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Project title

METHLAB:Refining direct microbials (DFM) and silage inoculants for reduction of methane emissions from ruminants

Primary Funding Agency

Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

ERAGas Partners

Lead Organisation

Teagasc

Lead Applicant

n/a

Project Abstract

This proposal is focused on implementing the use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as an approach to reduce methane emissions from ruminant livestock. The goal will be to refine current on-farm LAB technologies such as direct-fed microbial supplements and/or silage inoculants, currently used to increase production and improve health of animals, with a methane-reducing benefit. Selected METHLAB strains will be tested in ruminants (cows and sheep) to confirm efficacy of methane reductions in vivo. LAB offer a safe, practical and natural way to influence the rumen microbial community for methane mitigation, creating a more sustainable, emission-efficient food production system. LAB are natural inhabitants of the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants but are also well established as industrial micro-organisms, economically produced in large quantities for incorporation into feed products, making them ideally suited as a microbial technology.� METHLAB brings together a global network of multidisciplinary researchers to enhance impact and advance the knowledge transfer of LAB on-farm technologies to address the reduction of enteric methane emissions in ruminant (specifically cattle and sheep) production systems.� METHLAB will� lead to environmental and societal benefits with the potential to deliver green jobs and increase competitiveness in the agri-food sector.

Grant Approved

�58,760.00

Research Hub

n/a

Research Theme

Ireland's Future Climate, its Impacts, and Adaptation Options

Start Date

01/10/2017

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/09/2020