Dairy cows can be fed methane-inhibiting substances as part of a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural production.
The UK government has announced plans to “encourage” the use of these inhibitors, which can be made from chemicals or natural components such as seaweed, once they become available in the UK market.
Scientists report that 1.5 billion livestock worldwide produce up to 500 liters of methane gas daily, making this a significant contributor to climate change. Methane is a greenhouse gas that has the potential to warm the atmosphere more than 80 times compared to carbon dioxide in the first 20 years of its presence.
According to a study conducted in 2019, methane accounts for over half of the total greenhouse gas emissions generated by agricultural production in the UK.
Cows produce methane through the digestion process, primarily releasing it through belching as well as flatulence. (Photo: The Telegraph)
The UK government believes that methane inhibitors, expected to be available in the UK market by 2025, could help achieve the country’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
A spokesperson for the UK government stated: “Well-managed livestock can provide significant environmental benefits, and we plan to encourage the use of highly effective methane-inhibiting products once they are accessible in the UK market.”
Tom Bradshaw, Vice President of the National Farmers’ Union in the UK, told Sky News that the development of methane-inhibiting products is very “exciting” for the agricultural sector: “Everyone recognizes the need to reduce the impact of climate change, and this is something we are genuinely concerned about. This could be a very positive step towards that goal.”
However, Mr. Bradshaw added that there are indications that methane inhibitors could reduce the effectiveness of feed, and further research is still needed.
Farmers also face rising costs when purchasing these inhibitors, especially at a time when many are grappling with higher feed and fertilizer prices.
Mr. Bradshaw believes this can be addressed through rewards and incentives from the government for producers who reduce their emissions.
Cows and other hoofed livestock, such as sheep and goats, produce methane while digesting grass and organic feed. Approximately 70% of total methane emissions from livestock come from this process, while the remaining 30% is generated from manure storage and application.
Methane-inhibiting products can reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced during digestion by inhibiting or breaking down the enzymes that create the gas. These inhibitors, which can be made from chemicals or natural substances, including seaweed and garlic, can be ground into livestock feed.
