Mitigation of Enteric Methane Emission from Ruminants—Impact of Feed Modification and Rumen Manipulation

Dear Colleagues,

Due to the high contribution of greenhouse gas emissions to global warming and climate changes, the mitigation of methane production by ruminants has been a subject of intensive research. Methane has a strong greenhouse effect, and ruminant digestive emissions contribute relevantly to the total anthropogenic methane emissions. Therefore, several strategies to reduce the enteric production of methane by ruminants have being actively explored, which is crucial due to the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gases emissions to the atmosphere, namely methane. 

The reduction of enteric methanogenesis can usually be achieved by manipulating ruminants´ diet (including alterations to diet composition, the use of feed sources with anti-methanogenic properties or dietary supplementation with anti-methanogenic additives). As the rumen microbial communities related with methanogenesis (methanogenic archaea, eubacteria, protozoa, fungi) and their activity are affected by host dietary changes, the enteric methane production is then reduced. Nevertheless, the host´s genetic background may also influence the enteric methanogenesis by interacting with the rumen microbiota, which in turn may affect the success of the rumen manipulation to mitigate the emission of methane by the host. 

This Special Issue aims to present recent research advances on the exploration of rumen manipulation strategies to reduce the enteric methane emissions by ruminants. Studies reporting the influence of the host genetic background on rumen methanogenesis are also of interest. 

Original research articles, short communications and reviews are welcome. 

I look forward to receiving your contributions. 

Dr. Alexandra E. Francisco
Guest Editor

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• ruminants
• methanogenesis
• rumen
• mitigation of methane emissions
• enteric methane
• rumen microbiota
• rumen manipulation of methanogenesis
• host genetics influence on enteric methanogenesis