Tackling Methane Emissions in Cattle: A Collaborative Global Effort for a Sustainable Future

In the battle against climate change, methane emissions are a major player, with livestock—particularly cattle—contributing significantly to this potent greenhouse gas. 

To tackle this challenge, a global research project, funded by the Bezos Earth Fund and the Global Methane Hub, is aiming to make a transformative impact on methane emissions from cattle. This ambitious collaboration brings together leading research institutions, including the Pirbright Institute and the Royal Veterinary College, along with New Zealand’s AgResearch and Spain’s Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Together, they are pioneering research to significantly reduce methane emissions from cattle. 

We spoke with Prof. Dirk Werling, Professor of Molecular Immunology at the Royal Veterinary College, to learn more about this promising project. 

The Role of Early Microbiome Colonisation in Calves 

A key focus of the project is to understand how a calf’s gut microbiome develops in its early weeks. At birth, calves are born without any microbiome. During the first few weeks of life, their gut becomes colonised by microorganisms from their environment, predominantly from their mother. 

“The first colonisation of the gut is crucial for the maturation of the immune system,” Prof. Werling explains. Without the right balance of microbes, calves could develop gastrointestinal issues such as inflammatory bowel disease. 

The research team is exploring how to influence this colonisation process to reduce the prevalence of methane-producing microbes, known as methanogens, in the calf's gut. Methane emissions from cattle are primarily driven by these methanogens, which produce methane as a byproduct of digestion. 

The project aims to determine whether early interventions in a calf’s life can effectively decrease the number of methanogens that colonise its gut. Prof. Werling notes, “There’s a window of time when we can intervene.” By altering the early microbiome, the team hopes to influence long-term methane production in cattle. If successful, this innovative approach could significantly reduce methane emissions from both the dairy and beef industries, potentially reshaping the future of livestock farming. 

Exploring Solutions 

To tackle the pressing issue of methane emissions, the research team is exploring a variety of innovative strategies, starting with feed additives. “These additives have shown great potential, with some capable of reducing methane production by 30-40%. For instance, one comes from algae, and if you give this to cows, methane production is reduced quite a lot,” Prof. Werling explained. However, he cautioned that these additives might not enhance overall cow performance and, in some cases, could negatively affect it. 

Beyond feed additives, the potential of vaccination is also being explored as an approach. “We are exploring whether vaccination could be a viable way to reduce methane emissions,” Prof. Werling mentions. Previous research has indicated that immunizing ruminants can trigger an antibody response against methane-producing bacteria in the rumen. The team is still working to understand the full scope of this strategy and how to effectively target various methane-producing bacteria. 

Innovative Research Methods & Practices  

To achieve its ambitious goals, the project is utilising innovative tools and techniques. One method involves lectin assays, which help researchers determine how the calf's innate immune system recognises methanogens. This understanding is crucial, as it allows the team to identify potential intervention points for reducing methanogen populations. 

Another innovative technique is the use of fluorescent markers to label methanogens, which are then introduced into artificial rumens. This method enables researchers to track microbial populations and assess how different interventions, such as antibody treatments or feed additives, influence methane production. 

The research team is committed to utilising advanced scientific methodologies while prioritising animal welfare. Prof. Werling elaborates: “We are carefully collecting samples from calves during their first eight weeks of life to gather vital information about their development. This includes analysing gastrointestinal tract contents, peripheral blood cells, and tissue samples from lymph nodes and Peyer's patches.” This thorough sampling approach allows researchers to analyse the complex interactions between various biological systems.  

Prof. Werling underscores the importance of this work: “This approach is essential for gathering comprehensive information about the immune system's education and how methanogens interact with it during these crucial early weeks.” The insights gained from this research will ultimately contribute to enhancing the health and welfare of livestock. 

This project goes beyond addressing today’s methane challenge; it also lays the groundwork for future discoveries. The team is creating a biobank of samples from the calves studied, which will be made available to the broader scientific community. This biobank will serve as a valuable resource for future research on livestock microbiomes, methane production, and immune system development. 

Global Collaboration for a Global Problem 

A defining strength of this initiative is its global collaboration. “This isn’t something that can be achieved by one institution alone,” says Prof. Werling. The research involves experts from various countries and disciplines working together to tackle one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges: methane emissions from livestock. Teams from New Zealand, Spain, and the UK, including Prof. John Hammond (Pirbright Institute), Prof. David Yanez-Ruiz (CSIC), and Dr Neil Wedlock (AgResearch), have pooled their knowledge and resources to tackle the problem from multiple angles. As Prof. Werling puts it,

Whenever you approach people and say, ‘We’re trying to solve this problem,’ you suddenly have open doors. People want to collaborate.

A Vision for the Future 

If successful, the project could lead to a significant reduction in methane emissions from cattle, making a meaningful impact in the fight against climate change. With the backing of visionary funders, the dedication of a global team of scientists, and the insights derived from this research, it holds the potential to revolutionise livestock farming. 

“Once the project gains momentum, public-private partnerships could play a key role in bringing these innovations from the lab to the field,” says Prof. Werling. The widespread adoption of new practices could benefit both the environment and the agricultural industry, creating a ripple effect of positive change for animals, farmers, and the planet.