The UK government is exploring the potential for animal feed additives like seaweed and probiotics to reduce methane emissions from ruminant livestock.
Cows and sheep are the leading cause of farm greenhouse gas emissions, however technological advances have raised hopes that feed products with methane inhibiting properties could reduce emissions, especially from housed cattle. These products could include ingredients like methane production inhibitors, seaweeds, essential oils, organic acids, probiotics and antimicrobials.
The government this week launched a UK-wide call for evidence – supported by the devolved administrations of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales – to find out how farmers and agri-businesses can increase adoption of these technologies to support more sustainable protein production.
The consultation will consider the current role of feed additives within farming systems and the potential barriers that could prevent the introduction of methane suppressing feed products in both the near and long-term future.
In 2019, agriculture accounted for 10% of total UK greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with methane accounting for approximately 54% of agricultural emissions.
Agriculture has been far slower to decarbonise than other UK industry sectors with greenhouse gas emissions just 16% lower in 2020 compared with 1990.
The government’s net zero strategy was criticised by some experts for a lack of ambition where food and farming policies are concerned. It has also consistently refused to support calls for a reduction in meat consumption made by independent advisers like the Climate Change Committee and Henry Dimbleby.
“Well managed livestock can provide various environmental benefits and meat and dairy can both be an important part of a balanced diet,” said farming minister Victoria Prentis. “Through this call for evidence we’ll better understand the promising role emerging feed additive technologies for cattle could play and how government can help drive its development.”
