Ruminant methane can be reduced by as much as 60% through dietary intervention, according to latest trials in Northern Ireland.  

Professor Sharon Huws is director of research at Queen’s University Belfast and in her role as professor of animal science and microbiology, she has been exploring the effects of feeding ruminants:

• Multi-species plants (containing six species).
• The Red seaweed Asparagopsis.
• Feed additives, such as Bovaer, developed by DSM, which inhibits an enzyme to block methane production (it is expected to become commercially available in 2023 permitting FAS approval).
• Additives which change the oxidation-reducing potential in the rumen, through the introduction of oxygen, such as RumenGlas.

Each one is being trialled in studies on beef, sheep and dairy animals at the Argi-Food and Biosciences Institute. Sharon says preliminary results show reductions ranging from 10 to 60% with some reducing days to slaughter by improving daily liveweight gains, too.

She explains: “Seaweed seems to have mythical properties for any ailment. We have found red seaweed can reduce methane by up to 60% in beef and dairy animals. But it requires more research to make sure there are no animal health effects because it contains bromoform which is carcinogenic to humans, so we need to check this isn’t passed through meat and milk.”

To find out trial results to date and if there are any trade-offs in terms of animal health and production, do not miss Prof Huws’ talk on 23 January.

Book your place to attend the BCBC Conference here