P.PSH.1262 - Defining the methane reduction potential of northern Australian rangeland plants
Did you know that native plants in northern Australia have methane-reducing properties?
| Project start date: | 22 June 2020 |
| Project end date: | 30 December 2023 |
| Publication date: | 15 January 2024 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grass-fed Cattle |
| Relevant regions: | Northern Australia |
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Download Report
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Summary
This project investigated the diversity in anti-methanogenic and productivity properties of a number of commercially available, and naturally occurring plant species that make up the feedbase of northern WA mosaics used for beef production.
Objectives
The objectives of this project were:
• to quantify the diversity in anti-methanogenic and productivity properties (nutritional value) of naturally occurring, and a number of commercially available plant species that make up the feedbase of northern WA mosaics used for beef production.
• to investigate the potential to extend the range of target plant species into southern systems and deliver a consistent grazing diet mitigation approach.
• to report options for producers to adopt anti-methanogenic feed bases.
Key findings
A large diversity in plant species was identified with anti-methanogenic and desirable nutritive characteristics.
Benefits to industry
While much work exists on properties of southern feedbase varieties, this work provides insight into the nutritive and anti-methanogenic properties of northern pastures. This delivery of new knowledge aims to assist producers to move towards an understanding of which species are present, grazed by livestock and how those species may reduce rumen methane emissions. Challenges persist for how northern extensive producers can manage for feedbase, however the information provides a unique insight into the methane load of northern feedbase in the Kimberly and Pilbara.
MLA action
The results of this project have been used to update northern rangelands plant field guides and low methane pastures guide in MLA producer workshop, CarbonEDGE.
Future research
Plant species such as pink mulla mulla (Eremophila fraseri) with low palatability but high methane reducing properties may be candidates for further research, as a methane suppressing additive for extraction.
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For more information Contact Project Manager: Julia Waite |
