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Reliability of pedotransfer functions and field-saturated hydraulic conductivity prediction for agricultural soils in Zambia, Africa
Get PDFFarming in Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to be faced with more frequent droughts and storms. Most farming systems lack the infrastructure to cope with such extreme events, and rely on soil water retention and soil hydraulic conductivity to store water while allowing stormwater to infiltrate. However, research on improving soil hydraulic properties in this region has been limited due to scarce funding and resources. Pedotransfer functions (PTFs), which use easily measurable and more often readily available parameters to predict hydraulic characteristics, offer potential solutions, but only limited numbers of PTF have been developed or tested for Sub-Saharan Africa specifically. This study aims to evaluate soil hydraulic properties of agricultural soils using PTFs in Zambia (southern Africa). Twelve existing PTFs were tested on their accuracy to predict field-saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kfs) and water retention. Therefore, 32 fields in 3 districts and 2 farming systems (small-scale and commercial farms) were sampled for soil texture, organic matter, bulk density, water retention and Kfs in top and subsoil.
The results revealed higher and more spatially varying infiltration rates on commercial farms (about twice the rate), while showing signigficantly higher clay content (mean= 40%). A reason might be the formation of cracks and different soil management practices like tillage, impacting soil structure and determining Kfs. Further robust driving factors were difficult to determine. PTFs predicting Kfs were scarce and the ones existing failed to adequately predict Kfs. Obtained agreements of PTF estimated and field measured field capacity (-10kPa) ranged between -0.21 0.15 vol% were performing poorly possibly due to lab analysis errors at high pressures. My results highlight the need to go beyond basic soil parameters for determining hydraulic soil properties, and a need to further build soil data from field sampling to improve PTFs applicability for agricultural soils in Zambia
Rising incidents and apparent population growth of Callithrix marmosets in São Paulo
Get PDFUrban wildlife may thrive in cities, with urban expansion and greening efforts enhancing opportunities for human-wildlife interactions. This study focuses on identifying trends in 1204 reported incidents involving Callithrix marmosets from 2012 to 2023 in São Paulo, Brazil, by analysing both general and specific types of interactions. For this, seasonal patterns were examined to determine the effects of variations in temperature and precipitation, while geographic location, population density, total area, and vegetation cover were explored to understand possible drivers of these interactions. The findings revealed an overall notable increase in Callithrix incidents during the study period (from 14 in 2012 to 196 in 2023), with trauma being the most reported incident (accounting for ~55% of reports). Although some seasonal variation in Callithrix incidents was observed, no significant correlation was found with weather factors like precipitation or temperature. This suggests that other variables, such as human activities, food availability, or changes in the urban environment, may play a more critical role in shaping seasonal patterns. A strong correlation was found between vegetation cover and Callithrix incidents in different regions of the city; however, it is challenging to determine if vegetation cover can be disentangled from other potential drivers, such as total area, geographic location, and proximity to natural habitats. This relationship highlights the importance of green spaces in supporting Callithrix populations in urban environments, indicating that vegetation likely plays a crucial role in providing habitat and resources for these primates within city settings. Understanding these dynamics is essential for addressing the challenges of marmoset population growth in urban environments. Effective management strategies must focus on mitigating human-wildlife conflicts while maintaining urban vegetation that is crucial for Callithrix survival. This will require balanced urban planning that integrates green spaces with wildlife conservation efforts, ensuring coexistence between humans and wildlife in large cities like São Paulo
Introduktion av ny personal på lantbruksföretag
Get PDFTrenden visar att lantbruksföretagen i Sverige blir färre men större. Större enheter
kräver mer personal och trots att lantbruket är en bransch som både moderniseras
och effektiviseras behövs det fortfarande personal som utför arbetsuppgifterna. Likt
lantbruksföretagen minskar även antal sysselsatta inom lantbruket vilket gör att
kompetens går förlorad. Brist på svensk kompetent personal leder till att företag
kan behöva rekrytera oerfaren och/eller utländsk personal.
