME
	\|8		\|8
	\|8		\|8
	\|-		\|-
	\|~~Concentrates in gram per drop~~		\|CONCENTRATES PER DROP (G)
	\|7		\|7
	\|37		\|37
	\|-		\|-
	\|~~Max amount of visits per day~~		\|MAX. FEEDING PERIODS
	\|3		\|3
	\|5		\|5
	\|-		\|-
	\|~~Max amount of concentrates per day (g)~~		\|MAX. CUP DROPS PER DAY
	~~\|168~~
	~~\|1480~~
	\|-
	~~\|Max amount of cup drops per day~~
	\|24		\|24
	\|40		\|40
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	\|Connectivity problem		\|Connectivity problem
	\|Replaced using C-Lock spare parts and assistance.		\|Replaced using C-Lock spare parts and assistance.
	\|In alternative, purchase an external Wi-Fi router or SIM-card router.		\|In alternative, purchase an external Wi-Fi router or SIM-card router.
			If there was connectivity originally: Shutting down the device for a while and powering it back up can also restore connectivity.
	\|-		\|-
	\|Power supply problem		\|Power supply problem

Cvangemert: /* Experimental protocols */

2025-09-10T07:22:16Z

Experimental protocols

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:22, 10 September 2025
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	The overall duration of the trial varies, from a minimum of 7 days up to a year, both indoor and outdoor, according to the purpose of the experimental trial. Feeding settings can vary dependent on the preferred feed gift and preferred number of measurements per day. There are two important principles that should be met: the time of a feeding period (and thus gaseous measurement) should be between 2 and 5 minutes (at least 2 minutes, preferably 3-4 minutes), and the number of visits per day should be between 2 and 8, and divided over the day. The number of cows that can visit multiplied by the number of visits per cow per day multiplied by the time per visit should never exceed 24 hours, but preferably not exceed 12 hours (which means occupation of the GreenFeed 50% of the time). In general, one GreenFeed is suitable to measure at maximum 40 to 50 cows and still get decent data. This also leaves the GreenFeed unoccupied for long enough to measure background concentrations, which are needed for calibration.		The overall duration of the trial varies, from a minimum of 7 days up to a year, both indoor and outdoor, according to the purpose of the experimental trial. Feeding settings can vary dependent on the preferred feed gift and preferred number of measurements per day. There are two important principles that should be met: the time of a feeding period (and thus gaseous measurement) should be between 2 and 5 minutes (at least 2 minutes, preferably 3-4 minutes), and the number of visits per day should be between 2 and 8, and divided over the day. The number of cows that can visit multiplied by the number of visits per cow per day multiplied by the time per visit should never exceed 24 hours, but preferably not exceed 12 hours (which means occupation of the GreenFeed 50% of the time). In general, one GreenFeed is suitable to measure at maximum 40 to 50 cows and still get decent data. This also leaves the GreenFeed unoccupied for long enough to measure background concentrations, which are needed for calibration.

	When more than 50 cows have tags that the GreenFeed can recognize, the system can be programmed to only drop feed for specifically selected cows. The other cows will lose interest and the cows you want to measure can use the GreenFeed enough to get useable data.		When more than 50 cows have tags that the GreenFeed can recognize, the system can be programmed to only drop feed for specifically selected cows. The other cows will lose interest and the cows you want to measure can use the GreenFeed enough to get useable data. The GreenFeed does not recognize all tags cows can wear, RFID tags with ISO number 11784/11785 are recognized. When measuring on a commercial farm not all farmers will have tags with the correct ISO number and you will have to attach new RFID tags to the collar of the cow.

