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Roskam E, O’Donnell C, Hayes M, Kirwan SF, Kenny DA, O’Flaherty V, McGovern FM, Claffey N, Waters SM. Enteric methane emission reduction potential of natural feed supplements in ewe diets. J Anim Sci 2024; 102:skad421. [PMID: 38206107 PMCID: PMC10876037 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Research into the potential use of various dietary feed supplements to reduce methane (CH4) production from ruminants has proliferated in recent years. In this study, two 8-wk long experiments were conducted with mature ewes and incorporated the use of a variety of natural dietary feed supplements offered either independently or in combination. Both experiments followed a randomized complete block design. Ewes were offered a basal diet in the form of ad libitum access to grass silage supplemented with 0.5 kg concentrates/ewe/d. The entire daily dietary concentrate allocation, incorporating the respective feed supplement, was offered each morning, and this was followed by the daily silage allocation. In experiment 1, the experimental diets contained 1) no supplementation (CON), 2) Ascophyllum nodosum (SW), 3) A. nodosum extract (EX1), 4) a blend of garlic and citrus extracts (GAR), and 5) a blend of essential oils (EO). In experiment 2, the experimental diets contained 1) no supplementation (CON), 2) A. nodosum extract (EX2), 3) soya oil (SO), and 4) a combination of EX2 and SO (EXSO). Twenty ewes per treatment were individually housed during both experiments. Methane was measured using portable accumulation chambers. Rumen fluid was collected at the end of both experiments for subsequent volatile fatty acid (VFA) and ammonia analyses. Data were analyzed using mixed models ANOVA (PROC MIXED, SAS v9.4). Statistically significant differences between treatment means were considered when P < 0.05. Dry matter intake was not affected by diet in either experiment (P > 0.05). Ewes offered EO tended to have an increased feed:gain ratio relative to CON (P < 0.10) and SO tended to increase the average daily gain (P < 0.10) which resulted in animals having a higher final body weight (P < 0.05) than CON. Ewes offered EX1 and SO emitted 9% less CH4 g/d than CON. The only dietary treatment to have an effect on rumen fermentation variables relative to CON was SW, which enhanced total VFA production (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the A. nodosum extract had inconsistent results on CH4 emissions whereby EX1 reduced CH4 g/d while EX2 had no mitigating effect on CH4 production, likely due to the differences in PT content reported for EX1 and EX2. SO was the only dietary feed supplement assessed in the current study that enhanced animal performance whilst mitigating daily CH4 production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Roskam
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Grange, Co. Meath, Ireland
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
- Ryan Institute, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
| | - Caroline O’Donnell
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
- Ryan Institute, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
| | - Maria Hayes
- Food BioSciences Department, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin 15, Ireland
| | - Stuart F Kirwan
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Grange, Co. Meath, Ireland
| | - David A Kenny
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Grange, Co. Meath, Ireland
- UCD School of Agricultural and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Vincent O’Flaherty
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
- Ryan Institute, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
| | - Fiona M McGovern
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Noel Claffey
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Sinéad M Waters
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Grange, Co. Meath, Ireland
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
- Ryan Institute, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
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De Bhowmick G, Hayes M. Potential of Seaweeds to Mitigate Production of Greenhouse Gases during Production of Ruminant Proteins. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2023; 7:2200145. [PMID: 37205931 PMCID: PMC10190624 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202200145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The potential of seaweed to mitigate methane is real and studies with red seaweeds have found reductions in methane produced from ruminants fed red seaweeds in the region of 60-90% where the active compound responsible for this is bromoform. Other studies with brown and green seaweeds have observed reductions in methane production of between 20 and 45% in vitro and 10% in vivo. Benefits of feeding seaweeds to ruminants are seaweed specific and animal species-dependent. In some instances, positive effects on milk production and performance are observed where selected seaweeds are fed to ruminants while other studies note reductions in performance traits. A balance between reducing methane and maintaining animal health and food quality is necessary. Seaweeds are a source of essential amino acids and minerals however, and offer huge potential for use as feeds for animal health maintenance once formulations and doses are correctly prepared and administered. A negative aspect of seaweed use for animal feed currently is the cost associated with wild harvest and indeed aquaculture production and improvements must be made here if seaweed ingredients are to be used as a solution to control methane production from ruminants for continued production of animal/ruminant sourced proteins in the future. This review collates information concerning different seaweeds and how they and their constituents can reduce methane from ruminants and ensure sustainable production of ruminant proteins in an environmentally beneficial manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goldy De Bhowmick
