B.FLT.5007 - Tailored feed additives for targeted inhibition of methanogenesis

Summary

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the livestock industry are estimated to account for 14.5% of total anthropogenic GHG production and have the potential to affect the industry’s long-term social license to operate. The production of methane by methanogenic microbes in the gut microbiome of ruminants is of particular concern. In principle, the production of methane by livestock could be eliminated by interrupting the microbial process of methanogenesis in the gut.

This project will target a candidate enzyme system centrally involved in methane production via in-silico compound design, chemical synthesis of candidates and testing in E coli models as the first stage of the research program.

Objectives

The objectives of this work were to use rational molecular design and synthetic organic chemistry to produce and test compounds that were predicted to inhibit an enzyme that produces a small molecule necessary for methane production in methanogenic microbes.

Key findings

This was a proof-of-concept project, investigating the use of advanced biological and chemical sciences in designing new inhibitors of methanogenesis, a key issue that may impact the long-term social license of the livestock industry in Australia and elsewhere. This work has generated a strong lead compound that has been shown to inhibit a key step needed for methanogenic microbes to produce methane. The results from this work will be used to decide the merits of this approach and guide future investment in R&D for novel chemical interventions that reduce methane production in
livestock.

Benefits to industry

This work provides new tools for discovery and development of feed supplements or other chemical interventions that reduce GHG emissions from livestock. This will contribute to the MLA mission to reduce GHG emissions to net zero by 2030.

MLA action

MLA continues to invest in development of feed additives and solutions that can advance the industry towards the CN30 target.

Future research

The lead candidate species are now being tested in an in vitro methanogen model in MLA Project B.FLT.5014.