	The wide variability of the experimental protocol variables can be summarized as follows for cows:		The wide variability of the experimental protocol variables can be summarized as follows for cows:
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	\|4 - 12		\|4 - 12
	\|}		\|}
	For other species different protocols apply, below a few experimental ~~protocols~~ variables currently known:		For other species different protocols apply, below a few experimental protocol variables currently known:
	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
	\|+DAFNE feeding protocols:		\|+DAFNE feeding protocols:

Cvangemert: /* Experimental protocols */

2025-08-04T09:28:16Z

Experimental protocols

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:28, 4 August 2025
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	Enteric methane (CH<sub>4</sub>) production and carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) production can be measured non-invasively using a GreenFeed emission monitoring system (C-lock Inc. Rapid City, SD, USA). GreenFeed is an adapted feeding station that continuously measures both CH<sub>4</sub> and CO<sub>2</sub> concentration and the quantitative airflow in order to generate individual gaseous production. GreenFeed is equipped with a fan that pulls air from around the head of the cow with 30-40 L/s. The airflow is measured continuously by a hot-film anemometer that needs to be calibrated monthly. In the air collection pipe continuous subsamples are drawn to analyse the CH<sub>4</sub> and CO<sub>2</sub> concentration by nondispersive infrared sensors, which are automatically calibrated on a daily basis. Additionally, head positioning is registered by an infrared sensor. This sensor only determines the distance of the cow to the sensor, not what part of the cow causes this distance, could be the nose but also the ear for example. Temperature and radiofrequency identification tags specific to each cow for individual recognition are recorded as well. All variables are logged at a 1 s interval. GreenFeed measures continuously, even if there are no animals present, to correct for background emissions in the barn. The periods within a visit where the head position of the animal is correct are used for measuring gaseous emissions. Quantitative concentrations in g/d were calculated at a 1 s interval, which were then averaged per visit (minimum of 2 min).		Enteric methane (CH<sub>4</sub>) production and carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) production can be measured non-invasively using a GreenFeed emission monitoring system (C-lock Inc. Rapid City, SD, USA). GreenFeed is an adapted feeding station that continuously measures both CH<sub>4</sub> and CO<sub>2</sub> concentration and the quantitative airflow in order to generate individual gaseous production. GreenFeed is equipped with a fan that pulls air from around the head of the cow with 30-40 L/s. The airflow is measured continuously by a hot-film anemometer that needs to be calibrated monthly. In the air collection pipe continuous subsamples are drawn to analyse the CH<sub>4</sub> and CO<sub>2</sub> concentration by nondispersive infrared sensors, which are automatically calibrated on a daily basis. Additionally, head positioning is registered by an infrared sensor. This sensor only determines the distance of the cow to the sensor, not what part of the cow causes this distance, could be the nose but also the ear for example. Temperature and radiofrequency identification tags specific to each cow for individual recognition are recorded as well. All variables are logged at a 1 s interval. GreenFeed measures continuously, even if there are no animals present, to correct for background emissions in the barn. The periods within a visit where the head position of the animal is correct are used for measuring gaseous emissions. Quantitative concentrations in g/d were calculated at a 1 s interval, which were then averaged per visit (minimum of 2 min).

	~~The GreenFeed is available in different versions. The~~ ordinary version ~~which is~~ most often used for dairy and beef cattle. There ~~is an adapted GreenFeed for cattle and~~ other ~~ruminants with large horns~~, ~~mostly used in Africa and for Bison. Another adapted GreenFeed is available~~ for small ruminants~~, where the flow is lower, at 15L/min~~ and ~~thereby has a lower detection limit~~.		Most of the information on this page refers to the ordinary version of the GreenFeed, most often used for dairy and beef cattle. There are two other versions, which are discussed separately, for small ruminants and for animals with large horns.

	== Equipment description ==		== Equipment description ==
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	When more than 50 cows have tags that the GreenFeed can recognize, the system can be programmed to only drop feed for specifically selected cows. The other cows will lose interest and the cows you want to measure can use the GreenFeed enough to get useable data.		When more than 50 cows have tags that the GreenFeed can recognize, the system can be programmed to only drop feed for specifically selected cows. The other cows will lose interest and the cows you want to measure can use the GreenFeed enough to get useable data.

	The wide variability of the experimental protocol variables can be summarized as follows:		The wide variability of the experimental protocol variables can be summarized as follows for cows:
	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
	\|+		\|+
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	\|4 - 12		\|4 - 12
	\|}		\|}
			For other species different protocols apply, below a few experimental protocols variables currently known:
	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
	\|+DAFNE feeding protocols:		\|+DAFNE feeding protocols:
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	When based on grazing, it is important that the machine is moved to the edge of the fresh pasture once strip wire is moved – animals should not have to move far to reach the machine as this will impact number of visits.		When based on grazing, it is important that the machine is moved to the edge of the fresh pasture once strip wire is moved – animals should not have to move far to reach the machine as this will impact number of visits.

