Current and emerging technologies for decreasing enteric methane emission from individual ruminants

Title
Current and emerging technologies for decreasing enteric methane emission from individual ruminants
Publication Date
2009
Author(s)
Hegarty, R S
Editor
Editor(s): Pierre Cronjé and Nerida Richards
Type of document
Conference Publication
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
University of New England
Place of publication
Armidale, Australia
UNE publication id
une:5283
Abstract
The quantity of enteric methane emitted per unit of ruminant animal product can readily be reduced by altering breed, nutrition and animal management in ways that decrease the maintenance fraction of consumed energy. In contrast, there are currently few practical means of reducing daily enteric methane emissions from individual animals without compromising productivity. Feed additives such as oils and organic acids are often effective but are limited to intensive feeding situations, which contribute little to national emissions. Methods for reducing individual emissions from extensively grazed livestock are not currently available. However, several strategies that may result in stable and low rumen methane production in extensively grazed livestock are under development. Genetic means of addressing this problem are also being evaluated, but progress will be slow. Future adoption of such technologies will be subject to the relative economic values of methane and other animal products.
Link
Citation
Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition - Australia, v.17, p. 81-88
ISSN
0819-4823
Start page
81
End page
88

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