Enteric Methane Emissions from Dairy–Beef Steers Supplemented with the Essential Oil Blend Agolin Ruminant

Abstract

Agriculture is the largest source of methane globally, and enteric methane accounts for 32% of methane emissions globally. Dairy–beef is an increasingly important contributor to the beef industry. The objective of this study was to investigate if supplementation with a blend of essential oils (Agolin Ruminant) reduced enteric methane emissions from dairy-bred steers. Methane was measured from thirty-six Holstein Friesian steers (18 control and 18 treatment) in open-circuit respiration chambers, at three time-points relative to the introduction of Agolin Ruminant: (i) −3 (pre-additive introduction co-variate), (ii) 46 days after introduction, and (iii) 116 days after introduction. A significantly lower methane yield was observed in treated animals compared to control animals at both 46 days (p < 0.05) and 116 days (p < 0.01) after the introduction of Agolin Ruminant, although there was no difference in methane production (g/day). Control animals appeared to be more affected by isolation in respiration chambers than animals receiving Agolin Ruminant, as indicated by a significant reduction in dry matter intake by control animals in respiration chambers.