Research project Platform for the Reduction of Enteric Emissions Cattle: Towards rapid implementation and assurance of feed measures
General introduction
In the KlimVEE project, ILVO is developing an integrated and validated in vitro-in vivo platform for faster recognition and application of methane-reducing feeding strategies in ruminant farm animals. The accelerated rollout of this feed approach is not only possible but highly necessary, given the compelling commitments around methane reduction by 2030 promised in the Flemish Covenant on Enteric Emissions Cattle 2019-2030 (CEER). Until the start of KlimVEE, only a limited number of feed measures have been recognized. These primarily target barn-fed lactating dairy cattle from conventional dairy farming. The other animal categories, together accounting for over 50% of the enteric emissions from cattle in Flanders, are not yet involved.
Research approach
The in vitro-in vivo platform will be a place where additional, more widely applicable and rapidly implementable measures, feed additives and supplements, ration compositions etc. can be effectively tested, validated and secured. The claimed and recognized enteric methane reduction of the approved measures are between 5 and 26%. This is lower than the “2030 reduction target” of the Flemish Energy and Climate Plan (VEKP), which was additionally tightened to 30% as a result of the Global Methane Pledge. The platform facilitates both the optimization of existing strategies for wider application (also for beef cattle for example) and the development of new and combined strategies. All phases from in vitro development to field implementation, including assurance are present in the platform.
Relevance/Valorization
The CEER covenant is considered the central policy measure within the VEKP to reduce enteric emissions (= methane released from the stomach via the mouth during rumination). At the start of Klimvee, very few cattle farmers - only about 100 - are still implementing the (recognized) CESR measures. As a result, the interim targets, with a check in 2025, are not going to be achieved. This may lead to the decision to drastically cut cattle numbers, regardless of the nitrogen agreement. To achieve the target reduction, and keep the Flemish cattle industry viable, action must be taken quickly. The in vitro-in vivo platform is useful to get ready-to-use tools and approaches on the market by deadline, for more animals and with more powerful reduction rates.
Financing
VLAIO