Syftet med detta arbete är att undersöka hur företagare gör vid introduktionen av
ny personal samt vilka moment som ingår och är av betydelse. Studien kommer
även undersöka hur introduktionen påverkar ekonomi, arbetsplatsolyckor samt
krisberedskapsplaner.
Genom en kvalitativ intervjustudie har fem företagare fått svara på frågor som
rör introduktionen av ny personal på deras arbetsplats.
Studiens resultat visar på att lantbruksföretagen kan behöva en mer strukturerad
introduktion och regelbunden kompetensutveckling för att möta den ökade
efterfrågan på arbetskraft och hantera potentiella kriser. En anpassad introduktion,
med olika lärandemoment, är nödvändig för att bli så effektiva som möjligt. Trots
befintliga inlärningsteorier är uppfattningen att många inte är medvetna om dem,
vilket kan leda till bristfälliga introduktioner. Feedback är avgörande för anställdas
framgång och bör finnas med i introduktionen för att säkerställa förbättring och
anpassning av arbetsprestation. Genom att prioritera utbildning och
kompetensutveckling kan lantbruksföretagen inte bara möta nuvarande krav utan
också förbereda sig för framtida utmaningar.The trend indicates that agricultural enterprises in Sweden are becoming fewer but
larger. Larger units require more employees, and despite the agricultural sector
being modernized and streamlined, there is still a need for employees to carry out
tasks. Similarly, the number of employees in agriculture is decreasing, leading to a
loss of expertise. A shortage of skilled personnel may necessitate the recruitment
of inexperienced and/or foreign employees.
The purpose of this study is to investigate how entrepreneurs handle the
introduction of new employees and which aspects are significant. The study will
also examine how the introduction affects the economy, workplace accidents, and
crisis preparedness plans. Through a qualitative interview study, five entrepreneurs
were interviewed regarding the introduction of new employees in their workplaces.
The findings of the study suggest that agricultural companies may require a more
structured introduction and regular skills development to meet the increased
demand for labor and address potential crises. A customized introduction,
incorporating various learning elements, is essential for maximizing effectiveness.
Despite existing learning theories, it is perceived that many are not aware of them,
potentially leading to inadequate introductions. Feedback is crucial for employee
success and should be included in the introduction to ensure improvement and
adaptation of work performance. By prioritizing education and skills development,
agricultural companies can not only meet current demands but also prepare for
future challenges
Demand-driven fertilization (BAG) effects on stream water chemistry
Get PDFForests have a vital role in the transition to a bio-based economy and the mitigation of climate change since they are carbon sinks and provide sustainable wood products. Despite Sweden's long tradition of forest management, which has historically seen forest stock doubling at the same time as harvesting practices have become more sustainable, current trends indicate a nearing of national capacity for wood production. This challenges the forest industry, which now faces the need to enhance biomass production efficiently and innovate in silviculture to meet rising demands without compromising environmental and sustainability standards. This report aims to explore Behovsanpassad gödsling (BAG), or demand-driven fertilization in English, as a possible solution. BAG aim to increase growth rates while minimizing nitrogen leakage—a primary concern with conventional fertilization methods that risk eutrophication and biodiversity loss. The main focus of this thesis lies on investigating and analysing the effects that this silvicultural measure has on the stream water chemistry. This was done through utilizing data in the form of water samples from streams where BAG fertilization has been performed in the catchment area at the new operational-scale experiment at Undersvik (Project start in 2020). Water was also sampled from nearby streams without BAG influence, and from locations further downstream from the BAG treatments to see if any effects were propagated further downstream. Initial findings suggest no statistically significant impact of BAG on water chemistry in terms of nitrogen leakage, compared to reference sites. However, observed peaks and extreme values in chemical compounds indicate potential localized, short-term effects of BAG treatment. In conclusion, we can say that at this point in the Undersvik study, BAG presents a promising alternative to conventional fertilization. To judge whether BAG has potential for reduced environmental impact, longer-term studies of water chemistry and other aspects including biodiversity and forest growth are needed to fully understand the benefits and limitations
