Nebraska team's $5M project aims to cut cattle methane emissions

By Scout Nelson

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln, in a collaborative effort with the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, has received a substantial $5 million grant from the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture. This funding is part of the United States' broader $10 million initiative to reduce intestinal methane emissions from ruminant animals, a commitment stemming from President Joe Biden’s Global Methane Pledge.

Under the leadership of Paul Kononoff, along with his Husker colleagues Samodha Fernando, Matt Spangler, Galen Erickson, Jessica Sperber, Richard Stowell, and Tammy Brown-Brandl, and additional researchers James Wells and Bryan Neville, the team will delve into the interplay between animal genetics, the gut microbiome, and nutrition.

Their goal is to develop new tools and management practices that can significantly lower methane emissions from livestock.

The focus of their research is on ruminant animals like cattle, sheep, and goats, which produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as a byproduct of digestion. The amount of methane emitted is influenced by various factors, including the animal's size, diet, genetics, and the unique composition of its gut microbiome.

Kononoff’s team aims to gain a deeper understanding of how these factors contribute to methane production and explore ways to establish a healthier microbiome in young animals. This approach not only seeks to reduce methane emissions but also to enhance the overall growth and production of the animals.

The outcomes of this research will inform the development of new strategies for producers, aiding in more sustainable food production and effective breeding decisions. These science-based solutions will be communicated to producers through university extension programs, enhancing the profitability and sustainability of family dairy and beef operations.

Derek McLean, dean and director of the Agricultural Research Division at Nebraska, highlights the importance of this research in building a comprehensive understanding of cattle nutrition and performance, as well as its impact on methane production.

The ultimate objective of Kononoff and his team is to improve efficiency and profitability for livestock producers, while producing beef and dairy products in a manner that is more climate friendly. This research is poised to support the sustainable practices already employed by beef and dairy producers, offering new insights into environmentally conscious food production.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-pamwalker68