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Wang T, Kreuter U, Davis C, Cheye S. Climate impacts of alternative beef production systems depend on the functional unit used: Weight or monetary value. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2321245121. [PMID: 39008689 PMCID: PMC11295046 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2321245121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Beef production has been identified as a significant source of anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the agricultural sector. United States and Canada account for about a quarter of the world's beef supply. To compare the GHG emission contributions of alternative beef production systems, we conducted a meta-analysis of 32 studies that were conducted between 2001 and 2023. Results indicated that GHG emissions from beef production in North America varied almost fourfold from 10.2 to 37.6 with an average of 21.4 kg CO2e/kg carcass weight (CW). Studies that considered soil C sequestration (C-seq) reported the highest mitigation potential in GHG emissions (80%), followed by growth enhancement technology (16%), diet modification (6%), and grazing management improvement (7%). Our study highlights the implications of using carbon intensity per economic activity (i.e., GHG emissions per monetary unit), compared to the more common metric of intensity on per weight of product basis (GHG emissions per kg CW) for comparisons across differentiated beef cattle products. While a positive association was found between the proportion of lifespan on grassland and the conventional weight-based indicator, grass-finished beef was found to have lower carbon intensity per economic activity than feedlot-finished beef. Our study emphasizes the need to incorporate land use and management effects and soil C-seq as fundamental aspects of beef GHG emissions and mitigation assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Wang
- Ness School of Management & Economics, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD57007
| | - Urs Kreuter
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX77843
| | - Christopher Davis
- Animal Products and Cost of Production Branch, Market and Trade Economics Division, United States Department of Agriculture - Economic Research Service, Washington, DC20250
| | - Stephen Cheye
- Ness School of Management & Economics, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD57007
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2
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Verma S, Akpensuen TT, Wolffram S, Salminen JP, Taube F, Blank R, Kluß C, Malisch CS. Investigating the efficacy of purified tannin extracts from underutilized temperate forages in reducing enteric methane emissions in vitro. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12578. [PMID: 38822060 PMCID: PMC11143233 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63434-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The study investigated how the concentration and composition of purified tannin extracts, at various inclusion rates, affect the ruminal in vitro fermentation parameters. Tannin extracts were isolated from four different forage species: birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), sulla (Hedysarum coronarium), big trefoil (Lotus pedunculatus), and salad burnet (Sanguisorba minor). Plants extracts were purified by Sephadex LH-20 gel chromatography and analyzed by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. The results showed a large variation among the extracts from different species in terms of tannin composition and structural features. The extracts from salad burnet were dominated by hydrolysable tannins, comprising mainly ellagitannins. The extracts derived from sulla and big trefoil contained predominantly proanthocyanidins (PA), primarily composed of prodelphinidins with high mean degree of polymerisation (mDP). Birdsfoot trefoil extracts comprised procyanidin-rich PAs with low mDP. To determine whether the combined presence of tannins and flavonoid together lead to synergistic or antagonistic effects, the tannin extracts were incubated both with or without rutin at concentrations of 10, 20, and 30 g/kg DM, using a base substrate of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne, control). In general, all the tannin extracts decreased methane (CH4) production compared to the control, while no significant effect of rutin was observed on both gas (GP) and CH4 production, neither pure, nor in the simultaneous presence of tannins. The highest CH4 reduction (15%, at 30 g/kg DM) was observed from sulla and big trefoil extracts compared to control, but this was also supplemented with a concomitant reduction in GP (11%) indicating a reduction in feed digestibility. The extracts from birdsfoot trefoil and salad burnet reduced CH4 by up to 12% without significantly reducing GP, indicating the importance of tannin composition on ruminal fermentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Verma
- Grass and Forage Science / Organic Agriculture, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, E24118, Kiel, Germany.
- Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, 8830, Tjele, Denmark.
| | - T T Akpensuen
- Net Zero and Resilient Farming, Rothamsted Research, Okehampton, EX20 2SD, UK
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jos, P.M.B 2084, Jos, Nigeria
| | - S Wolffram
- Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, E24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - J-P Salminen
- Natural Chemistry Research Group, University of Turku, 20500, Turku, Finland
| | - F Taube
- Grass and Forage Science / Organic Agriculture, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, E24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - R Blank
- Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, E24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - C Kluß
- Grass and Forage Science / Organic Agriculture, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, E24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - C S Malisch
- Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, 8830, Tjele, Denmark
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3
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Antonius A, Pazla R, Putri EM, Alma’i MI, Laconi EB, Diapari D, Jayanegara A, Ardani LR, Marlina L, Purba RD, Gopar RA, Negara W, Asmairicen S, Negoro PS. Effects of herbal plant supplementation on rumen fermentation profiles and protozoan population in vitro. Vet World 2024; 17:1139-1148. [PMID: 38911071 PMCID: PMC11188901 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.1139-1148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim In the livestock sector, particularly ruminants, an approach to minimize methane emissions can be carried out through a feeding strategy involving herbal plants containing bioactive compounds that can reduce protozoa and decrease methane gas emissions. The aim of this in vitro study was to analyze the effects of herbal plant supplementation on rumen fermentation, total gas, and methane production, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and protozoa populations within the rumen. Materials and Methods Two experiments were conducted in this study. Experiment 1 was conducted to determine the most promising herbal plants capable of increasing total gas production and reducing protozoan populations. Three potential herbals selected in Experiment 1 were continued in Experiment 2 as supplements in the palm kernel meal (PKM)-based ration (70% PKM + 30% herbal plants). Results Experiment 1 revealed that Eurycoma longifolia (EL), Cola acuminata (CLA), and Cassia alata (CSA) were potential herbal candidates for enhancing total gas production and the percentages of IVDMD and IVOMD. In Experiment 2, supplementation with EL, CLA, and CSA significantly increased IVDMD from 62.84% to 70.15%, IVOMD from 61.61% to 53.18%, and NH3 from 13 mM to 17 mM, as well as reduced partial volatile fatty acids and total gas production. In addition, the methane gas and protozoan populations were reduced. Conclusion The utilization of EL, CLA, and CSA effectively increased the production of total gas, IVDMD, and IVOMD while reducing methane gas protozoa populations in rumen fermentation compared with the control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonius Antonius
