Experimental batch of tannin-based feed premix for reducing stable emissions in ruminants

The EU's strategic aim to reduce methane (CH4) emissions, improve air quality, andstrengthen the EU's global leadership in the fight against climate change creates a need to designalternative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock production. Livestockproduction accounts for about 17 – 20% of the total 30 – 35% of global anthropogenicemissions, representing a significant ecological burden. In addition to contributing to globalwarming, CH4 formation in the rumen results in a loss of 2 – 12% of the animal's metabolicenergy intake. Therefore, the main goal of the SS06020190 project is the development of a newfeed supplement for cattle with an antimethanogenic effect while simultaneously eliminatingthe negative impact on production, health, and animal welfare. In 2024, in cooperation with theproject partner, the company MIKROP Cebin, a functional sample of feed premix for ruminantswas designed to achieve these purposes. A pilot in vivo study conducted on cannulated cowsexperimentally verified the supplement's effect. This experiment monitored the influence of thenew premix/supplement dietary addition on rumen fermentation parameters, the total count andrelative abundance of protozoal genera, and the production of enteric CH4.