Methane Mitigation in Livestock: What Does Science Say About Feed Additives?
- Equipe ESGpec
- Mar 7
- 3 min read
Livestock farming faces a growing challenge: reducing its greenhouse gas emissions without compromising productivity and economic sustainability. Enteric methane (CH₄) , produced by ruminal fermentation, accounts for a significant portion of these emissions, with a global warming potential 28 times greater than CO₂ .
Faced with global regulatory pressure, new market requirements, and scientific advances , methane mitigation has been increasingly prioritized, driving research into efficient solutions for the sector. Among the most promising strategies is the use of methane-mitigating additives (AMFA) , which alter ruminal fermentation and reduce CH₄ production without compromising animal performance.
What does science have to say about methane mitigating additives?
Research on AMFA has advanced significantly in recent years. The new eBook " Feed Additives for Methane Mitigation: Applied Science and Perspectives for Livestock , " based on the most recent articles in the Journal of Dairy Science Vol. 108 No. 1, 2025 , summarizes the most important advances on the topic.
Among the central points covered in the material, the following stand out:
1️⃣ How do methane mitigating additives work?
AMFAs are compounds added to ruminant diets to modify the rumen microbiota and inhibit methane production . They can act in several ways:
🔹 Reducing the availability of hydrogen in the rumen , necessary for the formation of methane.
🔹 Directly inhibiting methanogenic archaea , the microorganisms responsible for converting CO₂ and H₂ into CH₄.
🔹 Diverting hydrogen to other metabolic pathways , such as propionate production.
🔹 Directly oxidizing methane , an approach still under study.
2️⃣ What are the main AMFA studied?
Several compounds have been researched for their effectiveness in mitigating methane, with emphasis on:
🔹 3-NOP (3-Nitrooxypropanol) : Inhibits the MCR enzyme, essential for methanogenesis, reducing CH₄ by up to 50% .
🔹 Nitrates : Act as alternative electron acceptors, redirecting hydrogen and reducing emissions by 10-20% .
🔹 Macroalgae (Asparagopsis) : Contains bromoform, a potent inhibitor of methanogenesis, with a reduction potential of 30-80% .
🔹 Tannins and essential oils : Alter the ruminal microbiota, reducing CH₄ production by 5-15% , but their effects may be inconsistent.
Each of these additives has specific advantages and challenges, and their effectiveness can vary depending on the diet and production system.
3️⃣ How to evaluate the effectiveness of AMFA?
Scientific validation of AMFA depends on rigorous evaluation methods , which include:
🔹 In vitro tests : Simulate ruminal fermentation in the laboratory for rapid screening of compounds.
🔹 In vivo tests : Directly measure animal emissions under different production conditions.
🔹 Mathematical modeling : Uses empirical equations or mechanistic models to predict large-scale impacts.
Techniques such as respirometry chambers, the GreenFeed system, and the SF₆ tracer method are widely used to measure methane emissions and validate the effectiveness of AMFA.
4️⃣ Economic viability and adoption challenges
Although AMFAs offer great mitigation potential, their widespread adoption still faces challenges, such as:
🔹 High cost : Some additives, such as 3-NOP, still have a significant cost for producers.
🔹 Regulation and certification : Many countries require rigorous studies before authorizing the marketing and use of these compounds.
🔹 Market and consumer acceptance : In some markets, there is resistance to the use of synthetic additives in animal feed.
However, economic incentive initiatives, such as carbon credits and subsidies, can accelerate the adoption of AMFA , making them more accessible to producers.
5️⃣ The future of methane mitigation in livestock
Advances in scientific research and increasing environmental requirements are expected to drive the adoption of AMFA in the coming years. Some of the trends include:
🔹 Stricter global regulation , driving the adoption of mitigation technologies.
🔹 New compounds and formulations that are more effective and accessible .
🔹 Use of artificial intelligence to monitor and optimize diets .
🔹 Integration with other sustainable practices , such as regenerative management and biodigesters.
Download the eBook and deepen your knowledge!
If you're looking for a technical update on methane mitigation in livestock farming, with the latest and most informed research, this eBook is essential for you.
