Fermented Fibres – An Innovative Approach to Reducing Methane Emissions from Cattle
Project overview
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Short summary
Can by-products from the food industry contribute to more climate-friendly cattle production? By developing a novel feed additive based on fermented fibres, this project aims to reduce methane emissions from cattle and make better use of valuable resources that might otherwise go to waste.
The fermented fibres are produced by using selected microorganisms to ferment by-products from the Swedish food industry, such as fibre-rich residues from oats and wheat. The fermentation process generates a combination of prebiotics (fibres that promote beneficial microorganisms) and postbiotics (bioactive compounds produced during fermentation). Together, these components have the potential to influence the microbial communities in the rumen and intestinal tract of cattle, thereby contributing to reduced methane production and improved nutrient utilisation.
Previous in vitro studies have shown promising results, demonstrating a reduction in methane production. These findings will be further evaluated and validated in trials with cattle as part of the project.
The project includes optimisation of the fermentation process and product composition, laboratory evaluations, and feeding trials with cattle. Finally, the product will be tested under practical on-farm conditions. The overall aim is to develop an effective and commercially viable feed additive that can contribute to reduced climate impact, increased circularity, and improved profitability in Swedish cattle production.
The project is carried out in collaboration between Tekinn AB, Gutfeeling Labs AB, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), and Wirum Säteri.
Project group:
Rebecca Danielsson, Researcher at the Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, VH faculty, rebecca.danielsson@slu.se
Mohammad Ramin, Researcher at the Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, VH faculty, Mohammad.ramin@slu.se
Horacio Gonda, Senior Lecturer, Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, VH faculty, Horacio.gonda@slu.se
Fredrik Jonsson, Tekinn AB, Fredrik.jonsson@tekinn.se
Walter Fisher, Gutfeeling Labs AB, Walter.fisher@gutfeelinglabs.se
