Feed additives can help reduce methane emissions from ruminant animals by targeting how methane is produced during digestion. Additives like 3-NOP and seaweed have shown strong potential, though more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness and use in grazing systems. This fact sheet highlights various feed additives and their role in methane reduction.
Methane Fact Sheets
Formation and Impact of Enteric Methane
Enteric methane is a major source of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, released primarily through belching during ruminant digestion. Reducing these emissions is essential to lowering livestock’s climate impact. This fact sheet explains the sources of enteric methane and strategies to mitigate it.
Feed Additives to Reduce Enteric Methane Emissions
Dietary Strategies to Reduce Enteric Methane Emissions from Ruminants in Confined and Grazing Systems
Diet plays a key role in ruminant methane emissions, a major source of greenhouse gases in livestock. Diets higher in grains, added fats, or certain forages can reduce methane while boosting efficiency. This fact sheet outlines dietary strategies to lower emissions in both grazing and confined systems.
Methane Production from Different Manure Management Strategies
Manure management contributes 1% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, mainly through methane. Systems with less air exposure, like anaerobic lagoons, produce more methane, while strategies like composting and aeration reduce emissions. This fact sheet explores different manure management methods and their environmental impact.
Options for Mitigating Manure Methane Emissions
Methane emissions from manure management contribute to U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Systems with minimal air exposure, like anaerobic lagoons, produce more methane, while strategies such as composting, aeration, and storage modifications help reduce emissions. This fact sheet examines various mitigation methods and their tradeoffs in cost, efficiency, and environmental impact