			== Data analysis ==
			GreenFeed devices produce a lot of data which can be very overwhelming to handle. In March 2025, a new technical note came out in JDS communications about a new open-source tool to simplify processing and data reporting from GreenFeed systems, making it easier to get flexible, useful, and impactful data. The package offers functions for downloading, processing, and reporting GreenFeed data and is freely available at the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN; <nowiki>https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/greenfeedr/</nowiki>) All functions of version 1.0.2 of the greenfeedr package are described in this article.<ref>greenfeedr: An R package for processing and reporting GreenFeed data Martinez-Boggio, Guillermo et al. JDS Communications, Volume 6, Issue 2, 227 - 230 </ref>

	== Problems faced and upgrades ==		== Problems faced and upgrades ==
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	It is recommended to keep spare parts in stock.		It is recommended to keep spare parts in stock.

			== Small ruminants ==
			The adapted GreenFeed for small ruminants has a lower flow, at 15L/min and thereby has a lower detection limit.

			=== Protocol at [https://www.inrae.fr/en INRAE] for Meat Sheep ===
			Below you find a protocol used at INRAE, France, for measuring methane emissions in meat sheep:

			CH<sub>4</sub> and CO<sub>2</sub> emissions are recorded with two Sheep GreenFeed devices manufactured by the C-Lock company (US) (Rozier et al., 2021)<ref>Rozier A., François D., Maupetit D., Legoff Y., and TortereauF. 2021. First estimations of methane emissions using Sheep GreenFeed in the Romane breed. 72<sup>nd</sup> EAAP, 2021, Davos, Switzerland. </ref>

			One device is installed per pen of 30-40 individuals. A drop (small amount of concentrate) is delivered by the device in order to attract animals. To be valid, a visit of animal must last at least 2 minutes. To optimize the number of efficient visits and considering that we don’t want too much concentrate to be delivered by GreenFeed devices, we set the following parameters: a given day is divided in 4 periods of 6 hours each. During each period, each animal can get a maximum of 6 drops of concentrate, these drops being delivered with an interval of 30 seconds. Animals can visit the device even if they can’t get any drop, and if this visit lasts more than 2 minutes, GHG are recorded.

			Similarly to the phenotyping of feed intake, animals are accustomed to the pen and the device during a minimum of 2 weeks, and the control lasts 6 weeks after the adaptation period. During this period of control, animals are fed as usual. Feed intakes can be recorded over the same period, but it must be reminded that the concentrate delivered by the Sheep GreenFeed devices to a given animal can be eaten by another one. This can bias daily feed intake calculation.

			During the control period, animals are weighed on a weekly basis, mainly for the computation of different GHG traits.

			With Sheep GreenFeed, raw data are not available: GHG emissions, expressed in gram per day can be downloaded from the C-Lock website, with one value per visit. For Sheep GreenFeed, animals may visit the device whenever they want, and several times a day. However, the production of methane is not constant over 24 hours. Therefore, GHG emissions have to be corrected for the moment of the visit. This moment can be either the hour of the day (24 levels) or the period (from 4 to 6 periods can be defined, depending on how often animals are fed during the day). Individual emission rates are obtained with a repeatability model:

			CH<sub>4</sub> = µ + Pen + Day + Animal + Hour + Ɛ

			The animal emission rates are the animal LSMeans estimates from this model. Individual CO<sub>2</sub> estimates are obtained by applying the same repeatability model on CO<sub>2</sub>.

			== Horned animals ==
			The adapted GreenFeed for cattle and other ruminants with large horns is mostly used in Africa and for Bison.

