Evaluating the efficacy of a novel multi-component feed additive for methane mitigation and performance enhancement in sheep

A - Papers appearing in refereed journals

Rivero, M. J., Ayoob-Khan, A., Akpensuen, T., De-Meo-Filho, P., Perez-Marquez, S. and Jones, A. 2025. Evaluating the efficacy of a novel multi-component feed additive for methane mitigation and performance enhancement in sheep. Ruminants. 5 (2), p. 17. https://doi.org/10.3390/ruminants5020017

AuthorsRivero, M. J., Ayoob-Khan, A., Akpensuen, T., De-Meo-Filho, P., Perez-Marquez, S. and Jones, A.
Abstract

Enteric methane emissions from ruminants significantly contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating effective mitigation strategies that also support animal productivity. This study assessed the efficacy of NuAdvent+, a novel feed additive combining medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), live yeast, plant-based agents, and Vitamin B, in reducing methane emissions, improving feed efficiency, and enhancing growth and immune function in sheep. Twenty crossbred castrated male sheep (52 ± 3.7 kg) were divided into control and treatment groups (n = 10 each), with the treatment group receiving grass pellets supplemented with NuAdvent+ (20 g/day) for 71 days, including a 30-day acclimatisation period. Feed intake, methane emissions, growth performance, and blood parameters were monitored using BioControl pens, GreenFeed units, and haematological analyses. The treatment group exhibited a 24% increase in daily feed intake (p < 0.001) and a 22.2% reduction in methane yield per kg of dry matter ingested (p < 0.001), attributed to MCFAs’ anti-methanogenic properties and yeast’s rumen modulation. However, no significant improvements were observed in daily live weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, or immune markers, suggesting limited energy utilisation for growth. These findings highlight NuAdvent+ as a promising tool for methane mitigation in forage-based systems, though its benefits are tempered by trade-offs in fibre digestibility and productivity. Further optimisation of dosage and dietary integration could enhance its application across ruminant species, contributing to sustainable livestock production.

KeywordsEnteric methane; Feed additive; Ruminants; Sheep ; Sustainability; Methane mitigation
Year of Publication2025
JournalRuminants
Journal citation5 (2), p. 17
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.3390/ruminants5020017
Web address (URL)https://www.mdpi.com/2673-933X/5/2/17
Open accessPublished as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
FunderEuropean Regional Development Fund
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Funder project or codeS2N - Soil to Nutrition - Work package 2 (WP2) - Adaptive management systems for improved efficiency and nutritional quality
Growing Health [ISP]
AgZero+
Publisher's version
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online28 Apr 2025
Publication process dates
Accepted25 Apr 2025
PublisherMDPI
ISSN2673-933X

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