REDUCING METHANOGENESIS AND ENTERIC METHANE EMISSION IN RUMINANT PRODUCTION: A REVIEW
Keywords:
Methane, methanogenesis, enteric methane, ruminant production, additivesAbstract
Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) with global warming potential, 25 times greater than carbondioxide (CO2) over a hundred-year period. To this end, many research works have highlighted the complex microbial ecosystem in the rumen, where various microbes play a role in methane production either through hydrogen metabolism or by influencing the abundance of methanogens. So, cattle, sheep, goat, pig and poultry were said to have produced 80-120kg, 20-35kg, 12-20kg, 1-2kg, and a negligible kilogram of methane/head /year respectively. This paper therefore focused on identifying technologies and strategies to mitigate methane emissions in ruminant livestock. Part of the strategies discovered through this exploration for reducing methane output in ruminants included technologies such as plant secondary metabolites, the use of additives like probiotics, and the genetic selection of low methane-producing animals
References
Abdalla, A.L., Filho, J.C.S., Godoi, A.R., Carmo, C.A. and Eduardo, J.L.P. (2008) Use of by-products of the biodiesel industry in ruminant feed. Brazilian Journal of Animal Science, 37, 260-258. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1516-35982008001300030
Adeosun, A. O. (2020). Direct fed Microorganisms (DFMs) as a catalyst to increased ruminant productivity. Trailblazer International Journal of Educational Research, 1 (1), 129-135.
Adeosun, A. O. & Akindele, W. O. (2021). Rumen defaunation for increased ruminant productivity: Strategies and effects. International Journal of Applied Science and Research, 4 (3), 400-407.
Agarwal N, Garg, A. K. & Nath, K. (1987). The use of water washed neem (Azadirachta indica) seed kernel cake in the feeding of buffalo calves. Journal of Agricultural Science (Camb.) 108: 497-499.
Agarwal, N., Kewalramani, N., Kamra, D. N., Agrawal, D. K. & Nath, K. (1991). Effects of water extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica) cake on the activity of hydrolytic enzymes of mixed rumen acteria from buffalo. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 57: 147-150. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.2740570117
Arriola, K. G., Kim, S. C., Staples, C. R. & Adesogan, A. T. (2011). Effect of fibrolytic enzyme application to low- and high concentrate diets on the performance of lactating dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science, 94: 832–841
Asanuma, N., Iwamoto, M. & Hino, T. (1999). Effect of the addition of fumarate on methane production by ruminal microorganism in vitro, Journal of Dairy Science 82: 780–787. http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/0022-0302/PIIS0022030299752963.pdf
Asiegbu, F. O., Paterson, A., Morrison, I. M. & Smith, J. E. (1995). Effect of cell wall phenolics and fungal metabolites on methane and acetate production under in vitro conditions, Journal of General and Applied Microbiology 41: 475-485.
Becker, P. M., Piet, G., Wikselaar, V., Maurice C. R., Franssen, R. C. H., de Vos; Robert D. Hall; Beekwilder, J. (2013Evidence for a hydrogen-sink mechanism of (+) catechin-mediated emission reduction of the ruminant greenhouse gas methane. Metabolomics 10, 179–189 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11306-013-0554-5
Benchaar, C. (2020). Feeding oregano oil and its main component carvacrol does not affect ruminal fermentation, nutrient utilization, methane emissions, milk production, or milk fatty acid composition of dairy cows. Journal Dairy Science 103: 1516-1527. Beyzi, S. B. (2020). Effect of lavender and peppermint essential oil on in vitro methanogenesis and fermentation of feed with buffalo rumen liquor. Buffalo Bullettin 39: 311-321. Bhatta, R., Enishi, O. & Kurihara, M. (2007). "Measurement of Methane Production from Ruminants", Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences 20 (8): 1305 – 1318.
Boadi, D., Benchaar, C., Chiquette, J. & Massé, D. (2004). "Mitigation Strategies to Reduce Enteric Methane Emissions from Dairy Cows: Update Review", Canadian Journal of Animal Science. 84: 319-335.
