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Advancing Agricultural Practices, Reducing Emissions and Ensuring Sustainable Growth in the Face of Climate Challenges

18 July 2024

The effectiveness of certain measures to reduce Greenhouse Gases (GHG) is sometimes misunderstood among stakeholders. This misconception may arise due to the trade-off between cost and practicality of implementing these measures at the farm level. Some measures may be too costly to implement, while others may not be practical or feasible at the farm level. Therefore, decisions for advancing agricultural practices need to focus on technologies that are not only cost-effective but also practical and appealing for adoption by farmers.

Numerous reports have documented well-established technologies and practices that have been known to researchers and policymakers for quite some time or "old technologies" . However, one of the latest reports in this area has brought attention to newer technologies. It specifically identifies eighty-six new technologies and technology areas that are relevant to Scottish agriculture, and out of these, thirteen have been identified as promising for further exploration. These areas included feed additives targeting enteric methane, remote sensing technology for resource management, and sustainable materials such as single-cell proteins from algae. The study also examined technologies from non-agricultural sectors, such as distributed ledgers and 3D printing. Although only a few of these technologies show promise for further exploration, they offer potential pathways toward sustainable agriculture and emissions reduction within the Scottish context.

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Feed additives targeting enteric methane

Feed additives offer a strategic approach to reduce enteric methane production, but regulatory approval and sustainable practices are important for successful implementation.

    • These additives aim to reduce methane emissions from livestock by altering their digestive processes.
    • Examples include compounds like 3-NOP (3-nitrooxypropanol) that inhibit methane production in the rumen.
    • Types of Feed Additives: Feed additives work by either inhibiting methanogenesis (methane production) or modifying the rumen environment to reduce CH₄ production.

Examples of additives include:

      1. 3-nitroxypropanol (3NOP): Inhibits methanogenesis.
      2. Nitrates: Compete with methanogens for hydrogen.
      3. Halogenated compounds containing organisms (e.g., macroalgae): Also inhibit methanogenesis.

Effectiveness and Barriers

      1. 3-NOP:
        1. Inhibits the final step in methane production within the rumen.
        2. It effectively reduces methane emissions by interfering with microbial processes.
        3. Efficacy and Reductions:
          1. Extensive evidence supports 3-NOP’s efficacy as a methane inhibitor.
          2. Reductions in methane production range from 24.8% to 33.2%.
          3. In vivo studies demonstrate exceptionally high mitigation.
        4. Linear Decrease with Dose:
          1. Increasing 3-NOP dose leads to a linear decrease in methane emissions.
          2. Practical implementation is feasible due to the small daily dose.
        5. Practical Implementation:
          1. Median dose reported in studies: 106 mg/kg diet DM.
          2. Supply as a premix for incorporation into farm diets.
          3. Alternatively, administer as a bolus into the rumen for extended release.
        6. Challenges and Barriers:
          1. Conflicting evidence on 3-NOP’s effect on GHG emissions from manures.
          2. Practical implementation and context-specific effects require further investigation.
          3. Lack of data on interactions between supplements and the environment in which they will be used.
      2. Seaweed:
        1. Sustainable sourcing is essential to avoid negative consequences.
        2. Potential GHG reduction: Estimated 56% reduction in beef, 22% in dairy, and 53% in sheep sectors.
        3. Uncertainties: Limited trials in the US and Australia.
        4. Expected time to market: 5-10 years.
        5. Main barriers: Limited availability of non-native product, lack of infrastructure, and regulatory compliance on iodine in foods.
        6. Implementation pathway: Regulatory changes in the EU to recognise seaweed as a methane mitigator.
      3. Other Feed Supplements:
        1. Monesin, Vegopils, Coconut oils etc
        2. Potential GHG reduction: It has been found to reduce methane emissions by 2.9% (based on a study in Canada).
        3. Uncertainties: Only estimates for Monensin relate to a single trial.
        4. Expected time to market: 1-15 years due to varying degrees of active research.
        5. Main barriers: Lack of efficacy, data on interactions, infrastructure.
        6. Implementation pathway: Regulatory and financial incentives and trialling and demonstration to assess the effect of combinations of feed additives

 

How to implement the take-up of feed additives?