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jl. Raya Jakarta Bogor Cibinong 16915, Indonesia
| | - Roni Pazla
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Animal Science, Andalas University, Jl. Limau Manis, Padang 25163, West Sumatra, Indonesia
| | - Ezi Masdia Putri
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jl. Raya Jakarta Bogor Cibinong 16915, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Ichsan Alma’i
- Edufarmers International Foundation, Government Relations Manager, Edu Farmers International Foundation, Jl. MT. Haryono Kav. 16, Jakarta 12810, Indonesia
| | - Erika Budiarti Laconi
- Department of Nutrition and Feed Technology, Faculty of Animal Science, IPB University, Jl. Agatis Kampus IPB Dramaga Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Didid Diapari
- Department of Nutrition and Feed Technology, Faculty of Animal Science, IPB University, Jl. Agatis Kampus IPB Dramaga Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Anuraga Jayanegara
- Department of Nutrition and Feed Technology, Faculty of Animal Science, IPB University, Jl. Agatis Kampus IPB Dramaga Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Laily Rinda Ardani
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Animal Science, Andalas University, Jl. Limau Manis, Padang 25163, West Sumatra, Indonesia
| | - Leni Marlina
- Research Center for Agroindustry, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jl. Puspitek Tangerang Selatan, 15314, Indonesia
| | - Riris Delima Purba
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jl. Raya Jakarta Bogor Cibinong 16915, Indonesia
| | - Ruslan Abdul Gopar
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jl. Raya Jakarta Bogor Cibinong 16915, Indonesia
| | - Windu Negara
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jl. Raya Jakarta Bogor Cibinong 16915, Indonesia
| | - Sharli Asmairicen
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jl. Raya Jakarta Bogor Cibinong 16915, Indonesia
| | - Putut Suryo Negoro
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jl. Raya Jakarta Bogor Cibinong 16915, Indonesia
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Roques S, Martinez-Fernandez G, Ramayo-Caldas Y, Popova M, Denman S, Meale SJ, Morgavi DP. Recent Advances in Enteric Methane Mitigation and the Long Road to Sustainable Ruminant Production. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2024; 12:321-343. [PMID: 38079599 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-021022-024931] [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] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Mitigation of methane emission, a potent greenhouse gas, is a worldwide priority to limit global warming. A substantial part of anthropogenic methane is emitted by the livestock sector, as methane is a normal product of ruminant digestion. We present the latest developments and challenges ahead of the main efficient mitigation strategies of enteric methane production in ruminants. Numerous mitigation strategies have been developed in the last decades, from dietary manipulation and breeding to targeting of methanogens, the microbes that produce methane. The most recent advances focus on specific inhibition of key enzymes involved in methanogenesis. But these inhibitors, although efficient, are not affordable and not adapted to the extensive farming systems prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. Effective global mitigation of methane emissions from livestock should be based not only on scientific progress but also on the feasibility and accessibility of mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Roques
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, Saint-Genes-Champanelle, France; , ,
| | | | - Yuliaxis Ramayo-Caldas
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Program, Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Torre Marimon, Caldes de Montbui, Spain;
| | - Milka Popova
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, Saint-Genes-Champanelle, France; , ,
| | - Stuart Denman
- Agriculture and Food, CSIRO, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia; ,
| | - Sarah J Meale
- School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, Faculty of Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia;
| | - Diego P Morgavi
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, Saint-Genes-Champanelle, France; , ,
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Abdillah AE, Sarah D, Ardian AA, Anas MA, Aprianto MA, Hanim C, Kurniawati A, Muhlisin, Yusiati LM. Effect of nutmeg essential oil (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) on methane production, rumen fermentation, and nutrient digestibility in vitro. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3554. [PMID: 38347010 PMCID: PMC10861442 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52532-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The study evaluated the effect of adding of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) essential oil (NEO) as a feed additive on methane production, rumen fermentation parameters, rumen enzyme activity, and nutrient digestibility in vitro. This study was divided into three treatments based on the level of NEO addition, which included 0 µL/L (T0), 100 µL/L (T1), and 200 µL/L (T2). The feed substrate composition consisted of king grass as forage and concentrate in a 60:40 ratio. Feed fermentation was conducted using the Menke and Steingass gas production and two-step Tilley and Terry in-vitro digestibility technique. The data obtained from the study were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and if there were differences between means, they were further assessed using DMRT. The results showed that T2 treatment significantly decreased (P < 0.05) ammonia (NH3) levels, total VFA, acetate, propionate, butyrate, and microbial protein (P < 0.05). Methane production and the activity of rumen protease enzyme significantly decreased (P < 0.05) at T1 and T2 treatment. The T2 treatment significantly reduced (P < 0.05) protein digestibility (IVCPD) at 48 h, while IVCPD at 96 h significantly increased (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the addition of nutmeg essential oil did not effect the activity of the amylase, carboxymethyl cellulase, and β-glucosidase enzymes, as well as the in-vitro digestibility of dry matter (IVDMD), crude fiber (IVCFD), and organic matter (IVOMD). The conclusion drawn from this study is that the optimum level for NEO is 200 µL/L, which can reduce methane production and increase crude protein digestibility at 96 h without any negative effect on rumen fermentation and nutrient digestibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achmad Ezar Abdillah
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Dewi Sarah
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Aziz Aji Ardian
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Muhsin Al Anas
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Anang Aprianto
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Chusnul Hanim
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Asih Kurniawati
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Muhlisin
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Lies Mira Yusiati
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman Regency, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia.