Bodas, R., Prieto, N. García-González, R., Andrés, S., Giráldez, J. F., López, S. & López, S. (2012) "Manipulation of Rumen Fermentation and Methane Production with Plant Secondary Metabolites", Animal Feed Science and Technology 176 (2012) 78–93
Busquet, M., Calsamiglia, S., Ferret, A., Carro, M. D. & Kamel, C. (2005). Effect of garlic oil and four of its compounds on rumen microbial fermentation. Journal of Dairy Science 88: 4393-4404.
Canul-Solis, J., Campos-Navarrete, M., Pineiro-V ˜ ´ azquez, A., Casanova-Lugo, F., BarrosRodríguez, M., Chay-Canul, A., Castillo-S´ anchez, L. (2020). Mitigation of rumen methane emissions with foliage and pods of tropical trees. Animals, 10(5), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10050843
Cardona-Iglesias, J. L., Mahecha-Ledesma, L., & Angulo-Arizala, J. (2016). Forage shrubs and fatty acids: strategies to reduce the production of methane in cattle. Mesoamerican Agronomy, 28(1), 273–288.
Cardoso-Gutierrez, E., Aranda-Aguirre, E., Robles-Jimenez, L. E. Castelán-Ortega, A. O., Chay-Canul, A. J., Foggi, G., Angeles-Hernandez, J. C., Vargas-Bello-Pérez, E. & González-Ronquillo, M. (2021). "Effect of Tannins from Tropical Plants on Methane Production from Ruminants: A Systematic Review", Veterinary and Animal Science. 14:1-12.
Carulla JE, Kreuzer M, Machmuller A, Hess HD, 2005. Supplementation of Acacia mearnsii tannins decreases methanogenesis and urinary nitrogen in forage-fed sheep. Australian J. of Agri. Res., 56: 961–970.
Castillejos L, Calsamiglia S, Ferret A, Losa R, 2005. Effects of a specific blend of essential oil compounds and the type of diet on rumen microbial fermentation and nutrient flow from a continuous culture system. Anim. Feed Sci. and Tech. 119:29-41.
Cobellis, G Trabalza-Marinucci, M., Yu, Z. (2016) "Critical Evaluation of Essential Oils ss Rumen Modifiers in Ruminant Nutrition: A Review", The Science of The Total Environment.
Cobellis, G., Petrozzi, A., Forte, C., Acuti, G., Orrù, M., Marcotullio, M. C, et al. (2015). Evaluation of the effects of mitigation on methane and ammonia production by using Origanum vulgare L. and Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oils on in vitro rumen fermentation systems. Sustainability 7: 12856-12869. Davidson, P. M. & Naidu, A. S. (2000) Phyto-phenols, Natural Food Antimicrobial Systems, A. S. Naidu, ed. CRC Press, Boca Raton F L, pp 265– 293.
FAO. (2013). Tackling climate change through livestock: a global assessment of emissions and mitigation opportunities. Available online at http://www.fao.org/3/i 3437e/i3437e.pdf.
FDA (2004). Food and Drug Administration of the US, Substances used as GRAS in food, 21 CFR 184.
Gerber, P. J., Steinfeld, H., Henderson, B., Mottet, A., Opio, C., Dijkman, J., Tempio, G. (2013). Tackling climate change through livestock - A global assessment of emissions and mitigation opportunities. Rome, Italy: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). ISBN: 9789251079201.
Grainger C and Beauchemin KA, 2011. Can enteric methane emissions from ruminants be lowered without lowering their production? Anim Feed Sci Technol, 166-167: 308–320
Günal, M., Pinski, B. & AbuGhazaleh, A. A. (2017). Evaluating the effects of essential oils on methane production and fermentation under in vitro conditions. Ital. J. Anim. Sci. 16: 500-506. Guyader, J., Eugène, M., Doreau, M., Morgavi, D. P., Gérard, C. & Martin, C. (2017). Tea saponin reduced methanogenesis in vitro but increased methane yield in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 100: 1845-1855. Haque, M. N. (2018). "Dietary Manipulation: A Sustainable Way to Mitigate Methane Emissions from Ruminants", Journal of Animal Science and Technology.
