Animal Industry and Technology
Korean Society of Animal Science and Technology
Article

Effective methane mitigation strategies in ruminants

Sang Suk Lee1,*, A-Rang Son1
1Ruminant Nutrition and Anaerobe Laboratory, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea, Suncheon 57922, Korea.
*Corresponding Author: Sang Suk Lee, Ruminant Nutrition and Anaerobe Laboratory, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea, Suncheon 57922, Korea, Republic of. Phone: 82617503237. E-mail: rumen@scnu.ac.kr.

© Copyright 2025 Korean Society of Animal Science and Technology. This is an Open-Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Received: May 23, 2025; Revised: Jul 14, 2025; Accepted: Aug 05, 2025

Published Online: Sep 29, 2025

Abstract

Driven by growing concerns about climate change, the government and the public are increasingly focused on understanding rumen methanogenesis in livestock. This paper aimed to review the strategies to reduce enteric methane (CH 4 ) emissions from ruminants, which is a major contributor to greenhouse<br /> gases (GHGs). We explored diverse approaches from natural plant additives to chemical additives (e.g. 3-NOP, monensin, nitrate, etc.) as well as animal breeding techniques to methane emissions from ruminants. Research and development of methane inhibitors have primarily focused on two approaches: targeting methanogenic archaea in the rumen and enhancing hydrogen utilization within the rumen. The development of methane mitigation technologies has gained significant attention as a promising approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. However, concerns regarding the potential impact of these technologies on the health of both animals and humans require a comprehensive safety assessment such as phased toxicity studies and defined usage criteria and restrictions. Addressing methane emissions from ruminants poses a pressing challenge that requires a multifaceted approach. To achieve effective methane reduction, a combination of technologies must be implemented. Furthermore, collaboration among researchers, livestock farmers, and feed companies is essential to guaranteeing safe, sustainable, and environmentally friendly livestock production.

Keywords: Ruminnats; Greenhouse gas; Methane mitigation; Rumen methanogens