	== Questions and answers ==		== Questions and answers ==
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	A2. Final data. Between C-Lock final data and preliminary data there is a difference of about 5%.		A2. Final data. Between C-Lock final data and preliminary data there is a difference of about 5%.
			<references />

Cvangemert: added DAFNE feeding protocols

2025-05-13T08:41:47Z

added DAFNE feeding protocols

@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 == Introduction ==
-This document is the report obtained from the presentations, talks, chats and discussions of the Zoom meetings on 5<sup>th</sup> December 2022 (Dairy) and 7<sup>th</sup> December 2022 (Beef) and later gathered information. In both meetings an introduction was made about the ICAR Feed&Gas Working Group, the objectives of the Working Group, including the revision of the guidelines (Section 20 - Recording Dairy Cattle Methane Emission for Genetic Evaluation) published two years ago. Moreover, the aim of the meeting was to share knowledge on GreenFeed operating procedure including tips, tricks and trouble-shooting data recording using the Greenfeed system. 50 to 60 people from 14 countries participated to both meetings.
+This document is the report obtained from the presentations, talks, chats and discussions of the Zoom meetings on 5<sup>th</sup> December 2022 (Dairy) and 7<sup>th</sup> December 2022 (Beef). In both meetings an introduction was made about the ICAR Feed&Gas Working Group, the objectives of the Working Group, including the revision of the guidelines (Section 20 - Recording Dairy Cattle Methane Emission for Genetic Evaluation) published two years ago. Moreover, the aim of the meeting was to share knowledge on GreenFeed operating procedure including tips, tricks and trouble-shooting data recording using the Greenfeed system. 50 to 60 people from 14 countries participated to both meetings.
-GreenFeed (C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, South Dakota, USA) is an adapted feeding station where breath samples are provided when animals visit a bait station (Huhtanen et al., 2015).<ref name=":0">Huhtanen, P., Cabezas-Garcia, E.H., Utsumi, S., and Zimmerman, S. 2015. Comparison of methods to determine methane emissions from dairy cows in farm conditions. J. Dairy Sci. 98:3394–3409. doi:10.3168/jds.2014-9118.</ref> GreenFeed Emission Monitoring (GEM) systems are designed for measuring animal emissions in their production environment. The GreenFeed system samples breath from individual animals several times (in general 4 to 6 times) per day for short periods (3 to 7 minutes in which an under pressure is created to suck the whole breath of the animal to measure the flux). A minimum air flow of 27 L/min is needed to ensure the entire breath of the cow is captured. If air flow is below this threshold value, the emission rate will be underestimated (McGinn et al, 2021)<ref>McGinn, Sean & Coulombe, Jean-Franҫois & Beauchemin, Karen. (2021). Technical Note: Validation of the GreenFeed System for measuring enteric gas emissions from cattle. Journal of Animal Science. 99. 10.1093/jas/skab046.</ref>. The airflow is measured continuously by a hot-film anemometer that needs to be calibrated monthly. Generally the flow is set at 30-40 L/min. They record CH<sub>4</sub> and carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) fluxes during short-term periods of 3-10 minutes when cattle visit the GreenFeed, which is fitted with a semi-enclosed head hood in which air is continuously drawn through an air-collection pipe (C-Lock, 2016;<ref>C-Lock, 2016. <nowiki>https://www.c-lockinc.com/</nowiki></ref> Huhtanen et al., 2015<ref name=":0" />; Hammond et al., 2016A<ref>Hammond, K.J., Crompton, L.A., Bannink, A., Dijkstra, J., Yáñez-Ruiz, D.R., O’Kiely, P., Kebreab, E., Eugenè, M.A., Yu, Z., Shingfield, K.J., Schwarm, A., Hristov, A.N., and Reynolds, C.K. 2016A. Review of current in vivo measurement techniques for quantifying enteric methane emission from ruminants. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 219:13–30. doi:10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2016.05.018.</ref>; Velazco et al., 2016<ref>Velazco, J. I., Hegarty, R., Cottle, D., and Li, L. 2016. Quantifying daily methane production of beef cattle from multiple short-term measures using the GreenFeed system. <nowiki>https://rune.une.edu.au/web/handle/1959.11/23580</nowiki>.</ref>). Air samples are continually (every second) analyzed for CH<sub>4</sub> concentrations, using a tunable diode laser since 2018, and CO<sub>2</sub> concentrations, using a non-dispersive infrared sensor. Both sensors are automatically calibrated on a daily basis. Gas fluxes are eventually calculated as the product of the air flow in the collection pipe and the concentration of gases corrected for the background concentrations and adjusted to standardized temperature, humidity and pressure. The position of the head in the feeder is detected by an infrared sensor. Gas fluxes are not calculated if the head is not correctly positioned in the feeder as not all the air in the feeder may be collected. This sensor only determines the distance of the cow to the sensor, not what part of the cow causes this distance, could be the nose but also the ear for example. Temperature and radiofrequency identification tags specific to each cow for individual recognition are recorded as well. All variables are logged at a 1 s interval. GreenFeed measures continuously, even if there are no animals present, to correct for background emissions in the barn. The periods within a visit where the head position of the animal is correct are used for measuring gaseous emissions. Quantitative concentrations in g/d were calculated at a 1 s interval, which were then averaged per visit (minimum of 2 min).
+Enteric methane (CH<sub>4</sub>) production and carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) production can be measured non-invasively using a GreenFeed emission monitoring system (C-lock Inc. Rapid City, SD, USA). GreenFeed is an adapted feeding station that continuously measures both CH<sub>4</sub> and CO<sub>2</sub> concentration and the quantitative airflow in order to generate individual gaseous production. GreenFeed is equipped with a fan that pulls air from around the head of the cow with 30-40 L/s. The airflow is measured continuously by a hot-film anemometer that needs to be calibrated monthly. In the air collection pipe continuous subsamples are drawn to analyse the CH<sub>4</sub> and CO<sub>2</sub> concentration by nondispersive infrared sensors, which are automatically calibrated on a daily basis. Additionally, head positioning is registered by an infrared sensor. This sensor only determines the distance of the cow to the sensor, not what part of the cow causes this distance, could be the nose but also the ear for example. Temperature and radiofrequency identification tags specific to each cow for individual recognition are recorded as well. All variables are logged at a 1 s interval. GreenFeed measures continuously, even if there are no animals present, to correct for background emissions in the barn. The periods within a visit where the head position of the animal is correct are used for measuring gaseous emissions. Quantitative concentrations in g/d were calculated at a 1 s interval, which were then averaged per visit (minimum of 2 min).
 The GreenFeed is available in different versions. The ordinary version which is most often used for dairy and beef cattle. There is an adapted GreenFeed for cattle and other ruminants with large horns, mostly used in Africa and for Bison. Another adapted GreenFeed is available for small ruminants, where the flow is lower, at 15L/min and thereby has a lower detection limit.
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   A2. Final data. Between C-Lock final data and preliminary data there is a difference of about 5%.

