New study finds that severe undernutrition of cattle increases their methane production

Researchers at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Kenya and partners in Germany (Kassel University, University of Hohenheim & Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) have found that if animals are fed below their maintenance energy requirements, the methane yield is higher.  If the basic energy requirement of an animal is not met by the feed it is provided with, it will starve and lose weight.  This can frequently be the case in smallholder farming environments, particularly in the dry season or in a drought. It is not until recently that the effects of feeding an animal below its energy requirements on performance and enteric methane production have been investigated.

This study provides new scientific evidence and calls for a revision to the IPCC default emission factors in particular in sub-Saharan Africa, where livestock often experience feed shortages. It also highlights the opportunity for environmental benefits of improved feeding strategies alongside additional income to farmers through increased milk and meat productivity.
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