Feed additives to reduce methane
Different feed additives can be used to reduce methane emissions from dairy cows. These compounds include 3-NOP, red algae containing bromoform, nitrates, calcium peroxide, biochar and plant extracts. Methane is produced by ruminal microbes in the rumen, when feed is digested through a complex fermentation process. To be accepted as a safe to use, a feed additive needs to be proven not to negatively affect feed intake, production, animal health or welfare or to leave any residues to milk, meat or to the environment. The response to different feed additives may depend on the diet composition (such as fat or fiber) and forage proportion in the diet. One of the newest approved feed additives is 3-NOP, which can reduce methane emissions up to 30%. 3-NOP can be addressed straight to dairy cow's feed, and the best results are seen when it is added into TMR. Many questions remain to be solved regarding the use of feed additives, for example, what will be the final price of the feed additives and will it be transferable into the price paid for the farms? Also, the role of the methane in mitigating climate change needs to be addressed, as well as how the feed additives and their effect will be taken into account in national greenhouse gas inventories.
Resilience for Dairy
Completed | 2021-2024
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Spain, Slovenia, Netherlands, Northern Ireland