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Lauk C, Magerl A, le Noë J, Theurl MC, Gingrich S. Analyzing long-term dynamics of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in Austria, 1830-2018. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 911:168667. [PMID: 37996017 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Agriculture is an important contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While the development of agricultural GHG emissions on national and global scales is well studied for the last three to six decades, little is known about their trajectory and drivers over longer periods. In this article, we address this research gap by calculating and analyzing GHG emissions related to agriculture in Austria from 1830 to 2018. We calculate territorial emissions on an annual basis and include all GHG emissions from the processes directly involved in agricultural production. Based on this time series, we quantify the relative importance of major drivers of changes in GHG emissions across time and agricultural product categories, applying a structural decomposition analysis. We find that agricultural GHG emissions in Austria increased by 69 % over the total study period, from 4.6 Mt. CO2e/yr in 1830 to 7.7 Mt. CO2e/yr in 2018. While emissions increased only moderately from 1830 to 1945 (+22 % overall), with strong fluctuations between 1914 and 1945, they doubled from 1945 to 1985. In the most recent period from 1985 to 2018, emissions fell by one third, with decreases leveling off over time. Our decomposition analysis reveals that increases in agricultural production per capita most importantly contributed to the high growth in GHG emissions from 1945 to 1985. Conversely, decreasing emission intensities of products and a more climate friendly product mix were key drivers in the emissions reduction observed after 1985. We also contribute to the discussion around the global warming potential star (GWP*), by calculating GHG emissions based on this alternative metric, and contextualize our data within total socio-economic GHG emission trends. By providing insights into the historical trends and drivers of agricultural GHG emissions, our findings enhance the understanding of their long-term historical dynamics and adds to the knowledge base for future mitigation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Lauk
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Social Ecology, Schottenfeldgasse 29, 1070 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Andreas Magerl
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Social Ecology, Schottenfeldgasse 29, 1070 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Julia le Noë
- Institut des Sciences de l'Ecologie et de l'Environnement de Paris (CNRS, Sorbonne Université, IRD, INRAE, UPEC, Université Paris-Cité), Sorbonne Université, 4 place Jussieu, 75252 Paris Cedex 05, France.
| | - Michaela C Theurl
- Environment Agency Austria, Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Simone Gingrich
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Social Ecology, Schottenfeldgasse 29, 1070 Vienna, Austria.
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7
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Mackie RI, Kim H, Kim NK, Cann I. - Invited Review - Hydrogen production and hydrogen utilization in the rumen: key to mitigating enteric methane production. Anim Biosci 2024; 37:323-336. [PMID: 38186257 PMCID: PMC10838669 DOI: 10.5713/ab.23.0294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Molecular hydrogen (H2) and formate (HCOO-) are metabolic end products of many primary fermenters in the rumen ecosystem. Both play a vital role in fermentation where they are electron sinks for individual microbes in an anaerobic environment that lacks external electron acceptors. If H2 and/or formate accumulate within the rumen, the ability of primary fermenters to regenerate electron carriers may be inhibited and microbial metabolism and growth disrupted. Consequently, H2- and/or formate-consuming microbes such as methanogens and possibly homoacetogens play a key role in maintaining the metabolic efficiency of primary fermenters. There is increasing interest in identifying approaches to manipulate the rumen ecosystem for the benefit of the host and the environment. As H2 and formate are important mediators of interspecies interactions, an understanding of their production and utilization could be a significant starting point for the development of successful interventions aimed at redirecting electron flow and reducing methane emissions. We conclude by discussing in brief ruminant methane mitigation approaches as a model to help understand the fate of H2 and formate in the rumen ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roderick I. Mackie
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801,
USA
- Carle R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801,
USA
| | - Hyewon Kim
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801,
USA
| | - Na Kyung Kim
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801,
USA
| | - Isaac Cann
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801,
USA
- Carle R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801,
USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801,
USA
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8
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Jia P, Dong LF, Tu Y, Diao QY. Bacillus subtilis and Macleaya cordata extract regulate the rumen microbiota associated with enteric methane emission in dairy cows. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:229. [PMID: 37858227 PMCID: PMC10585854 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01654-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ruminant livestock production is a considerable source of enteric methane (CH4) emissions. In a previous study, we found that dietary inclusions of Bacillus subtilis (BS) and Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) increased dry matter intake and milk production, while reduced enteric CH4 emission in dairy cows. The objective of this study was to further elucidate the impact of feeding BS and MCE on rumen methanogenesis in dairy cows using rumen metagenomics techniques. RESULTS Sixty dairy cows were blocked in 20 groups of 3 cows accordingly to their live weight, milk yield, and days in milk, and within each group, the 3 cows were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 treatments: control diet (CON), control diet plus BS (BS), and control diet plus MCE (MCE). After 75 days of feeding experimental diets, 12 cows were selected from each treatment for collection of rumen samples for the metagenomic sequencing. Results showed that BS decreased ruminal acetate and butyrate, while increased propionate concentrations, resulting in decreased acetate:propionate ratio. The metagenomics analysis revealed that MCE reduced relative abundances of Methanobrevibacter wolinii, Methanobrevibacter sp. AbM4, Candidatus Methanomassiliicoccus intestinalis, Methanobrevibacter cuticularis, Methanomicrobium mobile, Methanobacterium formicicum, and Methanobacterium congolense. Both BS and MCE reduced relative abundances of Methanosphaera sp. WGK6 and Methanosphaera stadtmanae. The co-occurrence network analysis of rumen bacteria and archaea revealed that dietary treatments influenced microbial interaction patterns, with BS and MCE cows having more and stronger associations than CON cows. The random forest and heatmaps analysis demonstrated that the Halopenitus persicus was positively correlated with fat- and protein-corrected milk yield; Clostridium sp. CAG 269, Clostridium sp. 27 14, Haloarcula rubripromontorii, and Methanobrevibacter curvatus were negatively correlated with rumen acetate and butyrate concentrations, and acetate:propionate ratio, whereas Selenomonas rumiantium was positively correlated with those variables. CONCLUSIONS The present results provided new information for mitigation of enteric methane emissions of dairy cows by feeding BS and MCE to influence rumen microbial activities. This fundamental knowledge is essential for developing enteric CH4 reduction strategies to mitigate climate change and reduce dietary energy waste. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Jia
- Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Sino-US Joint Lab On Nutrition and Metabolism of Ruminant/Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730020, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Feng Dong
- Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Sino-US Joint Lab On Nutrition and Metabolism of Ruminant/Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Tu
- Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Sino-US Joint Lab On Nutrition and Metabolism of Ruminant/Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qi-Yu Diao
- Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Sino-US Joint Lab On Nutrition and Metabolism of Ruminant/Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.
