ARTICLE FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE August 2023 63 tential benefit of these efforts, reducing total methane emissions by 30% from the levels generated in 2020 could curb warming by 0.2-0.3C in 20 years. ADDRESSING GHG REDUCTION TARGETS Options to lower methane emissions can include the use of different feed additives that rely on two primary strategies for reducing GHG production: •Product-based interventions •Efforts for absolute reduction A reduction approach aims to lower the GHG emitted per liter of milk generated. One advantage for dairy producers has been the improvements in cow genetics that have led to more efficient cows. While progress has been positive there remains an opportunity to achieve further genetic potential from today’s herds. Refining the diet formulation can also play a role in reducing emission intensity. IntelliBond trace minerals would be an example of a feed additive that, via its proven ability to improve cow productivity, is having a positive impact on lowering the cow’s carbon footprint per kg of energy corrected milk. Product-based approaches have explored the use of several different feed additives including seaweed, 3NOP, nitrates, fatty acids, and other bioactive compounds. Researchers in Australia discovered that a type of seaweed reduced methane emissions in vitro.3 When added to cows’ diets it displayed similar properties and when fed to beef cattle at 0.25% or 0.5% for 5 months, emissions dropped and stayed low.4,5 A greater reduction is noticed when the diet has a higher concentrate level leading to an up to Remaining global anthropogenic methane emissions Range of methane mitigation consistent with the IPCC 1.5°C pathways Avoided warming (C) 2040-2070 0.04 40 000 120 000 4 11 AGRICULTURE FOSSIL FUELS 0.09 80 000 250 000 8 24 WASTE ADDITIONAL TOTAL 0.28 0.10 90 000 255 000 270 000 775 000 9 26 25 73 0.05 45 000 135 000 5 13 Lost work hours avoided (billion hrs/yr) Avoided crop losses (Mt/yr) Avoided deaths ozone (per year) Avoided asthma-related ER visit (per year) 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Anthropogenic methane emissions (Mt/yr) Year 2020 2030 1.5°C consistent mitigation Figure 1. Several gases are concerning greenhouse gases, but methane is getting specific attention. Source: United Nations Environment Programme and Climate and Clean Air Coalition (2021) Additives Seaweed Fatty acids 3NOP Oregano Tannins Nitrate Agolin Monensin Biochar Cinnamon Garlic Saponins Methane Reductions from Feed Additives -120.0 -100.0 -80.0 -60.0 -40.0 -20.0 0.0 Mean difference of methane production (g/d) 95%CI -103.6 -84.5 -66.4 -48.0 -46.1 -32.8 -27.7 -15.6 -10.0 -10.0 -3.6 -3.3 Mean Difference Figure 2. Multiple additives have been reviewed for their ability to reduce methane emissions. Source: Honan et al, 2021
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