Tree species mixture under drought stress
Get PDFDrought as a stressor has a strong influence on the tree growth, leading to reduced growth and die-backs. Possible ways are researched to mitigate this impact on trees; mixed species forests are often discussed in this context. Existing research points out a possible positive effect on the growth under drought, based on reduced competition and facilitation. However, differences between the effect, depending on the combined species seem to exist. Pine and oak species are often found coexisting, especially as well in dry climates, which suggests the question if complementarity might play a role. Research of the two genera showed often positive but varying effects of mixture, dbh1.3, I therefore investigate, if this applies as well for two common species of the US American Southwest: Pinus ponderosa and Quercus gambelii. Due to the regular droughts in the region, I expect a strong positive impact on the tree growth by mixture. Based on analysed increment cores I found a stronger, but also more varying growth of Pinus ponderosa compared to Quercus gambelii. The high correlation of growth patterns with the drought index SPEI, shows the dominating growth limitation by the dry climate in the region. The use of a generalized linear model gave more insight in the influence of species mixture as well as the diameter and competition on the growth. Though statistically not significant the results suggest a clear negative influence of increasing tree diameters but higher growth under drought for Pinus ponderosa with a higher share of Quercus gambelii in their neighbourhood, compared to trees growing in a monospecific mixture. The clear differences between the increment as well as its variability between the two species, is likely caused by the different adaptions to drought. I found possible explanations for the positive mixing effect for Pinus ponderosa in the decreased competition above and below ground, facilitation by Quercus gambelii through hydraulic redistribution of deep soil water as well as decreased evaporation due to a protecting microclimate under the canopy of Quercus gambelii. The results point out the possibilities of species mixtures in mitigating the increasingly difficult growth conditions due to dry climate. Especially for the two researched species a positive effect can be expected, which suggests the use of its potential in the forest management of the Southwestern US
Beteende och djurvälfärd hos svenska skolhundar
Get PDFArbetet undersöker hur skolhundar arbetar och interagerar med elever som har problematisk skolfrånvaro och utforskar tecken på både positiv och negativ välfärd hos dessa hundar. I studien har 13 elever, 6 hundförare och 7 hundar medverkat. Den är studien är en delstudie av ett större projekt med sociala tjänstehundar.
Metoden innefattar observationer av videoinspelningar av hundarnas beteende under interaktioner med eleverna, samt protokollförda data från hundförarna om hundarnas välfärd. Studien omfattar en beteendeanalys, vilket ger en förståelse för hundarnas upplevelser och reaktioner i skolmiljön. Varje elev har träffat hunden en till två gånger i veckan under tio till tolv veckor. Filmmaterialet omfattar tre möten för varje elev som har filmats.
Resultaten indikerar att skolhundarna övervägande visade tecken på positiv välfärd, med vanliga beteenden som inkluderade kontaktsökande mot elever och svansviftning. Det fanns dock variationer i beteenden mellan olika hundar, vilket understryker betydelsen av att beakta individuella skillnader. Studien observerade också mindre önskade beteenden, som att hundarna slickade sig runt munnen eller gick iväg, men dessa förekom i mindre utsträckning.
Detta bidrar till förståelsen av hundars välfärd i pedagogiska sammanhang och understryker behovet av fortsatt uppmärksamhet på hundarnas välbefinnande. Den belyser också vikten av individ-anpassad omvårdnad och träning för skolhundar för att säkerställa en positiv upplevelse för både hundar och elever.The research investigates how school dogs’ function and interact with students who have problematic school attendance and explores signs of both positive and negative welfare in these dogs. In the material, 13 pupils, six dog handlers and seven dogs were included.
