UK cows could be given 'methane blockers' to reduce climate emissions

Cows in the UK could be given 'methane blockers' to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions as part of plans to meet the country's climate targets.

Farmers have welcomed the proposal, which follows a consultation which began in August on how new types of animal feed products can reduce digestive emissions from animals.

However, green activists were skeptical, arguing that the move would not address other major environmental damage resulting from the beef and dairy industries and showed a fixation on "solutions". rather than reducing consumption.

There are approximately 9.4 million cows and calves in the UK. Methane from cattle burps and manure is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions; globally, cows and other farm animals are responsible for around 14% of human-caused climate emissions.

The government has stated in its strategy to Net Zero Growth published last week that it expected "high-efficiency methane removal products" to hit the market from 2025 and could force farmers to use them if they prove effective. industry and government to maximize the adoption of these products for appropriate cattle-rearing systems at pace, through a phased approach. proven safety and efficacy of compound feed for livestock as soon as possible in England. "

Tom Bradshaw, vice president of the National Farmers' Union (NFU), said that most of the methane emitted by cows is released through belching, " forward rather than backward. “Evidence suggests that these products could be helpful,” he said. "I don't think we know enough yet about the impact they will have on feed efficiency...but it's something we need to look at to try and reduce methane emissions."

Methane suppressants are being tested in the UK, he said, but have yet to provide evidence as to their effectiveness.

The government has been criticized for a reliance on unproven technologies to pursue its climate goals. A group of 700 scientists criticized last week's net zero strategy for its focus on carbon capture and storage, which they say "is yet to be proven at scale".

Vicki Hird, head of agriculture for Sustain, an alliance of organizations that promote better food and farming, was also skeptical of the methane blocking plan. "Governments and industry love their tech fixes like methane suppressants for livestock feed and these can help a little.

"But they won't fix not the major damage associated with our huge livestock settlement, from the clearing of rainforest for food and pasture to the pollution of UK rivers and damage to wildlife, which also inhibit action on the climate. We must produce and eat less and better meat using agro-ecological tools known for their benefits on the whole farm and on nature. should carry out a robust risk assessment of each additive's impacts on animal health and welfare, food safety risks, worker risks, broader environmental risks and product efficacy , before allowing them to be used in animal feed to reduce methane, according to the NFU.

At this time, there are no additives allowed and available for use in the UK that remove methane. However, claims have been submitted during the duration of the trials.

Bradshaw also pointed to genetic advances, namely breeding cows and sheep that emit less methane . Some countries, such as New Zealand, claim to have reduced methane emissions from cattle through genetics.

A government spokesperson said: "Well can provide a variety of environmental benefits and we plan to encourage the uptake of high efficiency methane removal products once they come to the UK market."

The government has yet to release its response to consultation with the agriculture industry, scientists and the public on livestock feed.