Enhanced diet formulation strategies to reduce nitrogen excretion from lactating dairy cattle and herd level methane inventory estimations to develop a baseline for reduction

This $4,000,000 federal Project Grant award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (CFDA 10.912 - Environmental Quality Incentives Program) to Cornell University aims to develop enhanced diet formulation strategies to reduce nitrogen excretion from lactating dairy cattle and establish a baseline for herd-level methane inventory estimations. The 3-year project period runs from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2027. Through this award, Cornell University will leverage its expertise in agricultural research and innovation to deliver technical solutions that address environmental challenges in dairy production, including optimizing nutrient management and quantifying greenhouse gas emissions. The findings from this project are expected to support climate-smart agricultural practices and contribute to the program's broader goals of promoting sustainable production, environmental quality, and conservation on eligible lands.