New assessment of feed additives to mitigate methane emissions
We are pleased to announce a new in-depth assessment of ten leading compounds being studied for efficacy to methane mitigation in ruminant livestock. The analysis assesses the most promising compounds for mitigating ruminant methane emissions.
The report aims to inform policymakers, industry investors and feed industry advisers on the effectiveness, applicability, and broader commercial issues surrounding methane reducing feed additives.
This concise resource can guide investment and management decisions by all actors in the livestock supply chain.
Key findings of the 10 reviewed additive groups
- Only two additives (3-Nitrooxypropanol) and dried Asparagopsis (red algae) have routinely delivered over 20% mitigation of enteric methane by the consuming ruminants. Dietary nitrate is the third most effective additive and can safely deliver 10% or more mitigation when consumed. The other classes of additive cannot be expected to deliver 10% mitigation when fed.
- Two major constraints for all reviewed additives achieving substantial global impact on livestock emissions in the immediate future, include:
- Insufficient evidence to show any of these additives will increased production while decreasing methane output.
- Almost all studies relied on additives mixed into a total mixed ration. There is almost no evidence of the efficacy of administering additives as a supplement, as in rangeland systems.
- Further research is needed to establish a business case for on-farm use of these additives.
- A small survey of the actors in the feed additive pipeline from the manufacturers through feed millers to livestock managers, shows:
- A poor understanding of the efficacy and co-benefits of potential additives.
- All livestock managers recognized they need more information on additives.
- No additive manufacturers identified the grazing industry as a high priority market for a methane mitigating product.
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