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9
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Soliman T, Barnes A, Helgesen IS. The hidden carbon impact of animal disease. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292659. [PMID: 37815985 PMCID: PMC10564140 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Livestock production is under scrutiny for its impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Animal disease outbreaks will have economic effects on producers and the indirect cost of an animal disease outbreak is the result of shifts in consumption across commodities. This shift in demand for meat products will also positively or negatively affect carbon emissions. We explore the indirect costs and subsequent carbon impact of four potential exotic disease outbreaks, namely African swine fever, sheep pox, bluetongue, and foot and mouth disease. The indirect costs are quantified under different severities of outbreak using a vector error correction model and by estimating the changes in revenues of livestock and feed markets. By associating subsequent consumption switches with emission factors, we quantify the hidden carbon impact of these livestock disease outbreaks. The indirect costs vary based on severity and type of disease outbreak. Similarly, the net reduction in supply and subsequent consumption impacts result in averting between 0.005 and 0.67 million tonnes of CO2 eq. for these sectors. A foot and mouth disease outbreak has the highest indirect costs and largest reduction in GHG emissions as it decreases the production of cattle as consumers switch to lower emitting meat commodities. Conversely, African swine fever has the smallest reduction in GHG emissions, reflecting the more industrialised nature of pig farming. Our modelling approach opens a provocative debate around how compensation to producers supports restocking and how this relates to commitments to net zero farming. Overall, an exotic disease outbreak may trigger an opportunity to switch to lower emitting breeds or species if a more holistic, joined up approach were taken by Government.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Soliman
- Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Barnes
- Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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del Prado A, Lindsay B, Tricarico J. Retrospective and projected warming-equivalent emissions from global livestock and cattle calculated with an alternative climate metric denoted GWP. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288341. [PMID: 37782671 PMCID: PMC10545102 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Limiting warming by the end of the century to 1.5°C compared to pre-Industrial times requires reaching and sustaining net zero global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and declining radiative forcing from non-CO2 greenhouse gas (GHG) sources such as methane (CH4). This implies eliminating CO2 emissions or balancing them with removals while mitigating CH4 emissions to reduce their radiative forcing over time. The global cattle sector (including Buffalo) mainly emits CH4 and N2O and will benefit from understanding the extent and speed of CH4 reductions necessary to align its mitigation ambitions with global temperature goals. This study explores the utility of an alternative usage of global warming potentials (GWP*) in combination with the Transient Climate Response to cumulative carbon Emissions (TCRE) to compare retrospective and projected climate impacts of global livestock emission pathways with other sectors (e.g. fossil fuel and land use change). To illustrate this, we estimated the amount and fraction of total warming attributable to direct CH4 livestock emissions from 1750 to 2019 using existing emissions datasets and projected their contributions to future warming under three historical and three future emission scenarios. These historical and projected estimates were transformed into cumulative CO2 equivalent (GWP100) and warming equivalent (GWP*) emissions that were multiplied by a TCRE coefficient to express induced warming as globally averaged surface temperature change. In general, temperature change estimates from this study are comparable to those obtained from other climate models. Sustained annual reductions in CH4 emissions of 0.32% by the global cattle sector would stabilize their future effect on global temperature while greater reductions would reverse historical past contributions to global warming by the sector in a similar fashion to increasing C sinks. The extent and speed with which CH4 mitigation interventions are introduced by the sector will determine the peak temperature achieved in the path to net-zero GHG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustin del Prado
- Basque Centre for Climate Change (BC3), Edificio Sede no. 1, Planta 1, Parque Científico de UPV/EHU, Barrio Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
- Ikerbasque—Basque Foundation of Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Brian Lindsay
- Global Dairy Platform, Rosemont, IL, United States of America
| | - Juan Tricarico
- Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, Rosemont, IL, United States of America
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11
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McAuliffe GA, Lynch J, Cain M, Buckingham S, Rees RM, Collins AL, Allen M, Pierrehumbert R, Lee MRF, Takahashi T. Are single global warming potential impact assessments adequate for carbon footprints of agri-food systems? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS : ERL [WEB SITE] 2023; 18:084014. [PMID: 37469672 PMCID: PMC10353732 DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/ace204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
The vast majority of agri-food climate-based sustainability analyses use global warming potential (GWP100) as an impact assessment, usually in isolation; however, in recent years, discussions have criticised the 'across-the-board' application of GWP100 in Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), particularly of food systems which generate large amounts of methane (CH4) and considered whether reporting additional and/or alternative metrics may be more applicable to certain circumstances or research questions (e.g. Global Temperature Change Potential (GTP)). This paper reports a largescale sensitivity analysis using a pasture-based beef production system (a high producer of CH4 emissions) as an exemplar to compare various climatatic impact assessments: CO2-equivalents using GWP100 and GTP100, and 'CO2-warming-equivalents' using 'GWP Star', or GWP*. The inventory for this system was compiled using data from the UK Research and Innovation National Capability, the North Wyke Farm Platform, in Devon, SW England. LCAs can have an important bearing on: (i) policymakers' decisions; (ii) farmer management decisions; (iii) consumers' purchasing habits; and (iv) wider perceptions of whether certain activities can be considered 'sustainable' or not; it is, therefore, the responsibility of LCA practitioners and scientists to ensure that subjective decisions are tested as robustly as possible through appropriate sensitivity and uncertainty analyses. We demonstrate herein that the choice of climate impact assessment has dramatic effects on interpretation, with GWP100 and GTP100 producing substantially different results due to their different treatments of CH4 in the context of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalents. Given its dynamic nature and previously proven strong correspondence with climate models, out of the three assessments covered, GWP* provides the most complete coverage of the temporal evolution of temperature change for different greenhouse gas emissions. We extend previous discussions on the limitations of static emission metrics and encourage LCA practitioners to consider due care and attention where additional information or dynamic approaches may prove superior, scientifically speaking, particularly in cases of decision support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham A McAuliffe
