HEADBOX respiration systems are specialized chambers that measure an animal's methane emissions, particularly from ruminants like cattle. They are designed to collect and analyze the gases exhaled by the animal, providing insights into its methane production. Their development of a more practical standard operation procedure (SOP) to be used in livestock methane research in Southeast Asia led to a learning event attended by greenhouse gas (GHG) research experts from six countries.
The gathering, which was held from May 6 to 8 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, was hosted by the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) in partnership with the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), and the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Center. It was also part of the New Zealand ASEAN Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Initiative which aims to ensure that future headbox technology users benefit from the shared knowledge and experience of current practitioners.
Following presentations on current headbox practices in each country, participants engaged in collaborative drafting and peer review to shape the initial SOP. Discussions also covered best practices in headbox design and construction, airflow and safety protocols, animal training and gas recovery testing.
Representing Philippine expertise was Gerard Guadayo from the University of the Philippines Los Baños. His regional colleagues included Sath Keo, Samkol Pok and Prak Kea from RUA in Cambodia; Slamet Widodo from the National Research Innovation Agency in Indonesia; Viengsakoun Napasirth from the National University of Laos; Wanna Angthong and Thanamon Buranapawang from the Bureau of Animal Nutrition Development, Department of Livestock Development in Thailand; and Nguyen Van Thu from Tay Do University in Vietnam.
SEARCA released a statement saying that the SOP draft will undergo further refinement based on training feedback.