Cvangemert: Added GreenFeed page to SOP GreenFeed page

2025-05-06T13:31:41Z

Added GreenFeed page to SOP GreenFeed page

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:31, 6 May 2025
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	== Introduction ==		== Introduction ==
	This document is the report obtained from the presentations, talks, chats and discussions of the Zoom meetings on 5<sup>th</sup> December 2022 (Dairy) and 7<sup>th</sup> December 2022 (Beef). In both meetings an introduction was made about the ICAR Feed&Gas Working Group, the objectives of the Working Group, including the revision of the guidelines (Section 20 - Recording Dairy Cattle Methane Emission for Genetic Evaluation) published two years ago. Moreover, the aim of the meeting was to share knowledge on GreenFeed operating procedure including tips, tricks and trouble-shooting data recording using the Greenfeed system. 50 to 60 people from 14 countries participated to both meetings.		This document is the report obtained from the presentations, talks, chats and discussions of the Zoom meetings on 5<sup>th</sup> December 2022 (Dairy) and 7<sup>th</sup> December 2022 (Beef) and later gathered information. In both meetings an introduction was made about the ICAR Feed&Gas Working Group, the objectives of the Working Group, including the revision of the guidelines (Section 20 - Recording Dairy Cattle Methane Emission for Genetic Evaluation) published two years ago. Moreover, the aim of the meeting was to share knowledge on GreenFeed operating procedure including tips, tricks and trouble-shooting data recording using the Greenfeed system. 50 to 60 people from 14 countries participated to both meetings.