The method includes observations of video recordings of the dogs' behavior during interactions with Pupils, as well as data from protocols on their well-being. The study involves a behavioral analysis, providing an understanding of the dogs' experiences and reactions in the school environment. Each pupil has met the dog twice a week for ten to twelve weeks. Three meetings from each pupil have been filmed.
The results show that school dogs primarily showed signs of positive welfare, with common behaviors including seeking contact with students and wagging their tails. However, there were variations in behaviors among different dogs, emphasizing the importance of considering individual differences. The study also observed less desirable behaviors, such as lip licking or walking away, but these occurred to a lesser extent.
This research contributes to the understanding of dogs' welfare in educational settings and emphasizes the need for continued attention to the well-being of dogs. It also highlights the importance of individualized care and training for school dogs to ensure a positive experience for both dogs and students
The potential of the private garden as a resource to support pollinator communities
Get PDFI detta arbete undersöks hotbilden mot de viktigaste pollinatörerna i Sverige, påverkansfaktorer samt
vilka handlingsalternativ som finns för privatpersoner med engagemang i frågan. I dagsläget är
många viktiga pollinatörer globalt och nationellt hotade, och därmed också de ekosystemtjänster
som vi människor drar nytta av dagligen. Mänskliga handlingar så som urbanisering, effektiviserat
jordbruk och ständigt förändrande designtrender för utemiljöer leder i nutid och har historiskt lett
till minskade antal gynnsamma livsmiljöer för pollinatörer. Undersökningens två frågeställningar
omfattar samspelet mellan pollinerande insekter och omgivningen, samt vilka möjligheter som finns
för att använda privatträdgårdar som resurs för hantering av hotbilden mot pollinatörer. För att tackla
komplexiteten i problemet lyfts det i arbetet flera olika perspektiv, påverkansfaktorer och områden
i samhället där åtgärder kan implementeras för att skapa fler gynnsamma livsmiljöer för pollinerande
insekter.
Utifrån en litteraturstudie samt en kompletterande intervju med ett trädgårdsföretag, har
pollinatörers ekologi, biologisk mångfald kopplat till olika landskapsfaktorer, urbanisering och dess
följder, samt design och förvaltning av privatträdgårdar undersökts. Resultatet av undersökningen
visade att pollinerade insekter, i detta fall honungsbin, vildbin, fjärilar och blomflugor, reagerar
starkt på förändringar i markanvändning, då det kan leda till att flera av deras naturliga livsmiljöer
försvinner. Specialiserade pollinatörer som har specifika krav på omgivningen är extra utsatta när
naturliga livsmiljöer och biologisk mångfald minskar i landskapet, och kan då ha svårt att överleva.
Resultatet ledde till slutsatsen att det vid gynnande av pollinerande insekter är centralt med biologisk
mångfald, urbana gröna nätverk, stödjande av livscykler, minskad intensitet gällande skötsel och
hantering av utemiljöer, samt kunskapsspridning. Privatträdgårdar i urbana miljöer lyfts i arbetet
som en möjlig resurs för pollinerande insekter när många av de naturliga livsmiljöerna har
försvunnit, men resultatet visar också att möjligheten att använda denna resurs bygger helt och hållet
på den enskilda individens kunskap, intresse och engagemang i frågan. Studien lägger därför fram
argument och förslag på åtgärder för att främja pollinatörsgynnande miljöer i privatträdgården, dels
för att inspirera privatpersoner till att agera, dels för att inspirera trädgårdsbranschen och
myndigheter till tydligare kommunikation med allmänheten gällande biologisk mångfald.
