Methane Inhibitors – Feed Supplements
Methane inhibitors directly reduce methane production by either blocking enzymes involved in producing methane, or in promoting alternative fermentation pathways.
Methane inhibitors are typically applied as supplements through mixing with feed rations, incorporating into pellets, or as lick blocks. Achieving the minimum effective inclusion level (MEIL) and a consistent dosing rate to ensure ongoing emissions reductions is important to ensuring effectivity. Similarly storing supplements under recommended conditions (typically cool, dry, dark storage) is key to maintaining bioactivity.
Feed material recognised as not requiring AMPVA approval or already approved and documented as capable of achieving significant emissions reduction at low doses (e.g.<0.5 per cent daily dry matter intake, 10% emissions reduction or more) includes Asparagopsis in dried forms, 3 NOP* as Bovear, Agolin.
Methane inhibitors are an advancing area of science, with new products and formulation emerging in the market. Effectiveness of methane reductions by supplements, and the conditions of attainment (dose, diet, animal variety and condition) ,is an active area of research. Recent meta analyses have shown that only 3NOP (Bovaer) and Asparagopsis regularly achieve greater than a 20% methane emission reduction and Agolin is around 10%. Other supplements may be considered where they have been endorsed by a livestock nutritionist and they meet at least 10 per cent methane reduction threshold when delivered, and the stated reduction can be evidenced.
Primary emissions benefit:
- Reduced livestock methane
Co-benefits:
- Enhanced nutrient utilisation
- Marketing
Potential barriers:
- Time and investment in optimising mixing and delivery
- Costs of supplement dosing
Considerations:
- Livestock nutrition and wellbeing
- Storage and mixing requirements
- Market requirements (especially entry into specialist organic markets)
Implementation
Successful use of methane inhibitors requires a systematic approach that considers livestock nutritional and wellbeing needs, regulatory requirements, and continual monitoring, evaluation, and learning.
Development of a FERP based on methane inhibitors for livestock should consider the following implementation steps:
- Advisory services and planning: to understand options and regulations associated with the use of methane inhibitors and supplements, and best management integration within the context of your livestock enterprise.
- Supplement selection and dosage: Ensure compatibility with existing feed components, nutritional balance, and integration with existing operating systems. Determine effective dosage requirements and consult with a livestock nutritionist where appropriate.
- Procurement and storage: Purchase from a reputable provider in line with APMVA and/or MEIL guidelines. Consider infrastructure requirements to store supplements under recommended conditions to maintain efficacy (cool, dry, dark storage).
- Mixing and rationing: consider appropriate mixing methods to incorporate the supplement (e.g. total mixed ration, top-dressing, blocks or pellets) and how uniform distribution will be achieved.
- Continuous monitoring, evaluation, and learning: as with good livestock production practices, conduct regular animal welfare assessments such as monitoring mob health, weight gain, and productivity. Keep detailed records of supplement usage, feed intake, productivity and wellbeing indicators, adjust dosage depending on performance trends.
Activities:
- Advisory services associated with selection, dosing, and compliance aspects in the use of methane inhibitors.
- Purchase of feed supplement, that is not excluded by APVMA and capable of achieving >10 per cent methane reduction.
- Equipment for supplement storage or ration mixing.
Monitoring:
- Proof of eligible purchases (invoices)
- Annual report capturing enterprise emissions baseline and estimation of emissions reduction (FERP)
Stacking compatibility:
- Pasture rejuvenation
- Solar equipment
The magnitude of benefit depends on enterprise size and composition, inhibitor type and rationing, and management practices.
The APVMA provides guidance on farm chemicals and additives.