- Net Zero and Resilient Farming, Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, Okehampton, Devon EX20 2SB, United Kingdom
| | - John Lynch
- Nature-based Solutions Initiative, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SZ, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle Cain
- Cranfield University, Cranfield Environment Centre, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Buckingham
- Scotland’s Rural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, United Kingdom
| | - Robert M Rees
- Scotland’s Rural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian L Collins
- Net Zero and Resilient Farming, Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, Okehampton, Devon EX20 2SB, United Kingdom
| | - Myles Allen
- Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PJ, United Kingdom
| | | | - Michael R F Lee
- Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire TF10 8NB, United Kingdom
| | - Taro Takahashi
- Net Zero and Resilient Farming, Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, Okehampton, Devon EX20 2SB, United Kingdom
- University of Bristol, Bristol Veterinary School, Langford, Somerset BS40 5DU, United Kingdom
- Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, AFBI, Large Park, Hillsborough, Belfast, Northern Ireland BT26 6DR, United Kingdom
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12
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Soder KJ, Brito AF. Enteric methane emissions in grazing dairy systems. JDS COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 4:324-328. [PMID: 37521055 PMCID: PMC10382831 DOI: 10.3168/jdsc.2022-0297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 80% of agricultural CH4 comes from livestock systems, with 90% of that derived from enteric CH4 production by ruminants. Grazing systems are used worldwide to feed dairy cattle. Although quantifying enteric CH4 emissions in grazing systems has unique challenges, emerging technologies have made gaseous data collection more feasible and less laborious. Nevertheless, robust data sets on enteric CH4 emissions under various grazing conditions, as well as effective and economic strategies to mitigate CH4 emissions in grazing dairy cows, are still in high demand because data collection, feeding management, and milk market regulations (e.g., organic certification, grassfed) impose more challenges to grazing than confinement dairy systems. This review will cover management strategies to mitigate enteric CH4 emissions and applicability to pastoral dairy systems. The effects of enteric CH4 in the broader context of whole-system assessments will be discussed, which are key to assess the overall environmental impact of grazing dairies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy J. Soder
- USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit, University Park, PA 16802
| | - Andre F. Brito
- Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Food Systems, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824
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13
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Ali EB, Gyamfi BA, Bekun FV, Ozturk I, Nketiah P. An empirical assessment of the tripartite nexus between environmental pollution, economic growth, and agricultural production in Sub-Saharan African countries. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-27307-4. [PMID: 37160515 PMCID: PMC10169204 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27307-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
A lot of attention has been paid to environmental pollution worldwide, due to the increase in anthropogenic activities. Massive investment in non-renewable energy options raises questions regarding environmental sustainability and how to maximize food and non-food output while still preserving a healthy ecosystem. To this end, the present study explores the three-way nexus between economic growth, CO2 emission, and agriculture-value added will accounting for other control variables across a balanced panel of selected African economies from 1997 to 2020. Panel econometrics method of the generalized method of moments (two-step difference GMM) is used to obtain a robust result. From the present study, the environmental pollution model shows that economic growth significantly contributes to environmental pollution in Africa. Additionally, the food price index, capital, and FDI promote pollution, while agricultural production and labor decrease pollution. In the case of the economic growth model, the findings reveal that environmental pollution supports the growth-led pollution hypothesis. Also, the food price index and capital ameliorate economic growth, while foreign direct investments decrease economic growth. Finally, the agricultural production model indicates that economic growth increases agricultural production when the interaction term between GDPC and FDI is included in the model. In summary, the combination of explanatory variables, environmental pollution, capital, and foreign direct investment decreases agricultural production. On the contrary, the food price index and labor promote agricultural production in Africa. Furthermore, the study provides a lot of policies for authorities and stakeholders in Sub-Saharan African countries and other developing economies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Baba Ali
- Department of Environmental Economics, Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Bright Akwasi Gyamfi
- School of Management, Sir Padampat Singhania University, Bhatewar-Udaipur, India
| | - Festus Victor Bekun
- Faculty of Economics Administrative and Social Sciences, Department of International Logistics and Transportation, Istanbul Gelisim University, Istanbul, Turkey.
- Adnan Kassar School of Business, Department of Economics, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Ilhan Ozturk
- College of Business Administration, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
- Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, Nisantasi University, Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Prince Nketiah
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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14
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Li Y, Crouzet L, Kelly WJ, Reid P, Leahy SC, Attwood GT. Methanobrevibacter boviskoreani JH1T growth on alcohols allows development of a high throughput bioassay to detect methanogen inhibition. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2023; 4:100189. [PMID: 37122845 PMCID: PMC10139955 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2023.100189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Rumen methanogenic archaea use by-products of fermentation to carry out methanogenesis for energy generation. A key fermentation by-product is hydrogen (H2), which acts as the source of reducing potential for methane (CH4) formation in hydrogenotrophic methanogens. The in vitro cultivation of hydrogenotrophic rumen methanogens requires pressurised H2 which limits the ability to conduct high-throughput screening experiments with these organisms. The genome of the hydrogenotrophic methanogen Methanobrevibacter boviskoreani JH1T harbors genes encoding an NADP-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase and a F420-dependent NADP reductase, which may facilitate the transfer of reducing potential from ethanol to F420 via NADP. The aim of this study was to explore the anaerobic culturing of JH1T without pressurised H2, using a variety of short chain alcohols. The results demonstrate that in the absence of H2, JHIT can use ethanol, 1-propanol, and 1-butanol but not methanol, as a source of reducing potential for methanogenesis. The ability to use ethanol to drive CH4 formation in JH1T makes it possible to develop a high throughput culture-based bioassay enabling screening of potential anti-methanogen compounds. The development of this resource will help researchers globally to accelerate the search for methane mitigation technologies for ruminant animals. Global emissions pathways that are consistent with the temperature goal of the Paris Agreement, rely on substantial reductions of agricultural greenhouse gasses, particularly from ruminant animals.
