Methane-reducing feed additives

How feed additives could reduce greenhouse gas emissions in ruminants, particularly dairy cattle.

Methane-reducing feed additives have been developed to help lower the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced by ruminants. These additives inhibit methane production in the rumen, thus reducing the carbon footprint. 

Some of the additives available include:

• 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP)
• Essential oils
• Nitrates
• Probiotics
• Seaweed
• Yeasts
• Saponins
• Monensin
• Synthetic compounds

Their effectiveness in reducing emissions varies widely depending on the product, the system and the method of application – bear this in mind when deciding whether to use an additive.

While additives have been developed with fully housed herds on total mixed rations in mind, research and innovation is ongoing on their use in outdoor systems.

The benefits of methane inhibitors are purely environmental – with minimal gains to productivity – but you may be rewarded financially by your supply chain. From an environmental perspective, the rewards can be very favourable.

With 3-NOP, for example, studies have shown that it can reduce methane emissions from dairy cattle by up to 33%. 

While some safety concerns about 3-NOP have been raised by the public and the media, this product is deemed to be safe. As an authorised feed additive for dairy cows, it has undergone the UK Food Standard Agency’s (FSA) rigorous assessment to ensure the product is safe for the animal, consumers, workers and the environment; it has been approved for use in over 65 countries including by the European Food Safety Authority.

• Seek advice from a specialist nutritionist on how to incorporate methane-reducing feed additives in your rations
• Weigh up costs against any financial rewards – consult an independent expert to help assess the cost-benefit and feasibility
• Consider and plan how feed additives can be introduced at a practical level

Note: It is essential that methane inhibitors are used at their approved doses.

When the microbes in a cow’s rumen break down food, hydrogen and carbon dioxide gasses are released. A specific enzyme in the rumen combines these two gasses together to form methane. 3-NOP suppresses this enzyme thereby generating less methane.

3-NOP is made from naturally occurring ingredients present in grasses and naturally occurring in a cow’s rumen. As 3-NOP acts, it is safely broken down and is fully metabolised and therefore does not appear in milk or meat.