Reducing Emissions from Cattle with a Feed Additive
This project successfully demonstrated the commercial viability of incorporating the feed additive 3-Nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) into the diets of beef cattle, resulting in significant reductions in methane emissions without negative effects on animal performance or welfare. Funded through ERA #1: Methane Challenge in 2017, the study evaluated the effectiveness of 3-NOP in both barley-based and corn-based finishing diets.
Cattle are a major source of emissions in Alberta and worldwide, producing what is known as “enteric” methane. In Alberta, they’re responsible for about half of all agricultural emissions, or four per cent of all GHGs in the province. Methane emissions from the ruminant livestock sector, including cattle, represent a significant opportunity to mitigate climate change through innovative approaches. The feed additive 3-NOP works by targeting the active site of the enzyme responsible for methane formation in the stomach of livestock. To measure methane emissions, the project utilized various techniques including the use of Mobile GreenFeed systems, an automated sensor system. The application of 3-NOP into the feed was done using a specialized piece of machinery that allowed for precise and consistent distribution. Overall, the project was completed in 2019 and reduced emissions by 1,473 tonnes, exceeding initial estimates.
3-NOP Feed Additive Successfully Reduces Emissions
While reductions associated with this project are relatively small in comparison to the footprint of the beef sector in Alberta, this small trial by itself generated notable emissions reductions. This indicates 3-NOP is well positioned to generate significant reductions in the beef and dairy sector in Canada and globally. Additionally, researchers found that 3-NOP increased the feeds efficiency use. Increasing feed use efficiency in beef cattle means more efficient use of feed energy and less production of methane due to enteric fermentation. This means less feed needs to be grown, and less energy is consumed in transportation, which both benefit the greenhouse gas footprint.
What’s next?
This project has highlighted the ability to reduce methane without negative effects on the animal, and without facing any practical issues when transferring to a commercial scale operation. It did highlight the need for some further research on dose and step-up protocol under various diet combinations. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is currently working to approve 3-NOP as a gut modifier ingredient; this will allow for the registration of gut modifier products, a type of specialty feed, that contain 3-NOP as an active ingredient. Specialty feeds formulated with 3-NOP can be registered with claims once they have demonstrated efficacy specific to their formulation and directions for use. In the coming years, we can anticipate increased commercial implementation of the 3-NOP feed additive.