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15
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Scoones I. Livestock, methane, and climate change: The politics of global assessments. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. CLIMATE CHANGE 2023; 14:e790. [PMID: 37033200 PMCID: PMC10078214 DOI: 10.1002/wcc.790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between livestock production and climate change is the subject of hot debate, with arguments for major shifts in diets and a reduction in livestock production. This Perspective examines how global assessments of livestock-derived methane emissions are framed, identifying assumptions and data gaps that influence standard life-cycle analysis approaches. These include inadequate data due to a focus on industrial not extensive systems; errors arising due to inappropriate emission factors being applied; questions of how global warming potentials are derived for different greenhouse gases and debates about what baselines are appropriate. The article argues for a holistic systems approach that takes account of diverse livestock systems-both intensive and extensive-including both positive and negative impacts. In particular, the potential benefits of extensive livestock systems are highlighted, including supporting livelihoods, providing high-quality nutrition, enhancing biodiversity, protecting landscapes, and sequestering carbon. By failing to differentiate between livestock systems, global assessments may mislead. Inappropriate measurement, verification and reporting processes linked to global climate change policy may in turn result in interventions that can undermine the livelihoods of extensive livestock-keepers in marginal areas, including mobile pastoralists. In the politics of global assessments, certain interests promote framings of the livestock-climate challenge in favour of contained, intensive systems, and the conversion of extensive rangelands into conservation investments. Emerging from a narrow, aggregated scientific framing, global assessments therefore can have political consequences. A more disaggregated, nuanced approach is required if the future of food and climate change is to be effectively addressed. This article is categorized under:Integrated Assessment of Climate Change > Assessing Climate Change in the Context of Other IssuesClimate and Development > Social Justice and the Politics of Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Scoones
- PASTRES Programme, Institute of Development StudiesUniversity of SussexBrightonUK
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16
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Cusworth G, Lorimer J, Brice J, Garnett T. Green rebranding: Regenerative agriculture, future-pasts, and the naturalisation of livestock. TRANSACTIONS (INSTITUTE OF BRITISH GEOGRAPHERS : 1965) 2022; 47:1009-1027. [PMID: 36618006 PMCID: PMC9796824 DOI: 10.1111/tran.12555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Anxieties around the relationship between livestock agriculture and the environmental crisis are driving sustained discussions about the place of beef and dairy farming in a sustainable food system. Proposed solutions range from 'clean-cow' sustainable intensification to 'no-cow', animal free futures, both of which encourage a disruptive break with past practice. This paper reviews the alternative proposition of regenerative agriculture that naturalises beef and dairy production by invoking the past to justify future, nature-based solutions. Drawing on fieldwork in the UK, it first introduces two of the most prominent strands to this green rebranding of cattle: the naturalisation of ruminant methane emissions and the optimisation of soil carbon sequestration via the use of ruminant grazing animals. Subsequent thematic analysis outlines the three political strategies of post-pastoral storytelling, political ecological baselining and a probiotic model of bovine biopolitics that perform this naturalisation. The conclusion assesses the potential and the risks of this approach to grounding the geographies and the temporalities of agricultural transition in the Anthropocene: an epoch in which time is out of joint and natures are multiple and non-analogue, such that they provide slippery and contested grounds for political solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Cusworth
- Oxford Martin Programme on the Future of Food, Oxford Martin SchoolUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | | | - Jeremy Brice
- Oxford Martin Programme on the Future of Food, Oxford Martin SchoolUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Tara Garnett
- Oxford Martin Programme on the Future of Food, Oxford Martin SchoolUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
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17
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Sari NF, Ray P, Rymer C, Kliem KE, Stergiadis S. Garlic and Its Bioactive Compounds: Implications for Methane Emissions and Ruminant Nutrition. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:2998. [PMID: 36359121 PMCID: PMC9654579 DOI: 10.3390/ani12212998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Methane (CH4) emission from enteric fermentation of ruminant livestock is a source of greenhouse gases (GHG) and has become a significant concern for global warming. Enteric methane emission is also associated with poor feed efficiency. Therefore, research has focused on identifying dietary mitigation strategies to decrease CH4 emissions from ruminants. In recent years, plant-derived bioactive compounds have been investigated for their potential to reduce CH4 emissions from ruminant livestock. The organosulphur compounds of garlic have been observed to decrease CH4 emission and increase propionate concentration in anaerobic fermentations (in vitro) and in the rumen (in vivo). However, the mode of action of CH4 reduction is not completely clear, and the response in vivo is inconsistent. It might be affected by variations in the concentration and effect of individual substances in garlic. The composition of the diet that is being fed to the animal may also contribute to these differences. This review provides a summary of the effect of garlic and its bioactive compounds on CH4 emissions by ruminants. Additionally, this review aims to provide insight into garlic and its bioactive compounds in terms of enteric CH4 mitigation efficacy, consistency in afficacy, possible mode of action, and safety deriving data from both in vivo and in vitro studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Fitri Sari
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6EU, UK
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Cibinong 16911, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Partha Ray
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6EU, UK
- The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, VA 22203, USA
| | - Caroline Rymer
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6EU, UK
| | - Kirsty E. Kliem
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6EU, UK
| | - Sokratis Stergiadis
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6EU, UK
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18
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Isham A, Geusen J, Gatersleben B. The Influence of Framing Plant-Based Products in Terms of Their Health vs. Environmental Benefits: Interactions with Individual Wellbeing. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191911948. [PMID: 36231247 PMCID: PMC9565293 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191911948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Significant reductions in the consumption of meat and dairy products are required to limit environmental damage and meet climate targets. However, individuals choosing to adopt plant-based diets still form a minority. Whilst different types of message framings have been suggested to be a potential means of encouraging the uptake of plant-based diets, recent findings have often failed to document any differences in people's willingness to reduce their consumption of animal products based on whether messages emphasize the health or environmental benefits of plant-based diets. This research examined whether individual wellbeing might interact with health versus environmental message frames to determine people's liking and willingness to pay for plant-based products. Across two experiments with a university (Study 1) and a non-student, adult sample (Study 2), participants were exposed to different hypothetical labels for plant-based foods and asked to rate their liking and willingness to pay for each. In line with existing findings, results demonstrated a trend whereby showing health (versus environmental) information on food labels did not in itself influence participants perceptions of the food products. Higher levels of positive wellbeing were associated with greater liking and willingness to pay for the plant-based foods (B values ranging from 0.04 to 0.45). Further, there was an interaction effect whereby levels of negative affect were differentially linked to liking and willingness to pay across the health and environmental framing conditions (B values ranging from 0.03 to 0.38). In particular, negative affect appears to have a greater negative impact on the product liking and willingness to pay when environmental label framings are used. This effect was most pronounced for the product liking dependent variable (B = -0.29 in the environmental framing condition). This research therefore extends understandings of the more specific instances in which message framings can impact perceptions of plant-based foods. The implications of the findings for understanding how best to promote uptake of plant-based diets are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Isham
- Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity (CUSP), University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Judith Geusen
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Birgitta Gatersleben
- Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity (CUSP), University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
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19
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Smith MM, Melrose J. Xylan Prebiotics and the Gut Microbiome Promote Health and Wellbeing: Potential Novel Roles for Pentosan Polysulfate. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15091151. [PMID: 36145372 PMCID: PMC9503530 DOI: 10.3390/ph15091151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This narrative review highlights the complexities of the gut microbiome and health-promoting properties of prebiotic xylans metabolized by the gut microbiome. In animal husbandry, prebiotic xylans aid in the maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome. This prevents the colonization of the gut by pathogenic organisms obviating the need for dietary antibiotic supplementation, a practice which has been used to maintain animal productivity but which has led to the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria that are passed up the food chain to humans. Seaweed xylan-based animal foodstuffs have been developed to eliminate ruminant green-house gas emissions by gut methanogens in ruminant animals, contributing to atmospheric pollution. Biotransformation of pentosan polysulfate by the gut microbiome converts this semi-synthetic sulfated disease-modifying anti-osteoarthritic heparinoid drug to a prebiotic metabolite that promotes gut health, further extending the therapeutic profile and utility of this therapeutic molecule. Xylans are prominent dietary cereal components of the human diet which travel through the gastrointestinal tract as non-digested dietary fibre since the human genome does not contain xylanolytic enzymes. The gut microbiota however digest xylans as a food source. Xylo-oligosaccharides generated in this digestive process have prebiotic health-promoting properties. Engineered commensal probiotic bacteria also have been developed which have been engineered to produce growth factors and other bioactive factors. A xylan protein induction system controls the secretion of these compounds by the commensal bacteria which can promote gut health or, if these prebiotic compounds are transported by the vagal nervous system, may also regulate the health of linked organ systems via the gut–brain, gut–lung and gut–stomach axes. Dietary xylans are thus emerging therapeutic compounds warranting further study in novel disease prevention protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret M. Smith
- Raymond Purves Laboratory of Bone and Joint Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Health and Science, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - James Melrose
- Raymond Purves Laboratory of Bone and Joint Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Health and Science, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, Northern Campus, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
- Correspondence:
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20
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Roadmap for achieving net-zero emissions in global food systems by 2050. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15064. [PMID: 36065006 PMCID: PMC9442557 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18601-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Food systems (FSs) emit ~ 20 GtCO2e/y (~ 35% of global greenhouse gas emissions). This level tends to raise given the expected increases in food demands, which may threaten global climate targets. Through a rapid assessment, evaluating 60+ scenarios based on existing low-emission and carbon sequestration practices, we estimate that intensifying FSs could reduce its emissions from 21.4 to − 2.0 GtCO2e/y and address increasing food demands without relying on carbon offsets (e.g., related to afforestation and reforestation programs). However, given historical trends and regional contexts, a more diverse portfolio of practices, including diet shifts and new-horizon technologies, will be needed to increase the feasibility of achieving net-zero FSs. One likely pathway consists of implementing practices that shift food production to the 30th-percentile of least emission-intensive FSs (~ 45% emissions reduction), sequester carbon at 50% of its potential (~ 5 GtCO2e/y) and adopt diet shifts and new-horizon technologies (~ 6 GtCO2e/y). For a successful transition to happen, the global FSs would, in the next decade (2020s), need to implement cost-effective mitigation practices and technologies, supported by improvements in countries’ governance and technical assistance, innovative financial mechanisms and research focused on making affordable technologies in the following two decades (2030–2050). This work provides options and a vision to guide global FSs to achieving net-zero by 2050.
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21
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The White Meat Industry in Dubai through a One Health Lens. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14106358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
White meat is one of the most commonly consumed animal-source foods in the Emirate of Dubai and is one of 21 main foods listed in the National Food Security Strategy of UAE and the Emirate of Dubai. Although fresh white meat is produced locally, the quantities are very limited, so, to meet market needs, chilled and frozen white meat is imported. The aim of this chapter is to examine the existing white meat supply networks and market in Dubai and understand the flow of fresh chickens from the local market and the shipment dynamics for imported frozen chickens under the One Health concept. Data from documents, publications and surveys of the Dubai Government, representatives of the Food Safety Department and Veterinary Service Section (via focus group discussions) and direct interviews with local small farmers, food importers, food manufacturers and retailers and animal feed manufacturers and retailers were used to describe the value chain for white meat in the Emirate of Dubai. The data were collected through detailed questionnaires in the interview with the focus groups and interviews of groups of stakeholders selected by the Food Safety Department in Dubai Municipality. Data from government strategies and reports were collected and analysed to understand the government’s position and the size of the white meat sector. The data provided by representatives of local small farmers, food importers, food manufacturers and retailers and animal feed manufacturers and retailers were used to understand the value chain of white meat from the private sector perspective. After studying the value chain and the results of this research, areas were identified in the value chain of the white meat sector at the level of the Emirate of Dubai that can be improved, for example, the need for better marketing of local products. Some areas are already strong such as the inclusion of white meat products in the Dubai strategy for Food Security approved at the level of the Emirate of Dubai. The results of this chapter highlight critical opportunities for changes in policies and best practices that if implemented by the Dubai Government would ensure that the white meat industry is able to meet local market demands. Recommendations to the Dubai Government are presented in support of enhancing Dubai’s economic sustainability and efficient contributions to food and nutrition security.
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22
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Impact of Dietary Meat and Animal Products on GHG Footprints: The UK and the US. CLIMATE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/cli10030043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Direct and indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the ~30+ billion animals consumed as food each year contribute ~14–16% of the global total. The aim of this research is to determine the contribution of meat and animal products to individual GHG footprints. Top-down estimates of GHG emissions from each livestock species are determined using livestock numbers, types, and region-specific emission factors. Comparing livestock emissions with those from individual countries, cattle rank as the third largest emitter after China and the United States (US). The largest uncertainty in these emissions calculations is in the range of emissions factors. Global top-down calculations indicate that the per capita GHG footprint from livestock emissions alone are approximately 1 tCO2eyr−1. For the United Kingdom (UK) and the US, the calculated GHG livestock-related footprints are 1.1 tCO2eyr−1 and 1.6 tCO2eyr−1 per person, respectively. Bottom-up calculations focused on the UK and the US from consumption figures indicated emissions related to meat consumption are approximately 1.3–1.5 tCO2eyr−1 per person. Comparing dietary changes with other ways of reducing GHG footprints indicates removing dietary meat is similar to avoiding one long-haul flight each year and a larger reduction than driving 100 miles less each week.
