The use of plant bioactive compounds to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from farmed ruminants

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the opportunity to use plant bioactive compounds in ruminant diets for their potential to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, particularly enteric methane. Nitrous oxide emissions related to urinary nitrogen waste are addressed when information is available. The main families considered are plant lipids and plant secondary compounds (tannins, saponins, halogenated compounds and essential oils). The effects of these compounds in vivo, their mechanisms of action, and their potential adoption on farms are discussed, and future trends in this research area are highlighted.