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Project title

METH-ABATE: Development and validation of novel technologies to reduce methane emissions from pasture based Irish agricultural systems

Primary Funding Agency

Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

DAERA, Environmental Protection Agency

Lead Organisation

Teagasc

Lead Applicant

n/a

Project Abstract

Agriculture is the single largest contributor (~30%) to overall Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland accounting for the majority of methane emissions produced in both jurisdictions primarily due to ruminant livestock production. Methane, a GHG 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide, is released as a by-product of rumen microbial fermentation and from stored manure and slurry on farm. Under EU legislation, the Republic of Ireland has committed to reduce GHG emissions by 40% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels and in the UK, a reduction of 34% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 has been targeted. Hence there is an urgent requirement for innovative strategies to reduce methane emissions from agriculture on the entire island of Ireland. The aim of this cross-institutional, cross-jurisdictional, multidisciplinary proposal is to develop novel farm-ready technologies to reduce methane emissions from ruminant fermentation and stored manure and slurry. Specifically, we will investigate a number of promising feed additives to mitigate methane emissions from sheep, dairy and beef production, while simultaneously monitoring their effects on animal productivity, and novel technologies to reduce methane losses from stored manures. For pasture-based delivery, technologies for encapsulation to ensure slow release and early-life supplementation strategies will be developed. The effect of these technologies on the nutritional and toxicological composition of meat and milk will be investigated to confirm consumer safety of ruminant products. Sequencing and bioinformatics technologies will allow a fundamental understanding of mechanism of action of these interventions in the rumen and manure. To ensure appropriate implementation, we will develop a new methane additive component for the existing Teagasc Life Cycle (LC) Analysis models to quantify the LC effect of developed technologies on overall methane and GHG emissions. Finally, farm level cost effectiveness will be evaluated through the national farm survey.

Grant Approved

�1,249,005.19

Research Hub

n/a

Research Theme

Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities

Start Date

01/12/2019

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/11/2023