Rumen modifiers fail to cut cattle methane

Rumen modifiers have had very little success in terms of sustained methane reduction, without compromising milk production, according to researchers looking at how to help dairy farmers become more sustainable by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Globally, greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from agriculture are 10-12% of man-made GHG emissions. according to 2010 figures.

But Ireland’s emissions profile is unique in the dominance of the agriculture sector. Agriculture, energy and transport accounted for 73% of Irish GHG in 2012, but agriculture alone accounted for 32% .