Emissions reductions in livestock

WHY THIS PROJECT IS NEEDED

The livestock sector faces growing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining productivity and profitability. Methane from the digestive process of livestock (enteric methane) accounts for the majority of Australia’s agricultural emissions.

Feed additives are one of the most promising strategies to reduce methane emissions in ruminants, with research showing some feed additives can reduce methane emissions by over 80% under ideal conditions. However, more on-farm evidence is needed to understand their practical impact under commercial conditions.

WHAT THIS PROJECT WILL DO

Riverine Plains, in collaboration with the University of Melbourne, is conducting a six-month feeding trial on a commercial sheep property to evaluate two feed additives—Agolin and Polygain—both individually and in combination.

Agolin is a proprietary blend of plant-based essential oils that may enhance digestion and animal performance, while also showing potential to reduce methane emissions by modulating rumen fermentation. Polygain is a sugarcane-derived liquid supplement rich in polyphenols, which may improve feed efficiency and lower enteric methane production.

The trial will assess impacts on:

Enteric methane emissions
Lamb growth rates and productivity
On-farm management implications
Potential for carbon project participation

Data will be collected using innovative technologies including in-paddock weight monitoring and methane measurement tools.

This trial focuses on additives that are currently accessible and practical for use in southern sheep grazing systems. While products like Asparagopsis and 3-NOP (Bovaer®) show strong methane-reduction potential, they are not yet widely available or suited to broadscale grazing operations and are not included in this trial.

PROJECT FOCUS

The trial will involve:

200 weaned lambs (wethers or ewes) of the same breed and age
Four treatments: control, Agolin, Polygain, Agolin + Polygain
Monthly body weight monitoring

Find out more

For further information about this project,or to express interest in hosting the trial, please contact Riverine Plains Project Officer, Sayra Samudio at sayra@riverineplains.org.au.

Project investment

This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources, through the Methane Emissions Reduction in Livestock (MERiL) Program.