Our vision
At Agrisma, we see opportunities to reduce methane emissions from enteric fermentation in ruminants through feed supplementation. We aim to deliver tangible solutions that will assist the global livestock industry in achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.
Background
‘Methane concentrations have increased rapidly and have doubled in the atmosphere compared to preindustrial levels. Within the agricultural sector, animal production contributes to 14.5% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and produces around 37% of global emissions of CH4. Microbial fermentation in the rumen produces 6% of global anthropogenic GHG emissions representing around 40% of total livestock emissions.’ (Phys.org)
Methane from enteric fermentation in the ruminant digestive system is a major contributor to livestock greenhouse gas emissions in Australia and worldwide.
The challenge
‘The Australian red meat industry has set a target to be carbon neutral by 2030 (CN30). This means that by 2030, Australian beef, lamb and goat production, including lot feeding and meat processing, aim to make no net release of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into the atmosphere.’ (MLA)
Addressing enteric methane production is an important step in mitigating climate change and ensuring the sustainability of livestock agriculture.
What is enteric methane?
Enteric fermentation refers to the digestive process in ruminant animals, such as cattle, goats, and sheep, releasing methane as a byproduct. This process occurs in the rumen due to microbial fermentation of plant material. This methane, known as enteric methane, is belched into the atmosphere during digestion. According to the Climate & Clean Air Coalition, enteric methane emissions from ruminant animals raised for their meat and milk account for as much as 30% of global anthropogenic methane emissions. (CCAColations.org)
Why it matters?
‘Addressing enteric methane can deliver quick and immediate wins for climate change mitigation’ (FAO.org)
Climate impact: Methane is over 25 times more effective in trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. Due to its structure, it leads to rapid warming, contributing significantly to climate change and global warming, which can have severe consequences for ecosystems and human societies.
Sustainable agriculture: Livestock farming - particularly of ruminant animals - is a significant source of enteric methane emissions. Implementing measures to reduce methane production in these animals is essential for achieving sustainable agricultural practices and minimising the environmental impact of the sector.
Improve feed efficiency: Methane emissions are associated with dietary energy loss in animals, which can reduce feed efficiency. By reducing enteric methane, we can potentially improve the efficiency of animal agriculture, leading to more sustainable and productive farming practices.
The potential and limitations
‘In Australia, sheep and beef production is mostly based on grazing, with ~96% of animals grazed on pasture. Any feed additives with the potential to reduce enteric CH4 emissions must be provided to grazing livestock to have an industry-wide impact.’ (CSIRO)
Various strategies offer prospective solutions to address this environmental challenge, with solutions spanning from animal and feed management to diet formulation, rumen manipulation, and selective breeding. Feed additives/supplements, which include oils, nitrates, phytochemicals, essential oils, and methane inhibitors, have demonstrated promising efficacy. However, the present feed supplements administered to ruminants are in a controlled feeding (daily) environment, and there are few options in extensive and fully grazing production systems.
