Rumen research shows promising reduction in methane emissions and big weight gains in cattle

Less methane and more weight gain for
cattle is uncovered in research into
additives for cattle.

Research into the rumen of cattle has led to some encouraging results using additives to reduce methane emissions and increase weight gain.

The CSIRO trialled a synthetic and a natural compound in the feed of 10 animals in a Queensland research feedlot.

Team leader Ed Charmley said it reduced methane emissions by 30 per cent and increased weight gain in the cattle by 400–500 grams a day.

Lead researcher Gonzalo Martinez said the compounds promoted some bacteria and inhibited others.

"In this short experiment … one reduced the methane [by] targeting or eliminating the microbe that produced the methane, and another compound promoted another bacteria that used energy that wasn't available in the rumen, so the animal got a daily weight gain," he said.

Read the ABC Rural story - “Rumen research shows promising reduction in methane emissions and big weight gains in cattle.”