Both in Slovenia and globally, agriculture, especially livestock, produces a significant portion of the total greenhouse gas produced, methane. Methane is produced as a by-product in the rumen of herbivorous animals in the process of hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. This occurs through methanogenic archaea that use H2 and CO2 as substrates for the formation of CH4. H2 and CO2 are produced as fermentation end products by rumen bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. In recent decades, extensive research has been conducted in the field of suppressing methane formation in ruminants. There are several effective ways to reduce methane formation in ruminants, one of which is the use of feed additives. These include oils and fats that affect the microorganisms in the rumen in different ways. They react with cell membranes, inhibit or stimulate enzymatic processes, and have antimicrobial properties. Long- and medium-chain fatty acids, e.g. coconut, sunflower or linseed oil, have proven to be the most effective. With them, we can reduce methane formation in the rumen by 20-30%. The essential oils (EO) are even more effective, which can be extracted from certain plants using appropriate methods. The most effective among them are the oils of clove, camphor wood, oregano and white thyme, which in in vitro experiments can inhibit methanogenesis by up to 98%. However, the high price, adverse effects on other elements of animal husbandry, and lack of understanding of the mode of action of these agents currently prevent their wider use.
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