Åtgärderna behandlar årstidsplanering, växtval och praktiska åtgärder i trädgården. Resultatet anses
vara av betydelse för samhället, arbetet med den biologiska mångfalden, och samspelet mellan
människa och natur.This study highlights the threats against some of the most important pollinators in Sweden, factors
of influence and alternative courses of action for individuals involved in the matter. As things stand,
many pollinators of global and national importance are endangered, which therefore also extends as
a threat to ecosystem services that humans benefit from daily. Human actions, such as urbanization,
streamlined agriculture and fast changing garden design trends, leads and has historically speaking
led to decreasing numbers of favorable habitats for pollinators. This investigative study has two
research questions, which comprises the interaction between pollinating insects and surrounding
environment, as well as the possibilities of using private gardens as a resource in dealing with the
threats against pollinators. Many different perspectives, sectors in society where measures can be
taken to create more favorable habitats for pollinating insects, as well as influencing factors are
being highlighted, in order to deal with the complexity of the matter.
The study is based on a literature study as well as an interview with a garden design business. With
this, information was gathered, concerning the ecology of certain pollinators, biodiversity in
connection with landscape factors, urbanization, as well as design and management of private
gardens. The results of the study indicated that pollinating insects, in this case honeybees, wild bees,
butterflies and hoverflies, generally have strong reactions to changes in land usage, since this can
lead to a loss of natural habitats. Specialized pollinators, who in order to survive have more specific
demands on the environment, are more vulnerable than others when the landscape experiences a
decrease in habitats and biodiversity and are naturally at a higher risk of dying when this occurs.
This result led to the conclusion that following factors are important when supporting pollinating
insects: biodiversity, urban green networks, supporting of pollinators life cycles, reduced intensity
regarding management and handling of green spaces, as well as disseminating knowledge. Private
gardens in urban areas are being highlighted in this study as a possible resource for pollinators when
many natural habitats have decreased in number. Although, the result also shows that the possibility
of using this as a resource is fully dependent of the knowledge, interest, and involvement in the
matter of those owning the private gardens. Therefore, this study proposes arguments and actions to
favor pollinator friendly habitats in private gardens, partly to encourage individuals to act, but also
to inspire the horticultural industry and governmental agencies to improve their communication with
the society regarding biodiversity. The improving measures being presented in the result part of the
study comprises seasonal planning, plant selection, as well as practical measures in the garden. The
result is considered to be of importance for society, the work with biodiversity, and the interaction
between human and nature
Urban agriculture in Hamnparken, Nyhamnen Malmö : examining the Toronto model as decision support tool for potentially polluted soil.
Get PDFBefolkningen ökar och städer blir tätare. Detta skapar ett behov av att utöka matproduktionen och stärka livsmedelsförsörjningen i staden, samt bygga upp platser för mental hälsa och social interaktion. Ett möjligt sätt att göra detta är genom att börja stadsodla. I en stad finns mycket outnyttjad yta, som inte har någon funktion och den kan med fördel odlas på.
Denna undersökning går ut på att pröva Torontomodellen, ett verktyg framtaget i Toronto för att ge stöd i beslutfattandet kring undersökningar av urban mark för potentiell stadsodling. Detta kommer att göras med hjälp av en analys i en av Malmös före detta industriområden, Hamnparken i Nyhamnen. Frågan är om platsen kan fungera som potentiell yta för användningsområdet stadsodling. Torontomodellen fokuserar på att undersöka föroreningarna i marken och det görs genom att historiskt granska platsen samt ta ut markprover för kemiska analyser. Genom att följa modellens fyra steg kan man se om platsen är möjlig för odling eller ej.
Torontomodellen delas upp i en historiesökning, samt en markanalys, som i detta fall gav olika resultat. Efter den första delen klassades platsen som hög risk för förekomst av föroreningar och var därmed inte optimal för odling. Markanalysen gav däremot resultatet att platsen klassas som medium risk. Detta ger platsen en chans att fungera som odlingsplats om man tillämpar jordförbättringar. Denna omvärdering uppmärksammades endast för att Torontomodellen prövades i denna undersökning. Det mest oroande från resultatet var däremot halten av bly, vilket kräver vidare undersökning och åtgärder för att en säker stadsodling ska kunna genomföras. Förslag på möjliga åtgärder som kan tillämpas är fytoremediering samt upphöjda bäddar. Torontomodellen är en bra grundmodell för syftet, men behöver uppdateras för att effektivt och säkert kunna användas under svenska förhållande.The population is increasing, and cities are becoming denser. This creates a need to expand food production and strengthen food security in the cities, as well as providing spaces for mental health and social interaction. Urban agriculture can be one viable way to solve this. In a city, there are usually surfaces that has no function, and they are perfect for, among other things, urban agriculture.
