RU-MIT-LESS Research Project to Investigate Lifetime Potential of Methane-Reducing Feed Additives in Beef Cattle
Methane-reducing feed additives have the potential to contribute to Ireland’s agricultural greenhouse gas reduction targets, with studies showing emissions reductions of 8% to 30% under indoor conditions.
However, their long-term effectiveness in grass-based systems remains uncertain. Sustained progress will depend on combining such technologies with improvements in overall farm system efficiency. These efficiencies include animal performance, genetics, nutrition, and management and can deliver lower emissions intensity alongside higher productivity.
Addressing this knowledge gap is the key focus of the new RU-MIT-LESS research project, led by Teagasc, in collaboration with University College Dublin (UCD) and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI).