Inhibitors of methanogenesis. Review.

Teodora Angelova, Jivko Krastanov, Daniela Yordanova, Milena Mihaylova

Abstract: One way to reduce methane release during the digestion process, is to use feed additives and methanogenesis inhibitors. Methane inhibitors block, or inhibit methane formation by altering the structure or function of key drivers of methane formation.The mode of action of these feed additives is by altering fermentation to promote alternative uptakes of H2, such as propionate production, or by inhibiting methanogenesis (McAllister and Newbold, 2008; Martin et al., 2010). Ruminal modifiers do not act directly on methanogens, but rather on the conditions that promote methanogenesis. These feed additives include lipids, plant secondary compounds, and essential oils (Honan et al., 2021). The efficacy of lipids has been studied extensively, and although the addition of medium-chain and polyunsaturated fatty acids has been shown to significantly reduce enteric CH4 production, the results have been variable. Similarly, secondary plant compounds and essential oils have shown inconsistent
results, ranging from a significant reduction to a moderate increase in CH4 emission in the gut. Due to the continued interest in this area, research is expected to accelerate in the development of feed additives that may provide options to reduce CH4 emissions in the ruminant digestive tract.

Keywords: inhibitors; methane

Date published: 2023-06-28