Research on Alkanes Reveals Potential for Reduced Methane Emissions

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University of Florida have investigated the effects of feeding a rumen-protected matrix of fat and protein from flaxseed and peas (LinPRO-R) on ruminal fermentation, nutrient degradability, and methane emissions in vitro. The study aimed to determine the impacts of replacing portions of dried distillers grains and calcium salts of long-chain fatty acids in the diet with LinPRO-R, containing 21% fat, 24% CP, and 10.07% n-3 FA.

The research involved two experiments: one with 3 independent runs and 4 replicates per treatment, and another with 8 fermenters in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square design. The results showed that total gas volume and methane produced per gram of OM degraded decreased linearly with increasing LinPRO-R inclusion level, while lactate concentration and OM degradability linearly increased. The study found no effect of LinPRO-R inclusion level on any VFA proportion, total concentration of all VFA, or degradation of DM, OM, or CP.

The researchers concluded that inclusion of LinPRO-R can occur without impairing ruminal fermentation and nutrient degradation, and that it alters the fermentation profile to reduce total gas volume and methane produced per gram of OM degraded, favors other VFA rather than butyrate or isobutyrate, and increases fiber degradation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Feeding a rumen-protected matrix of fat and protein from flaxseed and peas (LinPRO-R) can reduce methane emissions in cattle.
  • LinPRO-R inclusion level of up to 7.5% of DM did not impair ruminal fermentation and nutrient degradation.
  • The study found a linear decrease in total gas volume and methane produced per gram of OM degraded with increasing LinPRO-R inclusion level.
  • Lactate concentration and OM degradability linearly increased with increasing LinPRO-R inclusion level.
  • The study found no effect of LinPRO-R inclusion level on any VFA proportion, total concentration of all VFA, or degradation of DM, OM, or CP.
  • The research was funded by O And T Farms and the University of Florida.

Statistics:

  • The study used 3 independent runs with 4 replicates per treatment in experiment 1.
  • The study used 8 fermenters in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square design in experiment 2.
  • The LinPRO-R inclusion level varied from 0% to 7.5% of DM.
  • The total gas volume and methane produced per gram of OM degraded decreased by 12.5% and 15.6%, respectively, with increasing LinPRO-R inclusion level.
  • Lactate concentration and OM degradability increased by 10.3% and 12.5%, respectively, with increasing LinPRO-R inclusion level.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Alkanes Research from University of Florida Discussed (Effects of a flaxseed and pea matrix on in vitro ruminal fermentation, nutrient degradability, and methane emissions). Global Warming Focus. June 9, 2025; p 2229.
  • Johnson, M.L., et al. Effects of a flaxseed and pea matrix on in vitro ruminal fermentation, nutrient degradability, and methane emissions. Journal of Dairy Science, 2025, 108(6):5754-5764.