Methane mitigating feed additives in future dairy production : consumer and producer attitudes and potential effects on dairy products

Sammanfattning: Enteric methane emitted from ruminant metabolism is the most prominent greenhouse gas produced in livestock production. Mitigation strategies in the form of different types of methane reducing feed additives are approaching the market in near future. The effects of implementing the feed additives into the dairy sector was evaluated in this study. The chemical synthesized compound 3-Nitrooxypropanol and the algae Asparagopsis taxiformis are the most prominent methane reducing feed additives with the potential of reducing enteric methane production up to 30% without reducing milk yield or nutrient utilization. Effects on volatile fatty acids, protein profile, and fatty acid composition observed encourage further studies on milk quality to ensure that dairy products are not affected. The concentration of different fatty acids and protein shifted, while the total concentration of fat and protein in the milk was unaffected. Compounds deriving from methane mitigating additives in the form of bromoform and nitrites have known health concerns in larger quantities. Accumulation and excretion of these compounds is an area of research needed to ensure a safe long-term usage. The possibility of economic foundation, and survey results showing optimism amongst both consumers and producers support further studies for implementation of methane reducing feed additives into the dairy production.