With funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Nebraska researchers are studying ways to reduce methane emissions from livestock, with the goal of developing tools and management practices for beef and dairy producers. Kononoff, professor of animal science, is leading the multidisciplinary team as it tackles the problem from multiple angles. One method explores the composition of cows’ microbiomes, since methane – a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change – is produced in the stomach. Analyzing the complement of microbes in cows with lower emissions will provide direction in reducing methane emissions. The team also aims to pinpoint genes that may contribute to lower methane emissions.
