SUSTAINABILITY FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE February 2026 87 categories: hydrogen sinks, inhibiting the methane-forming enzyme, and reducing or suppressing methane-generating microorganisms. Because hydrogen produced during fermentation is a key precursor for methane, diverting hydrogen away from methane formation represents a central mitigation strategy. This can be achieved by increasing propionate, a hydrogen sink, through increasing production efficiency or by supplying alternative hydrogen sinks, such as nitrate. Once consumed by cows, nitrate is rapidly converted into ammonia, consuming hydrogen that otherwise supports methane-generation. This competitive mechanism has shown to reduce methane by up to 20% without negatively affecting productivity. The second approach targets methane-forming pathways by inhibiting enzymes used by methane-generating microorganisms. Compounds such as 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) and bromoform of red seaweed (Asparagopsis) can inhibit the enzyme with reported methane reductions of 30% or more. The third strategy aims to directly suppress methane-generating microorganisms by using essential oils, unsaturated fats, or vaccines. Although methane reductions are generally modest (5-10%) in limited trials, these approaches may offer simpler and lower-cost applications. Overall, careful long-term evaluation is essential to ensure animal health and performance.” Approaching methane reduction in conjunction with productivity and animal welfare, Gianluigi Sgarbi explains appropriate nutritional strategies as follows: “Methane emissions must be related to productivity, and, therefore, efficiency is the key. For this reason, nutrition must aim to maximize animal welfare and, with it, productivity. To reach this target, the use of a balanced diet and high-quality and healthy feed are the primary objectives, which should then be complemented by strategies aimed at maximizing digestive efficiency. In this regard, influencing the various metabolic pathways in the rumen and adequately reducing methane production, which represents an energy loss, are proven to be successful strategies. In this regard, scientific research has provided not only specific recommendations for nutrition and formulation, but also truly effective additives, buffers, pre-, pro- and post-biotics, to which our pool of essential oils, tannins and bioflavonoids are now added due to the positive effects on rumen and animals’ health.” Focusing on feed additives as a methane-reducing nutrition strategy, Steve Meller emphasizes Asparagopsis – the core area of expertise for CH4 Global – and states: “We have found the most effective solution to be whole, dried Asparagopsis, fed to cows at .5 per cent of their daily rations. Our work has focussed on how to deliver a product that ensures Photo: NicoElNino | Shutterstock
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