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Hussain Z, Mehmood B, Khan MK, Tsimisaraka RSM. Green Growth, Green Technology, and Environmental Health: Evidence From High-GDP Countries. Front Public Health 2022; 9:816697. [PMID: 35096760 PMCID: PMC8794811 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.816697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Green growth is an exceptional strategy for sustainable development. It provides a pathway to combat environmental issues and the use of natural resources. This study investigates the effects of green technology and environmental factors on green growth in high-gross domestic product (GDP) countries from 2000 to 2020. In addition, it also probes the linear and nonlinear effects of GDP on green growth. To do so, we employ an advanced econometric approach, e.g., a cross-sectional autoregressive distributed lags estimator for long and short runs. The outcomes demonstrate that the linear effect of GDP is positive for green growth. On the contrary, the nonlinear effect of GDP has a negative magnitude for green growth. Besides, green technology substantially increases green growth. Energy consumption is found to be an important influencer, and it decreases green growth. Environmental factors such as emissions, according to the findings, also reduce green growth in the sample countries. It is worth noting that the joint effects of energy consumption and emissions deteriorate green growth in countries. Based on empirical findings, for policy makers, this study suggests that high-GDP countries should manage their economic and environmental activities in order to increase the amount of green growth that may protect the ecological environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahid Hussain
- School of Finance, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Bilal Mehmood
- School of Economics, Director Centre for Economics and Business Research, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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Ungerfeld EM, Beauchemin KA, Muñoz C. Current Perspectives on Achieving Pronounced Enteric Methane Mitigation From Ruminant Production. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2021.795200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2050 requires achieving net zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050 and a strong decrease in methane (CH4) emissions. Our aim was to connect the global need for mitigation of the emissions of greenhouse gases and enteric CH4 from ruminant production to basic research on the biological consequences of inhibiting rumen methanogenesis in order to better design strategies for pronounced mitigation of enteric CH4 production without negative impacts on animal productivity or economic returns. Ruminant production worldwide has the challenge of decreasing its emissions of greenhouse gases while increasing the production of meat and milk to meet consumers demand. Production intensification decreases the emissions of greenhouse gases per unit of product, and in some instances has decreased total emissions, but in other instances has resulted in increased total emissions of greenhouse gases. We propose that decreasing total emission of greenhouse gases from ruminants in the next decades while simultaneously increasing meat and milk production will require strong inhibition of rumen methanogenesis. An aggressive approach to pronounced inhibition of enteric CH4 emissions is technically possible through the use of chemical compounds and/or bromoform-containing algae, but aspects such as safety, availability, government approval, consumer acceptance, and impacts on productivity and economic returns must be satisfactorily addressed. Feeding these additives will increase the cost of ruminant diets, which can discourage their adoption. On the other hand, inhibiting rumen methanogenesis potentially saves energy for the host animal and causes profound changes in rumen fermentation and post-absorptive metabolism. Understanding the biological consequences of methanogenesis inhibition could allow designing strategies to optimize the intervention. We conducted meta-regressions using published studies with at least one treatment with >50% inhibition of CH4 production to elucidate the responses of key rumen metabolites and animal variables to methanogenesis inhibition, and understand possible consequences on post-absorptive metabolism. We propose possible avenues, attainable through the understanding of biological consequences of the methanogenesis inhibition intervention, to increase animal productivity or decrease feed costs when inhibiting methanogenesis.
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Yu G, Beauchemin KA, Dong R. A Review of 3-Nitrooxypropanol for Enteric Methane Mitigation from Ruminant Livestock. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:3540. [PMID: 34944313 PMCID: PMC8697901 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Methane (CH4) from enteric fermentation accounts for 3 to 5% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. Cost-effective strategies are needed to reduce feed energy losses as enteric CH4 while improving ruminant production efficiency. Mitigation strategies need to be environmentally friendly, easily adopted by producers and accepted by consumers. However, few sustainable CH4 mitigation approaches are available. Recent studies show that the chemically synthesized CH4 inhibitor 3-nitrooxypropanol is one of the most effective approaches for enteric CH4 abatement. 3-nitrooxypropanol specifically targets the methyl-coenzyme M reductase and inhibits the final catalytic step in methanogenesis in rumen archaea. Providing 3-nitrooxypropanol to dairy and beef cattle in research studies has consistently decreased enteric CH4 production by 30% on average, with reductions as high as 82% in some cases. Efficacy is positively related to 3-NOP dose and negatively affected by neutral detergent fiber concentration of the diet, with greater responses in dairy compared with beef cattle when compared at the same dose. This review collates the current literature on 3-nitrooxypropanol and examines the overall findings of meta-analyses and individual studies to provide a synthesis of science-based information on the use of 3-nitrooxypropanol for CH4 abatement. The intent is to help guide commercial adoption at the farm level in the future. There is a significant body of peer-reviewed scientific literature to indicate that 3-nitrooxypropanol is effective and safe when incorporated into total mixed rations, but further research is required to fully understand the long-term effects and the interactions with other CH4 mitigating compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, No. 700 Changcheng Road, Chengyang District, Qingdao 266109, China;
| | - Karen A. Beauchemin
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 5403 1st Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada;
| | - Ruilan Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, No. 700 Changcheng Road, Chengyang District, Qingdao 266109, China;
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Almeida AK, Hegarty RS, Cowie A. Meta-analysis quantifying the potential of dietary additives and rumen modifiers for methane mitigation in ruminant production systems. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 7:1219-1230. [PMID: 34754963 PMCID: PMC8556609 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Increasingly countries are seeking to reduce emission of greenhouse gases from the agricultural industries, and livestock production in particular, as part of their climate change management. While many reviews update progress in mitigation research, a quantitative assessment of the efficacy and performance-consequences of nutritional strategies to mitigate enteric methane (CH4) emissions from ruminants has been lacking. A meta-analysis was conducted based on 108 refereed papers from recent animal studies (2000–2020) to report effects on CH4 production, CH4 yield and CH4 emission intensity from 8 dietary interventions. The interventions (oils, microalgae, nitrate, ionophores, protozoal control, phytochemicals, essential oils and 3-nitrooxypropanol). Of these, macroalgae and 3-nitrooxypropanol showed greatest efficacy in reducing CH4 yield (g CH4/kg of dry matter intake) at the doses trialled. The confidence intervals derived for the mitigation efficacies could be applied to estimate the potential to reduce national livestock emissions through the implementation of these dietary interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia K Almeida
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Roger S Hegarty
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Annette Cowie
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia.,NSW Department of Primary Industries, Trevenna Rd, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
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