Haque, N. (2001). Environmental implication of methane production: diet and rumen ecology. Short course, CAS in Animal Nutrition, IVRI, Izatnagar.
Hegarty, R. S. (2001). Greenhouse gas emissions from Australian livestock sector. What do we know, what can we do Greenhouse and Agriculture. Taskforce. pp. 1–32.
Helander IM, Alakomi HL, Latva-Kala K, Mattila-Sandholm T, Pol I, Smid EJ, Gorris LGM, von Wright A, 1998. Characterization of the action of selected essential oil components on gram-negative bacteria. J. of Agri. & Food Chem., 46: 3590-3595.
Herliatika, A. & Widiawati, Y. (2021). "Mitigation of Enteric Methane Emission Through Feed Modification and Rumen Manipulation".
Holtshausen, L., Chung, Y. H., Gerardo-Cuervo, H., Oba, M. & Beauchemin, K. A. (2011). Improved milk production efficiency in early lactation dairy cattle with dietary addition of a developmental fibrolytic enzyme additive. J Dairy Sci, 94: 899-907
Hook, S.E., Wright, A. G. & Brian W McBride, B. W. (2010) "Methanogens: Methane Producers of The Rumen and Mitigation Strategies”, ARCHAEA (VANCOUVER, B.C.).
Hristov NA, McAllister TA, Van Herk FH, Cheng KJ, Newbold CJ, Cheeke PR, 1999. Effect of Yucca schidigera on ruminal fermentation and nutrient digestion in heifers, J. of Anim. Sci., 77, 2554–2563.
Hristov, A. N., Ott, T., Tricarico, J., Rotz, A., Waghorn, G. Adesogan, A., Dijkstra, J., Montes, F., Oh, J., Kebreab, E., Oosting, S. J., Gerber, P. J., Henderson, B., Makkar, H. P. S., Firkins, J. L. (2013) "Special Topics--Mitigation Of Methane And Nitrous Oxide Emissions From Animal Operations: III. A Review of Animal Management Mitigation Options”, Journal of Animal Science.
Ingale, S. L., Lokhande A. & Zadbuke, S. (2013). Nutritional strategies to mitigate greenhouse gases emission from livestock agriculture: a review. Livestock Research International, 1(2): 34-45.
Iqbal, M., Cheng, Y., Zhu, W. & Zeshan, B. (2008) “Mitigation of Ruminant Methane Production: Current Strategies, Constraints and Future Options”, World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology.
Islam, M. and Lee, S. (2019) "Advanced Estimation and Mitigation Strategies: A Cumulative Approach to Enteric Methane Abatement From Ruminants", Journal of Animal Science and Technology.
Jayanegara, A., Yogianto, Y., Wina, E., Sudarman, A., Kondo, M., Obitsu, T., & Kreuzer, M. (2020). Combination effects of plant extracts rich in tannins and saponins as feed additives for mitigating in vitro ruminal methane and ammonia formation. Animals, 10(9), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10091531
Jiménez-Ocampo, R., Valencia-Salazar, S., Pinzón-Díaz, C. E., Herrera-Torres, E., Aguilar-Pérez, C. F., Arango, J. & Ku-Vera, J. C. (2019). "The Role Of Chitosan As A Possible Agent For Enteric Methane Mitigation In Ruminants", ANIMALS : AN OPEN ACCESS JOURNAL FROM MDPI.
Johnson, K. A. & Johnson, D. E. (1995). Methane emissions from cattle, Journal of Animal Science 73: 2483–2492. http://jas.fass.org/cgi/reprint/73/8/2483.pdf
Kamra, D. N., Agarwal, N. & Yadav, M. P. (2004). Methanogenesis in the rumen and the Greenhouse effect on the environment, Livestock International 8: 2 and 5-8.
Kobayashi, Y., Wakita, M. & Hoshino, S. (1992). Effects of ionophore salinomycin on nitrogen and long-chain fatty acid profiles of digesta in the rumen and the duodenum of sheep, Animal Feed Science and Technology 36: 67–76.