- Food BioSciences DepartmentTeagasc Food Research CentreAshtownDublin 15D15 KN3KIreland
| | - Maria Hayes
- Food BioSciences DepartmentTeagasc Food Research CentreAshtownDublin 15D15 KN3KIreland
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Study of cattle microbiota in different regions of Kazakhstan using 16S metabarcoding analysis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16410. [PMID: 36180559 PMCID: PMC9525287 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20732-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Methane (CH4) is an important greenhouse gas (GHG). Enteric methane emissions from farmed ruminant livestock account for approximately 15% of global GHG emissions, with approximately 44% of livestock emissions in the form of methane. The purpose of the research is to study the influence of feeding types and regional characteristics of Kazakhstan on the microbiota of feces and the number of methane-forming archaea of beef and meat-and-dairy cattle productivity. For this purpose, fecal samples were taken rectally from 37 cattle heads from four regions of Kazakhstan (Western, Southern, Northern and Southeast). The taxonomic composition of the community in all samples was determined by 16S metabarcoding; additionally alpha and beta diversities were calculated. The dominant phyla were: Firmicutes (57.30%), Bacteroidetes (17.00%), Verrucomicrobia (6.88%), Euryarchaeota (6.49%), Actinobacteria (4.77%) and Patescibacteria (3.38%). Significant differences with regard to methanogens bacteria were found: Euryarchaeota were less present in animals from Western Kazakhstan (2.40%), while Methanobacteriales and Methanobrevibacter were prevalent in Southeast, and less abundant in Western region. Western Kazakhstan differs from the other regions likely because animals are mainly grazed in the pasture. Thus, grazing animals has an impact on their microbiota thus leading to a decrease in methane emissions.
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Pinheiro Machado Filho LC, Seó HLS, Daros RR, Enriquez-Hidalgo D, Wendling AV, Pinheiro Machado LC. Voisin Rational Grazing as a Sustainable Alternative for Livestock Production. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:3494. [PMID: 34944271 PMCID: PMC8698051 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Current livestock practices do not meet current real-world social and environmental requirements, pushing farmers away from rural areas and only sustaining high productivity through the overuse of fossil fuels, causing numerous environmental side effects. In this narrative review, we explore how the Voisin Rational Grazing (VRG) system responds to this problem. VRG is an agroecological system based on four principles that maximise pasture growth and ruminant intake, while, at the same time, maintaining system sustainability. It applies a wide range of regenerative agricultural practices, such as the use of multispecies swards combined with agroforestry. Planning allows grazing to take place when pastures reach their optimal resting period, thus promoting vigorous pasture regrowth. Moreover, paddocks are designed in a way that allow animals to have free access to water and shade, improving overall animal welfare. In combination, these practices result in increased soil C uptake and soil health, boost water retention, and protect water quality. VRG may be used to provide ecosystem services that mitigate some of the current global challenges and create opportunities for farmers to apply greener practices and become more resilient. It can be said that VRG practitioners are part of the initiatives that are rethinking modern livestock agriculture. Its main challenges, however, arise from social constraints. More specifically, local incentives and initiatives that encourage farmers to take an interest in the ecological processes involved in livestock farming are still lacking. Little research has been conducted to validate the empirical evidence of VRG benefits on animal performance or to overcome VRG limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz C. Pinheiro Machado Filho
- LETA, Laboratory of Applied Ethology, Department of Zootechny and Rural Development, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88034-001, Brazil; (H.L.S.S.); (L.C.P.M.)
| | - Hizumi L. S. Seó
- LETA, Laboratory of Applied Ethology, Department of Zootechny and Rural Development, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88034-001, Brazil; (H.L.S.S.); (L.C.P.M.)
| | - Ruan R. Daros
- Graduate Program in Animal Science, School of Life Science, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba 80215-901, Brazil;
| | - Daniel Enriquez-Hidalgo
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, North Somerset, Langford BS40 5DU, Somerset, UK;
- Sustainable Agriculture Sciences, Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, Okehampton EX20 2SB, Devon, UK
| | | | - Luiz C. Pinheiro Machado
- LETA, Laboratory of Applied Ethology, Department of Zootechny and Rural Development, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88034-001, Brazil; (H.L.S.S.); (L.C.P.M.)
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Correction: Boland, T.M.; et al. Feed Intake, Methane Emissions, Milk Production and Rumen Methanogen Populations of Grazing Dairy Cows Supplemented with Various C 18 Fatty Acid Sources. Animals 2020, 10, 2380. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020280. [PMID: 33499431 PMCID: PMC7910857 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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