The Role of Animal Health in Methane Reduction 

Moredun Research Institute has identified animal health as a key area that could help reduce methane emissions from livestock. According to Professor Tom McNeilly, scientific director and chief executive at Moredun, there is no single solution to cutting emissions, but rather a toolbox of strategies. Healthy livestock are more productive and efficient, meaning that fewer emissions are produced per unit of food output. 

“We are very much of the opinion that animal health should not be forgotten in this search for the silver bullet,” said Prof McNeilly. Neonatal losses, reproductive failures, and slow finishing times all contribute to methane production without yielding benefits in terms of food production. Addressing these inefficiencies through better health management can significantly reduce overall emissions. 

Methane-Reducing Feed Additives: A Useful Tool 

One of the most widely discussed solutions to methane emissions is the use of feed additives such as Bovaer, which has been shown to reduce methane production by up to 30%. However, consumer skepticism and concerns about cost and practicality remain barriers to widespread adoption. 

“These feed additives do need to be fed very regularly, and there is a cost associated with them, but there is no suggestion from the scientific literature that they are dangerous to humans,” Prof McNeilly explained. “They biodegrade very rapidly in the rumen; hence, they must be fed twice a day.” 

While feed additives are a promising tool, they are not a standalone solution. Combining them with improved genetics, feed manipulation, and health-focused strategies will be key to achieving meaningful reductions in methane emissions. 

Sustainable Livestock Farming and the Need for Further Research 

As the agricultural sector shifts toward more sustainable practices, regenerative and extensive farming systems are being explored as potential solutions. Grazing ruminants can play a role in enhancing biodiversity and improving soil health, but more research is needed to understand their full impact on methane emissions and animal health. 

To address these knowledge gaps, Moredun has established the Environmentally Sustainable Livestock Farming (ELF) working group. This initiative brings together researchers, farmers, vets, and policymakers to evaluate farming systems and ensure they achieve their environmental targets without unintended consequences on livestock health and welfare. 

Learn More at the Low Carbon Agriculture Show 2025 

Farmers looking to explore methane reduction strategies should not miss the Low Carbon Agriculture Show 2025, taking place on 5-6 March at NAEC Stoneleigh. As the UK’s only event dedicated to sustainable farming and carbon reduction, the show will feature expert insights, cutting-edge technologies, and practical solutions for making agriculture more environmentally friendly. 

Key topics covered at the event include: 

• Can farming save the planet? Exploring sustainable agriculture and fostering a circular economy  

• Livestock Panel: Methane mitigation and feed additives  

• Supply chain sustainability  

• Innovations in farm technology to improve efficiency and reduce waste 

Join industry leaders, researchers, and forward-thinking farmers at the Low Carbon Agriculture Show 2025 to discover how your farm can play a role in reducing methane emissions and contributing to a more sustainable future.