Cows and other ruminant animals produce enteric methane as part of their natural digestive process. This methane is the single largest source of direct greenhouse gases in the beef and dairy sectors. Addressing enteric methane emissions is critical to slowing the effects of climate change while also helping the dairy and beef sectors meet their sustainability goals.
GCI awarded its initial grant in the amount of $758,776 to Penn State’s Distinguished Professor of Dairy Nutrition Dr. Alexander N. Hristov to develop new enteric methane inhibitors and delivery methods for them. Inhibitors are naturally occurring or synthetic compounds that when ingested by cows can decrease enteric methane emissions. Hristov is focusing on inhibitors that have already been shown to reduce methane by at least 30% in laboratory tests. The project aims to develop feed additive options that will deliver the greatest mitigation potential that is practical for producers. The research team is conducting a series of studies to determine the efficacy and feasibility of these inhibitor compounds in cows. Additionally, the efforts are identifying and optimizing dietary conditions required to maximize enteric methane emissions reductions.