Enteric methane production is a major source (75%) of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture in NSW. The project is to develop highly productive pasture mixes with anti-methanogenic properties to reduce enteric methane yield and boost livestock productivity, and reduce greenhouse gas emission intensity in extensive grazing systems.

The project will also develop new methodologies to identify phenolic compounds in plant that have the potential to reduce methane emissions, and develop a rapid assessment tool using near-infrared spectroscopy calibration technology to screen pasture species quickly for anti-methanogenic attributes.

Resources

Review Paper - Reducing enteric methane of ruminants in Australian grazing systems – a review of the role for temperate legumes and herbs

• Authors: WB Badgery, GD L, A Simmons, J Wood, R Smith, D Peck, L Ingram, Z Durmic, A Cowie, A Humphries, P Hutton, E Winslow, P Vercoe, and R Eckard.
• Publication:  Crop & Pasture Science - https://doi.org/10.1071/CP22299
• Summary: Assessed the mechanisms of CH₄ reduction in temperate legume and herb species for Australia, and used a case study to demonstrate expected changes to system-level GHG emissions with the introduction of low CH₄ yielding legumes. Temperate legumes and herbs with anti-methanogenic properties, and/or high productivity could reduce total CH₄ emissions and emissions intensity of ruminant livestock production. There is great diversity in some plant genotypes that can be exploited, but a more detailed understanding of plant secondary compounds associated with CH₄ reduction is required. This review suggests an opportunity to formulate pasture species mixtures to achieve reduced CH₄ emissions with greater or equal livestock production.

Research paper - Agronomic performance, herbage quality, methane yield and methane emission potential of pasture mixtures

• Authors: GD Li, MT Newell, SP Boschma, R Meyer, JA Wood, WB Badgery, and RC Hayes
• Publication: Crop & Pasture Science 76, https://doi.org/10.1071/CP24356
• Summary: A range of pasture mixes were evaluated for their compatibility, productivity, feed quality and CH₄ emission reduction potential. Pasture species higher in saponins and condensed tannins have great potential to reduce enteric CH₄ emissions. Pasture mixes containing plantain and/or biserrula exhibited potential to reduce CH₄ emissions, but poor persistence may limit their adoption. Suitable pasture mixes can be deployed to reduce CH₄ emission intensity, allowing producers opportunity to decrease their greenhouse gas liability in emission reduction schemes.

Project Video