The purpose of this study is to examine the Toronto model, a decision support tool developed in Toronto, Canada to give support in the decision making regarding the assessment of soil for urban gardening. The Toronto model will form the basis for the method of this text and the analysis will take place in one of Malmö’s former industrial areas, Hamnparken in Nyhamnen. The question is if the chosen area is feasible as a potential urban garden. The focus of the Toronto model is to assess possible contamination in the soil. This is done through historical research of the site combined with soil testing. Following the four steps of the model will result in an evaluation of the site and its possibility for urban gardening.
The Toronto model consists of two parts, the historical research of the site and the soil analysis. After the first part, the site was classified as high risk for the presence of contaminants and thus not optimal for cultivation. However, the soil analysis gave the result that the site classifies as medium risk. This re-evaluation was only noticed because the model was examined in this study. This gives the site a chance to function as a cultivation site if soil improvements are applied. The highest concern from the result was the lead content, which requires further investigation and measures for safe urban agriculture to be implemented. Suggestions of possible measures that can be applied is phytoremediation as well as raised garden beds. The Toronto model is a good basic model for the purpose but needs to be updated to be used effectively and safely in Sweden
Kommunicera mera om biologisk mångfald : hur man genom att engagera trädgårdsägare kan främja den urbana biologiska mångfalden, med Malmö i fokus
Get PDFBiologisk mångfald utgör grunden för naturens livsviktiga funktioner som är
avgörande för vår välfärd. Idag hotas den biologiska mångfalden såväl lokalt som
globalt, vilket är en oroväckande utveckling för vår framtid. Ett av de hot som
biologisk mångfald möter är den ökade urbaniseringen som pågår i världen. När
urbana områden blir både större och tätare kan naturliga livsmiljöer för olika arter
fragmenteras eller förloras helt. För att skapa förutsättningar för olika arter att
överleva i städer är det av högsta vikt att utveckla en väl fungerande grön
infrastruktur.
Privata trädgårdar utgör en stor del av städers grönyta och är på så sätt en essentiell
del av den gröna infrastrukturen. Det finns idag outnyttjad potential att främja
biologisk mångfald i privata trädgårdar. Denna uppsats syftar till att undersöka hur
den potentialen ser ut samt hur man genom förbättrad kommunikation till
trädgårdsägare kan öka engagemanget för biologisk mångfald. Trädgårdsägare kan
öka den biologiska mångfalden i sina trädgårdar genom att inkorporera element
som skapar viktiga livsmiljöer och föda för olika arter och genom att minska
skötseln. Med gemensamma krafter från många trädgårdsägare kan man
tillsammans skapa en förändring som gynnar den urbana biologiska mångfalden.
Arbetets fokus ligger på Malmö stad med målet är att ge förslag på hur kommunen
kan vidareutveckla sitt arbete med kommunikation om ämnet. I denna rapport
genomförs en litteraturstudie samt en enkätundersökning vilken riktar sig till
trädgårdsägare i Malmö. Resultatet från undersökningen visar att intresset är stort
att främja biologisk mångfald, att många Malmöbor ser kommunen som en viktig
informationskälla men samtidigt visar undersökningen att många är missnöjda med
den information om biologisk mångfald som Malmö tillhandahåller idag. Detta
visar att Malmö stad har potential att förbättra sin kommunikation med
trädgårdsägare. Genom information om biologisk mångfald riktad till
trädgårdsägare kan kommunen öka engagemanget för ämnet och främja en
beteendeförändring. Störst genomslag kan nås om man satsar på en tvåsidig
kommunikation och gör trädgårdsägarna delaktiga.Biodiversity is a fundamental part of nature’s many critical functions that are
crucial for human welfare. Today biodiversity faces many threats on both a local as
well as a global scale, which is a worrying development for our future. One of the
many threats against biodiversity is the growing urbanization that is happening in
the world. When urban areas grow as well as densifies the natural environments for
different species are either fragmented or completely lost. To enable various species
to survive in cities it is of the utmost importance to develop a well-functioning green
infrastructure.
