Investigating a new feed additive (AB-01) for reducing enteric methane emissions in dairy cows

To limit global warming and achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the IPCC (2022) emphasizes the need for rapid reductions in gross emissions of carbon dioxide and other GHGs. While it is challenging to completely eliminate certain GHGs from agriculture, reducing emissions like methane (CH4), which contributes to rapid warming, is essential.

Methane from agriculture, primarily produced through digestion in ruminant livestock, accounts for 3 to 5% of global anthropogenic GHG emissions. In recent decades, research has focused on various mitigation strategies, including dietary interventions, genetic selection, and improved management practices, to reduce these emissions. Ruminants play a vital role in food production by extracting nutrients from fibrous plant materials that are indigestible to other animals. However, this digestive process also generates significant amounts of CH4 gas. As a result, there is growing pressure on ruminant livestock producers to lower enteric methane emissions from meat and milk production, both in total emissions and per unit of animal product (e.g., meat, milk). Reducing CH4 from ruminants is particularly challenging, as it is a natural by-product of their digestive system.

Over the past 20 years, extensive research has been devoted to developing strategies to mitigate enteric methane emissions. Currently, the most promising feed additives for reducing CH4 emissions from dairy cows are Bovaer® (3-NOP) and the red macroalgae Asparagopsis spp.. Recently, a new substance was developed by a Swedish company. This compound has a similar mechanism of CH4 production inhibition as Bovaer® and red algae but is more cost-effective. The AB-01 compound has lower production costs and is more efficient allowing for lower inclusion levels in the feed to achieve similar CH4 reductions. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal inclusion level of this new additive and to study its long-term effects on CH4 reductions, as well as productivity and health in dairy cows.