The Efficacy of Diet Manipulation for Mitigating Enteric Methane Production in Ruminants

Abstract

Widespread concern over global climate change has spurred a proliferation of research studies that seek to illuminate effective strategies for mitigating greenhouse gas production. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas with a short chemical lifetime in the atmosphere, has become a primary target for combating climate change over the near-term. With cow flatulence contributing significant amounts of methane to the atmosphere, scientists are looking for ways to reduce these animals’ enteric methane production. In this literature review paper for Dr. Birthe Kjellerup’s Microbiology course, I compile information from numerous scientific studies that examine the efficacy of adjusting cattle diets and manipulating enteric microflora to achieve this end. Both the potential and the pitfalls of these processes are apparent