	~~Enteric methane (CH<sub>4</sub>) production and carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) production can be measured non-invasively using a~~ GreenFeed ~~emission monitoring system~~ (C-~~lock~~ Inc. Rapid City, SD, USA)~~. GreenFeed~~ is an adapted feeding station ~~that continuously measures both CH~~<~~sub~~>4</~~sub> and CO<sub>2~~</~~sub~~> ~~concentration and the quantitative airflow~~ in ~~order to generate individual gaseous~~ production. GreenFeed is ~~equipped with a fan that pulls~~ air ~~from around~~ the ~~head~~ of the cow ~~with 30~~-~~40 L~~/s. The airflow is measured continuously by a hot-film anemometer that needs to be calibrated monthly. In the air collection pipe ~~continuous subsamples~~ are ~~drawn to analyse the~~ CH<sub>4</sub> and CO<sub>2</sub> ~~concentration by nondispersive~~ infrared sensors~~, which~~ are automatically calibrated on a daily basis. ~~Additionally~~, head ~~positioning~~ is ~~registered~~ by an infrared sensor. This sensor only determines the distance of the cow to the sensor, not what part of the cow causes this distance, could be the nose but also the ear for example. Temperature and radiofrequency identification tags specific to each cow for individual recognition are recorded as well. All variables are logged at a 1 s interval. GreenFeed measures continuously, even if there are no animals present, to correct for background emissions in the barn. The periods within a visit where the head position of the animal is correct are used for measuring gaseous emissions. Quantitative concentrations in g/d were calculated at a 1 s interval, which were then averaged per visit (minimum of 2 min).		GreenFeed (C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, South Dakota, USA) is an adapted feeding station where breath samples are provided when animals visit a bait station (Huhtanen et al., 2015).<ref name=":0">Huhtanen, P., Cabezas-Garcia, E.H., Utsumi, S., and Zimmerman, S. 2015. Comparison of methods to determine methane emissions from dairy cows in farm conditions. J. Dairy Sci. 98:3394–3409. doi:10.3168/jds.2014-9118.</ref> GreenFeed Emission Monitoring (GEM) systems are designed for measuring animal emissions in their production environment. The GreenFeed system samples breath from individual animals several times (in general 4 to 6 times) per day for short periods (3 to 7 minutes in which an under pressure is created to suck the whole breath of the animal to measure the flux). A minimum air flow of 27 L/min is needed to ensure the entire breath of the cow is captured. If air flow is below this threshold value, the emission rate will be underestimated (McGinn et al, 2021)<ref>McGinn, Sean & Coulombe, Jean-Franҫois & Beauchemin, Karen. (2021). Technical Note: Validation of the GreenFeed System for measuring enteric gas emissions from cattle. Journal of Animal Science. 99. 10.1093/jas/skab046.</ref>. The airflow is measured continuously by a hot-film anemometer that needs to be calibrated monthly. Generally the flow is set at 30-40 L/min. They record CH<sub>4</sub> and carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) fluxes during short-term periods of 3-10 minutes when cattle visit the GreenFeed, which is fitted with a semi-enclosed head hood in which air is continuously drawn through an air-collection pipe (C-Lock, 2016;<ref>C-Lock, 2016. <nowiki>https://www.c-lockinc.com/</nowiki></ref> Huhtanen et al., 2015<ref name=":0" />; Hammond et al., 2016A<ref>Hammond, K.J., Crompton, L.A., Bannink, A., Dijkstra, J., Yáñez-Ruiz, D.R., O’Kiely, P., Kebreab, E., Eugenè, M.A., Yu, Z., Shingfield, K.J., Schwarm, A., Hristov, A.N., and Reynolds, C.K. 2016A. Review of current in vivo measurement techniques for quantifying enteric methane emission from ruminants. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 219:13–30. doi:10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2016.05.018.</ref>; Velazco et al., 2016<ref>Velazco, J. I., Hegarty, R., Cottle, D., and Li, L. 2016. Quantifying daily methane production of beef cattle from multiple short-term measures using the GreenFeed system. <nowiki>https://rune.une.edu.au/web/handle/1959.11/23580</nowiki>.</ref>). Air samples are continually (every second) analyzed for CH<sub>4</sub> concentrations, using a tunable diode laser since 2018, and CO<sub>2</sub> concentrations, using a non-dispersive infrared sensor. Both sensors are automatically calibrated on a daily basis. Gas fluxes are eventually calculated as the product of the air flow in the collection pipe and the concentration of gases corrected for the background concentrations and adjusted to standardized temperature, humidity and pressure. The position of the head in the feeder is detected by an infrared sensor. Gas fluxes are not calculated if the head is not correctly positioned in the feeder as not all the air in the feeder may be collected. This sensor only determines the distance of the cow to the sensor, not what part of the cow causes this distance, could be the nose but also the ear for example. Temperature and radiofrequency identification tags specific to each cow for individual recognition are recorded as well. All variables are logged at a 1 s interval. GreenFeed measures continuously, even if there are no animals present, to correct for background emissions in the barn. The periods within a visit where the head position of the animal is correct are used for measuring gaseous emissions. Quantitative concentrations in g/d were calculated at a 1 s interval, which were then averaged per visit (minimum of 2 min).