Kamra, D. N. (2006). Manipulation of rumen microbial ecosystem to reduce Methanogenesis and optimize feed utilization. XII Animal Nutrition Conf. 7-9 Jan 2006. AAU., Anand, Gujrat.
Kamra, D. N., Agarwal, N. & Chaudhary, L. C. (2005). Inhibition of ruminal methanogenesis by tropical plants containing secondary plant compounds. In: Soliva, C.R., Takahashi, J., Kreuzer,M. (Eds.), Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference of Greenhouse Gases and Animal Agriculture. ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, pp.102–111.
Kumar, S., Choudhury, P. K., Carro, M. D., Griffith, G. W., Dagar, S. S., Puniya, M. Calabro, S., Ravella, S. R., Dhewa, T., Upadhyay, R. C, Sirohi, S. K., Kundu, S. S., Wanapat, M. & Puniya, A. K. (2013) "New Aspects And Strategies For Methane Mitigation From Ruminants", Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology.
Ku-Vera, J. C., Jim´enez-Ocampo, R., Valencia-Salazar, S. S., Montoya-Flores, M. D., Molina-Botero, I. C., Arango, J., Gomez-Bravo, ´ C. A., Aguilar-P´erez, C. F., & SolorioS´ anchez, F. J. (2020a). Role of secondary plant metabolites on enteric methane mitigation in ruminants. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7, 584. https://doi.org/ 10.3389/fvets.2020.00584
Ku-Vera, J. C., Castel´ an-Ortega, O. A., Galindo-Maldonado, F. A., Arango, J., Chirinda, N., Jim´enez-Ocampo, R., Valencia-Salazar, S. S., Flores-Santiago, E. J., Montoya-Flores, M. D., Molina-Botero, I. C., Pineiro-V ˜ azquez, ´ A. T., ArceoCastillo, J. I., Aguilar-P´erez, C. F., Ramírez-Avil´es, L., & Solorio-Sanchez, ´ F. J. (2020b). Review: strategies for enteric methane mitigation in cattle fed tropical forages. Animal, 14(3), 453–463. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1751731120001780
LaabouriI, F., Guerouali, A., Alali, S., Remmal, A. & Ajbilou, M. (2017). Effect of a natural food additive rich in thyme essential oil on methane emissions in dairy cows. Rev. Mar.Sci. Agron. Vét. 5: 287-292. Leahy, S. C., Kelly, W. J., Ronimu, R. S., Wedlock, N., Altermann, E. & Attwood, G. T. (2013). "Genome Sequencing Of Rumen Bacteria And Archaea And Its Application To Methane Mitigation Strategies", ANIMAL: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANIMAL BIOSCIENCE.
Lee, S. S. & Ha, J. K. (2003) Influences of surfactant Tween 80 on the gas production, cellulose digestion and enzyme activities by mixed rumen organisms. Asian-Australian Journal of Animal Sciences 16: 1151-57.
Li, Y., Kreuzer, M., Clayssen, Q., Ebert, M., Ruscheweyh, H., Sunagawa, S., Kunz, C., Attwood, G., Amelchanka, S. & Terranova, M. (2021). "The Rumen Microbiome Inhibits Methane Formation Through Dietary Choline Supplementation", Scientific Reports.
Lileikis, T., Nainienė, R., Bliznikas, S. & Uchockis, V. (2023). "Dietary Ruminant Enteric Methane Mitigation Strategies: Current Findings, Potential Risks and Applicability", ANIMALS : AN OPEN ACCESS JOURNAL FROM MDPI.
McIntosh FM, Williams P, Losa R, Wallace RJ, Beever DA, Newbold CJ, 2003. Effects of essential oils on ruminal microorganisms and their protein metabolism. Applied Environ. Micro., 69:5011-5014.
Moss, A. R., Jouany, J. P. and Newbold, J. (2000). Methane production by ruminants: its contribution to global warming. Ann. Zootech. 49: 231–253.
Mutsvangwa, T., Edward, I. E., Topp, J. H. & Peterson, G. F (1992). Animal Production 55: 35-40.