Private gardens make up a big part of the green space in cities which makes them
an essential part of the green infrastructure. There is an unutilized potential to
promote biodiversity in private gardens. This thesis aims to examine this potential
as well as how cities can increase engagement for biodiversity by improving
communication strategies. Garden owners can increase biodiversity in their gardens
by incorporating elements that create habitats and food for a variety of species. With
joint efforts from many garden owners, it is possible to create a change that benefits
urban biodiversity.
The focus of this study is on Malmö with the aim of providing suggestions on how
the municipality can further develop its communication efforts on the subject. In
this report a literature review and a survey targeting garden owners in Malmö are
conducted. The results from the survey indicate a significant interest in promoting
biodiversity. Many residents in Malmö consider the municipality to be an important
source of information, but there is a dissatisfaction with the current information
provided about biodiversity. This highlights the potential for Malmö city to enhance
its communication with garden owners. By tailoring information about biodiversity
to garden owners, the municipality could potentially increase engagement on the
subject and promote behavioral change. The greatest impact could be achieved by
implementing two-way communication and involving garden owners
Heritability of methane emission in Swedish Red cattle in northern Sweden
Get PDFDairy cattle contribute a significant proportion of greenhouse gases (GHG), mainly methane (CH4), among other livestock species. Methane has a negative impact on climate; therefore, its reduction is a top priority for a sustainable dairy production system. Genetic selection could be a viable, permanent strategy to reduce methane production in dairy cows. This study aimed to estimate the heritability of CH4 emission in Swedish Red cattle. Genetic correlations of CH4 with production traits were also determined as a second objective of the study. A total of 1089 CH4 records were used in this study, collected from 194 Swedish Red cows from a single herd. The GreenFeed system was used to measure CH4 emissions. This study examined two specific CH4 traits: daily CH4 production (g/d) and CH4 intensity [g CH4/kg energy-corrected milk (ECM)]. The following traits were also analysed in this study: dry matter intake (DMI), ECM, milk yield (MY), and body weight (BW). Heritability estimates and correlations were calculated using univariate and bivariate animal models. The variance components for the calculation of heritability and genetic correlations were obtained using an AI-REML algorithm in the DMU software. The heritability (standard error in brackets) for CH4 production ranged from 0.24 (0.31) in the first parity to 0.44 (0.20) in the second and later parities. The estimates of heritability for CH4 intensity were 0.26 (0.35) in the first parity and 0.38 (0.20) in second and later parities. The heritability for ECM, MY, DMI and BW in the first parity were 0.40 (0.28), 0.58 (0.30), 0.80 (0.37), and 0.34 (0.39), respectively. The heritability estimates for ECM and MY were extremely low in the second and later parities: 0.01 (0.12) and 0.05 (0.14), respectively. Genetic correlation of CH4 with DMI, ECM and MY in the first parity were 0.48 (0.64), 0.23 (0.4), -0.06 (0.41) and 0.92 (0.77), 0.75 (0.64), 0.48 (0.41) in second and later parities respectively. The standard error of estimates was very high for genetic correlations. However, strong positive genetic correlation obtained between CH4 production and DMI in this study shows that precautions must be taken when selecting for reduced CH4 production as this may consequently reduce the dry matter intake of animals. The high standard error of estimates signifies the importance of enlarging the data set. The results of this study show that methane is a moderately heritable trait. Hence, it is possible to reduce CH4 emissions in Swedish Red cows through genetic selection