			GreenFeed is a portable standalone system used in barn and pasture applications and incorporates an extractor fan to ensure active airflow and head position sensing for representative breath sampling (Hammond et al., 2016B)<ref>Hammond, K.J., Jones, A.K., Humphries, D.J., Crompton, L.A., and Reynolds, C.K. 2016B. Effects of diet forage source and neutral detergent fiber content on milk production of dairy cattle and methane emissions determined using GreenFeed and respiration chamber techniques. J. Dairy Sci. 99:7904–7917. doi:10.3168/jds.2015-10759.</ref>. Measurements are pre-processed by the manufacturer, and data are available in real-time through a web-based data management system (Hammond et al., 2015<ref name=":1">Hammond, K.J., Humphries, D.J., Crompton, L.A., Green, C., and Reynolds, C.K. 2015. Methane emissions from cattle: Estimates from short-term measurements using a GreenFeed system compared with measurements obtained using respiration chambers or sulphur hexafluoride tracer. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 203:41-52. doi:10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2015.02.008.</ref>). A year-long service contract with C-Lock is required for a functional GreenFeed. Because GreenFeed captures a high proportion of emitted air and measures airflow, which can be calibrated using a tracer gas, CH<sub>4</sub> emission is estimated as a flux at each visit. Providing visits occur throughout the 24 hours, CH<sub>4</sub> emission can be estimated directly as g/day (Hammond et al., 2015;<ref name=":1" /> Huhtanen et al., 2015<ref name=":0" />). More importantly, repeatability of CH<sub>4</sub> measurement must be high so the duration of the measurement period must be taken into account (Huhtanen et al., 2015<ref name=":0" />; Arbre et al., 2016)<ref name=":2">Arbre, M., Rochette, Y., Guyader, J., Lascoux, C., Gómez, L.M., Eugène, M., Morgavi, D.P., Renand, G., Doreau, M. and Martin, C. 2016. Repeatability of enteric methane determinations from cattle using either the SF6 tracer technique or the GreenFeed system. Anim. Prod. Sci. 56:238-243.</ref>; (r=0.7 after 17 days duration of measurement period, or r=0.93 after 45 days, Arbre et al., 2016)<ref name=":2" />.

	The GreenFeed is available in different versions. The ordinary version which is most often used for dairy and beef cattle. There is an adapted GreenFeed for cattle and other ruminants with large horns, mostly used in Africa and for Bison. Another adapted GreenFeed is available for small ruminants, where the flow is lower, at 15L/min and thereby has a lower detection limit.		The GreenFeed is available in different versions. The ordinary version which is most often used for dairy and beef cattle. There is an adapted GreenFeed for cattle and other ruminants with large horns, mostly used in Africa and for Bison. Another adapted GreenFeed is available for small ruminants, where the flow is lower, at 15L/min and thereby has a lower detection limit.
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	A2. Final data. Between C-Lock final data and preliminary data there is a difference of about 5%.		A2. Final data. Between C-Lock final data and preliminary data there is a difference of about 5%.

			== References ==
			<references />