Feeding strategies to reduce enteric Methane production in Ruminants: A review Jakhmola R.C.*, Pahuja Taruna, Raghuvansi S.K.S. Arid Region Campus Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Bikaner- 334 006, Rajasthan. *E-mail address: r.c.jakhmola@gmail.com.
Abstract Global warming has become an issue of great concern as the global mean temperature is expected to increase between 1.7 and 2.4°C by 2050. After carbon dioxide, methane is considered as a major contributor to global warming. Enteric methane production from domestic animals is around 65 to 85 Tg, which is nearly 10% of the total methane emission globally. In animals, large proportion (87%) of methane is produced in the rumen, while a small portion (13%) is contributed by the large intestine. The aim of this paper is to provide an update on enteric methane emission processes and mitigation. Various strategies including manipulation of ruminal fermentation pattern and/or increase in animal productivity by way of dietary manipulations, feeding of ionophores, oils, chemical inhibitors and analogues, propionate enhancers, bacteriocins, probiotics and defaunation have been suggested. The most promising areas for future research for reducing methanogenesis are the development of new herbal products, delivery systems for these compounds in the rumen and reduction in protozoa numbers in the rumen. Top Key words Enteric methane production, Feeding Strategies, Methanogens, Ruminal fermentation. Top |