Irish research: Feed additives cut cattle methane by up to 28%
Anti-methane feed additives can reduce the methane emissions from indoor held cattle by 10 to 28%, research funded by the Department of Agriculture in Ireland shows.
Reducing emissions from agriculture is a monumental challenge, but one that the sector is taking seriously,”
– minister Martin Heydon told a conference in Dublin.
Feed additive cuts methane emissions
Experiments conducted on a calcium-peroxide-based feed additive known as RumenGlas have demonstrated the potential reduction in methane in an indoor setting, depending on the animal type, the diet, and the inclusion rate of the additive.
Boost in animal performance
In addition, one study conducted in conjunction with the Global Research Alliance demonstrated the potential for both an animal performance benefit (12% higher growth rate and feed conversion efficiency in growing beef cattle) as well as a reduction in methane (-10%) for the first time ever in an Irish setting. This finding will be tested in further studies.
ROADMAP methane database launched
The results have been presented during the ‘Agriculture and Climate Change: Science into Action’ conference at Dublin Castle. The ‘ROADMAP’ project, funded by the Agriculture Department, has developed one of the largest databases in the world for methane production in animals. This has demonstrated that there is potential to select and breed animals that can produce 10-20% less methane.
Low-methane breeding in Ireland
This is allowing Irish farmers to select bulls for lower methane emissions with no impact on other desirable traits such as animal performance.
The challenge going forward is to bring these tools into widespread use on Irish farms – and to do that, we are working with farmers every step of the way. Our farmers are innovators and are ready to lead on climate action – not just for Ireland, but as an example to the world,”
– Irish prime-minister Micheál Martin said in his opening speech to the conference.
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