Assessment of molasses products containing additives to reduce methane emissions from beef cattle

Methane (CH 4 ) emissions from ruminants significantly contribute to agricultural greenhouse gases. Strategies to reduce these emissions without compromising productivity are urgently needed. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a novel product incorporated into molasses containing additives and grain-based pellets to reduce CH 4 emissions and improve productivity in beef cattle. Four products were screened in vitro for their efficacy in reducing CH 4 production. The most effective (Product 3) was then incorporated into grain-based pellets and offered to steers via GreenFeed units at target intakes of 0, 100, and 200 g/head per day. Dry matter intake (DMI), CH 4 production, CH 4 yield (g CH 4 /kg DMI), CH 4 intensity, water intake, and average daily gain (ADG) were measured. Product 3 reduced in vitro CH 4 production by over 90% at a 6% inclusion rate (P < 0.05). In vivo study, steers supplemented with product-containing pellets tended (P=0.07) to reduce CH 4 production by 10.7% compared to the control. Methane yield was reduced (P < 0.01) by 11.7% and 7.5% for the 100 and 200 g/day supplementation levels, respectively. Methane intensity tended (P=0.06) to be 16.8% lower in supplemented groups. Product intake was negatively correlated with CH 4 yield and intensity and positively associated with water intake and ADG (P < 0.05). The inclusion of Product 3 in supplements beef cattle fed high forage diet significantly reduced methane yield and tended to reduce CH 4 production and intensity, without negatively impacting performance. Product 3 shows potential as a viable CH 4 mitigation strategy for high forage diet systems. However, further research is needed to assess the long-term effects and potential microbial adaptation associated with higher or prolonged dosing.