Research and Selection:

      1. Explore available feed additives and consult with veterinarians or agricultural experts.
      2. The primary focus should be on increasing the adoption of these compounds individually, rather than in combination. It is worth noting that there is currently limited experimental evidence regarding the effectiveness of these combinations.
        1. Exploring the relationship between combinations of feed additives would offer some value in understanding the effects and how these may improve or negate the methane-reducing effect. There is little experimental evidence on the efficacy of the combinations

Gradual Integration:

      1. Start with a small group of animals to test the additive’s impact.

Scaling Up:

      1. If successful, gradually incorporate the additive into the entire herd’s diet.

 

  1. Alternative Proteins: Microbial proteins serve as an alternative to imported soya meal which constitutes a significant portion of livestock diets. These proteins are also used in high-value sectors, but less so in cattle and sheep systems.
    • Exploring alternative protein sources for livestock feed.
      1. One of the ways the livestock industry can make a positive impact is by transitioning from soy to locally grown peas and beans in Europe, including the UK. This change would have a beneficial effect by increasing the cultivation of grain legumes in crop rotations, thereby reducing the need for nitrogen in subsequent crops.
    • Algae-based proteins can reduce reliance on traditional feed crops and lower emissions.
    • Potential for GHG savings: currently unknown.
    • Time to market: Estimated at 3-5 years.
    • Main Barriers: Technical challenges related to scaling up production.
    • How to include alternative proteins?
      • Research algae species suitable for protein intake.
      • Trial other alternative protein sources
    • Feeding Trials:
      • Introduce alternative proteins into livestock diets.
      • Monitor animal health, growth rates, and feed conversion efficiency.
    • Economic Assessment:
      • Evaluate costs and benefits (e.g., reduced reliance on traditional feed crops).
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Genetic profiling and genomic testing in breeding programmes

Genetic profiling involves using markers to assess an individual’s genetic makeup. Marker Assisted Management (MAM)* and Marker Assisted Backcrossing** are techniques used in breeding programs. These methods aim to improve breeding efficiency and select desirable traits.

  • Potential for GHG Savings: Genomic testing can lead to up to an 8% reduction in methane emissions per year. Trials conducted in Scotland support this potential benefit.
  • Expected Time to Market: Implementation may take 5-10 years.
  • Current Stage of Development: Niche or roll-out elsewhere.
  • Main Barriers: Lack of infrastructure and associated costs for sampling and storage.
  • Implementation Pathway:
    • Establishing test stations can prove the efficacy of genomic testing.
    • Ongoing public-private collaboration.

What can farmers do?

  • Genetic testing provides valuable insights that allow farmers to effectively manage their herds. By analysing the genetic makeup of individual animals, producers can make more informed decisions about how each animal will perform in various environments. This information enables producers to group animals based on their genetic traits, optimising their management strategies for better overall results.
  • The Beef Efficiency Scheme has made genomic testing accessible to many beef farmers. However, it appears that MAM, while still in development, is not yet accessible to farmers.
  • Farmers have the ability to improve their selection process by choosing breeding animals that are closely related to their farm's specific needs.
  • Keeping better records of the performance and characteristics of their livestock, farmers can make more informed decisions about breeding and selection.
  • The use of genomic tools can provide farmers with detailed genetic information about their animals, allowing for more precise selection and breeding strategies.

 

Ongoing collaboration with experts and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing is crucial for further development and testing of these technologies. The adoption and testing of various agricultural technologies in a Scottish context is essential for understanding their impact on greenhouse gas emissions and overall farm productivity.

Scotland's forward-thinking farmers could explore and create new methods on their own properties. Mobilising and backing these farmers to establish a foundation for these technologies would be beneficial Through peer learning, they could help shorten the adoption time of these technologies within the industry.

A generation with diverse skills could be useful for the farming industry. Encouraging varied skill sets and supporting the development of non-traditional agricultural skills will enable the application of advanced technologies and improve decision-making.

* Genetic tests can help manage groups of cattle by giving producers a better idea of how animals will perform in specific situations. These tests allow producers to sort animals into particular management groups.
** Moving a single trait of interest, such as drought tolerance, high productivity, or disease resistance, from a donor parent to progeny.

Vera Eory, SRUC

and

Luisa Riascos, SAC Consulting

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