Newbold CJ, El Hassen SM, Wang J, Ortega ME, Wallace RJ, 1997. Influence of foliage from African multipurpose trees on activity of rumen protozoa and bacteria. British J. of Nutr., 78, 237-249.
Olesen, J. E., & Bindi, M. (2002). Consequences of climate change for European agricultural productivity, land use and policy. European Journal of Agronomy, 16(4), 239–262. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1161-0301(02)00004-7
Ozkan, C. O., Kamalak, A., Atalay, A. I., Tatliyer, A. & Kaya, E. (2015). Effect of peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil on rumen microbial fermentation of barley grain. J. Appl. Anim. Res.43:287-290. Patra, A. K., Kamra, D. N. & Agarwal, N. (2006). Effect of plant extract on in vitro methanogenesis, enzyme activities and fermentation of feed in rumen liquor of buffalo. Anim. Feed Sci. and Tech., 128: 276-291.
Patra, A, K. (2016). "Recent Advances in Measurement and Dietary Mitigation of Enteric Methane Emissions in Ruminants", Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
Patra, A. K. & Saxena, J. (2010). "A New Perspective on The Use of Plant Secondary Metabolites to Inhibit Methanogenesis in The Rumen", PHYTOCHEMISTRY.
Patra, A. K. & Yu, Z. (2012). Effects of essential oils on methane production and fermentation by, and abundance and diversity of, rumen microbial populations. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 78: 4271-4280. Patra, A. K. (2011) "Enteric Methane Mitigation Technologies For Ruminant Livestock: A Synthesis Of Current Research And Future Directions", Environmental Monitoring and Assessment.
Piluzza, G., Sulas, L. & Bullitta, S. M. (2014) "Tannins in Forage Plants and Their Role in Animal Husbandry and Environmental Sustainability: A Review", Grass and Forage Science.
Rivera, J. E., Molina, I. C., Donneys, G., Villegas, G., Chara, ´ J., & Barahona, R. (2015). Dinamica ´ de fermentacion ´ y produccion ´ in vitro de metano en dietas de sistemas silvopastoriles intensivos con L. leucocephala y sistemas convencionales orientados a la produccion ´ de leche. Livestock Research for Rural Development, 27(4), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2014-7961
Roehe, R., Dewhurst, R. J., Duthie, C., Rooke, J. A., McKain, N., Ross, D. W., Hyslop, J. J. Waterhouse, A., Freeman, T. C., Watson, M. & Wallace, R. J. (2016). "Bovine Host Genetic Variation Influences Rumen Microbial Methane Production with Best Selection Criterion for Low Methane Emitting and Efficiently Feed Converting Hosts Based on Metagenomic Gene Abundance", Plos Genetics.
Roy, D., Tomar, S. K., Sirohi, S. K., Kumar, V. & Kuma,r M. (2014). Efficacy of different essential oils in modulating rumen fermentation in vitro using buffalo rumen liquor. Vet. World 7: 213-218. Sallam, S. M., Bueno, I. C., Brigide, P., Godoy, P. B., Vitti, D. M. & Abdalla, A. L. (2009). Efficacy of eucalyptus oil on in vitro ruminal fermentation and methane production. Options Mediter. 85: 267-272. Sandoval-Pelcastre, A. A., Ramírez-Mella, M., Rodríguez-Avila, ́ N. L., & CandelariaMartínez, B. (2020). Tropical trees and shrubs with potential to reduce methane production in ruminants. Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems, 23, 1–16.
Scheutz, C., Kjeldsen, P., Bogner, J. E., De Visscher, A., Gebert, J., Hilger, H. A., Huber-Humer, M. & Spokas, K. (2009). "Microbial Methane Oxidation Processes and Technologies for Mitigation of Landfill Gas Emissions", Waste Management & Research.
Shinkai, T., Takizawa, S., Fujimori, M. & Mitsumori, M. (2023) "- Invited Review - The Role of Rumen Microbiota in Enteric Methane Mitigation for Sustainable Ruminant Production", Animal Bioscience.
Sliwinski B. J., Soliva, C.R., Machmuller, A. & Kreuzer, M. (2002). Efficacy of plant extracts rich in secondary constituents to modify rumen fermentation. Anim. Feed Sci. and Tech., 101: 101-114.
Soliva, C. R., Amelchanka, S. L., Duval, S. M. & Kreuzer, M. (2011). Ruminal methane inhibition potential of various pure compounds in comparison with garlic oil as determined with a rumen simulation technique (Rusitec). Br. J. Nutr. 106: 114-122. Su, J Hu, C., Yan, X., Jin, Y., Chen, Z., Guan, Q., Wang, Y., Zhong, D., Jansson, C., Wang, F., Schnürer, A. & Sun, C. (2015). "Expression Of Barley SUSIBA2 Transcription Factor Yields High-starch Low-methane Rice", Nature.
Sun, K., Liu, H., Fan, H., Liu, T. & Zheng, C. (2021). "Research Progress on The Application of Feed Additives in Ruminal Methane Emission Reduction: A Review", PEERJ.
Takahashi, J. (2010) "Some Prophylactic Options to Mitigate Methane Emission from Animal Agriculture in Japan", Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences.
Torrent, J. and Johnson, D. E. (1994). Methane production in the large intestine of sheep. Pages 391–394 in J. F. Aquilera, eds. Energy metabolism of farm animals. EAAP Publication No. 76. CSIC. Publishing Service. Granada, Spain.
Ugbogu, E. A., Elghandour, M. M. M. Y., Ikpeazu, V. O., Buendía, G. R., Molina, O. M., Arunsi, U. O., Emmanuel, O., & Salem, A. Z. M. (2019). The potential impacts of dietary plant natural products on the sustainable mitigation of methane emission from livestock farming. Journal of Cleaner Production, 213, 915–925. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.12.233
Vakili, A. R., Khorrami, B., Mesgaran, M. D. & Parand, E. (2013). The effects of thyme and cinnamon essential oils on performance, rumen fermentation and blood metabolites in Holstein calves consuming high concentrate diet. Asian-Austral. J. Anim. Sci. 26: 935-944. Van Nevel, C. J. & Demeyer, D. I. (1996). Control of rumen methanogenesis. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 42, 73–97.
Wallace, R.J. (2004). Antimicrobial properties of plant secondary metabolites. Proc. of Nutr. Soc., 63:621-629.
Wang, B., Jia, M., Fang, L., Jiang, L. & Li, Y. (2018). Effects of eucalyptus oil and anise oil supplementation on rumen fermentation characteristics, methane emission, and digestibility in sheep. J. Anim. Sci. 96: 3460-3470. Wasson, D., Yarish, C. & Hristov, A. (2022). "Enteric Methane Mitigation Through Asparagopsis Taxiformis Supplementation and Potential Algal Alternatives", Frontiers in Animal Science.
Woodward, S. L., Waghorn, G. C., Ulyatt, M. J. & Lassey, K. R. (2001). Early indications that feeding Lotus will reduce methane emissions from ruminants. In Proceedings-New Zealand Society of Animal Production. Vol. 61. pp. 23-26.
Yadeghari, S., Malecky, M., Banadaky, M. D. & Navidshad, B. (2015). Evaluating in vitro dose-response effects of Lavandula officinalis essential oil on rumen fermentation characteristics, methane production and ruminal acidosis. In Veterinary Research Forum. Vol. 6. pp. 285. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran. Yang, W. Z., Benchaar, C., Ametaj, B. N., Chaves, A. V., He, M. L. & McAllister, T. A. (2007). Effects of garlic and juniper berry essential oils on ruminal fermentation and on the site and extent of digestion in lactating cows. J. Dairy Sci. 90: 5671-5681. Zhou, R., Wu, J., Lang, X., Liu, L., Casper, D. P., Wang, C. et al. (2020). Effects of oregano essential oil on in vitro ruminal fermentation, methane production, and ruminal microbial community. J. Dairy Sci. 103: 2303-2314
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Advance Journal of Agriculture and Ecology
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
