Challenges and strategies for reducing enteric methane emissions in sustainable animal production

Abstract

Methane emissions in ruminants are influenced by various factors, including feed type and rumen microbial population. Mitigation strategies involve nutritional interventions, soil and plant management, and synergistic use of different forages. Effective management practices in pasture-based systems, such as monitoring forage mass and adjusting stocking rates, optimize intake and forage quality, resulting in reduced emissions and improved sustainability. Dry matter intake, diet profile, and quality significantly impact methane production, and interactions between microorganisms and ruminal ecology also influence emissions. While more efficient animals with lower feed intake may not necessarily emit less methane, understanding the differences in methanogenic profiles between efficient and inefficient animals is crucial and requires further investigation. Animal genotype is another factor influencing emissions. Comprehensive research considering diet, production, and farming systems is needed to develop effective strategies and achieve significant methane emission reductions