Abstract
During the last decades, considerable research on methane production in the rumen and its inhibition has been carried out. Initially, as methane production represents a significant loss of gross energy in the feed (2–15%), the ultimate goal of such intervention in rumen fermentation was an increase in feed efficiency. A second reason favouring research on methane inhibition is its role in the global warming phenomenon and in the destruction of the ozone layer. In this review, the authors describe briefly several interventions for reducing methane emission by ruminants. The objective can be reached by intervention at the dietary level by ration manipulation (composition, feeding level) or by the use of additives or supplements. Examples of additives are polyhalogenated compounds, ionophores and other antibiotics. Supplementation of the ration with lipids also lowered methanogenesis. More biotechnological interventions, e.g., defaunation, probiotics and introduction of reductive acetogenesis in the rumen, are also mentioned. It can be concluded that drastic inhibition of methane production is not unequivocally successful as a result of several factors, such as: instantaneous inhibition often followed by restoration of methanogenesis due to adaptation of the microbes or degradation of the additive, toxicity for the host animal, negative effects on overall digestion and productive performance. Therefore, methanogenesis and its inhibition cannot be considered as a separate part of rumen fermentation and its consequences on the animal should be taken into account.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Aimone, J. C. and Wagner, D. G.: 1977, ‘Micronized Wheat I. Influence on Feedlot Performance, Digestibility, VFA and Lactate Levels in Cattle’, J. Anim. Sci. 44, 1088–1095.
Ali Haimoud, D.: 1994, ‘Etude des Effets d'un Apport Oral d'Avoparcine et de Monensine sur l'Utilisation Digestive et Métabolique de la Ration chez la Vache Laitère’, Ph. D. thesis, Inst. Nat. Polytechn. Toulouse, France, 186 p.
Balch, W. E. and Wolfe, R. S.: 1979, ‘Transport of Coenzyme M (2-mercaptoethanesulfonic acid) in Methanobrevibacterium ruminantium’, J. Bacteriol. 137, 264–273.
Barao, S. M., Bergen, W. G. and Hawkins, D. R.: 1985, ‘Effect of Narasin and Actaplanin Alone or in Combination on Feedlot Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Finishing Steers’, J. Anim. Sci. 61 (Suppl. 1), 471 (Abstract).
Bauchop, T.: 1967, ‘Inhibition of Methanogenesis by Methane Analogues’, J. Bacteriol. 94, 171–175.
Blaxter, K. L. and Clapperton, J. L.: 1965, ‘Prediction of the Amount of Methane Produced by Ruminants’, Br. J. Nutr. 19, 511–522.
Bogaërt, C. Gomez, L., Jouany, J. P. and Jeminet, G.: 1989, ‘Effects of the Ionophore Antibiotics Lasalocid and Cationomycin on Ruminal Fermentation in vitro (RUSITEC)’, Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 27, 1–15.
Bogaërt, C., Jouany, J. P. and Jeminet, G.: 1990, ‘Effects of the Ionophore Antibiotics Monensin, Monensin-propionate, Abierixin and Calcimycin on Ruminal Fermentations in vitro (RUSITEC)’, Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 28, 183–197.
Broster, W. H., Sutton, J. D. and Bines, J. H.: 1979, ‘Concentrate: Forage ratios for High-Yielding Dairy Cows’, in: Haresign, W. and Lewis, D. (eds.), Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition, Butterworths, London, pp. 99–126.
Broudiscou, L., Van Nevel, C. J. and Demeyer, D. I.: 1990a, ‘Effect of Soya Oil Hydrolysate on Rumen Digestion in Defaunated and Refaunated sheep’, Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 30, 51–67.
Broudiscou, L., Van Nevel, C. J. and Demeyer, D. I.: 1990b, ‘Incorporation of Soya Oil Hydrolysate on Rumen Digestion in Defaunated and Refaunated Sheep’, Arch. Anim. Nutr. 40, 329–337.
Caffarel-Mendez, S., Jouany, J. P., and Demuynck, C.: 1986, ‘Etude in vitro de Quelques Antibiotiques Ionophores et de Certains Dérivés. I. Action sur les Produits de la Fermentation dans le Rumen’, Reprod. Nutr. Dev. 26, 1295–1303.
Carro, M. D., Lebzien, P. and Rohr, K.: 1992, ‘Influence of Yeast Culture on the in vitro Fermentation (RUSITEC) of Diets Containing Variable Portions of Concentrates’, Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 37, 209–220.
Cecava, M. J., Merchen, N. R., Berger, L. L. and Nelson, D. R.: 1990, ‘Effect of Energy Level and Feeding Frequency on Site of Digestion and Postruminal Nutrient Flows in Steers’, J. Dairy Sci. 73, 2470–2479.
Chalupa, W.: 1980, ‘Chemical Control of Rumen Microbial Metabolism’, in: Ruckebusch, Y. and Thivend, P. (eds.), Digestive Physiology and Metabolism in Ruminants, MTP Press, Falcon House, Lancaster, pp. 325–347.
Chalupa, W., Corbett, W. and Brethour, J. R.: 1980, ‘Effects of Monensin and Amichloral on Rumen Fermentation’, J. Anim. Sci. 51, 170–179.
Chen, M. and Wolin, M. J.: 1979, ‘Effect of Monensin and Lasalocid-sodium on the Growth of Methanogenic and Rumen Saccharolytic Bacteria’, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 38, 72–77.
Chow, J. M., Van Kessel, J. A. S. and Russell, J. B.: 1994, ‘Binding of Radiolabeled Monensin and Lasalocid to Ruminal Microorganisms and Feed’, J. Anim. Sci. 72, 1630–1635.
Clapperton, J. L.: 1974, ‘The Effect of Trichloroacetamide, Chloroform and Linseed oil given into the Rumen of Sheep on Some of the End-Products of Rumen Digestion’, Br. J. Nutr. 32, 155–161.
Cole, N. A. and McCroskey, J. E.: 1975, ‘Effects of Hemiacetal of Chloral and Starch on the Performance of Beef Steers’, J. Anim. Sci. 41, 1735–1741.
Crutzen, P. J., Aselmann, I. and Seiler, W.: 1986, ‘Methane Production by Domestic Animals, Wild Ruminants, other Herbivorous Fauna, and Humans’, Tellus 38B, 271–284.
Czerkawski, J. W.: 1969, ‘Methane Production in the Rumen and its Significance’, World Rev. Nutr. Diet. 11, 240–282.
Czerkawski, J. W. and Breckenridge, G.: 1975, ‘New Inhibitors of Methane Production by Rumen Microorganisms. Experiments with Animals and other Practical Possibilities’, Br. J. Nutr. 34, 447–457.
Czerkawski, J. W., Blaxter, K. L. and Wainman, F. W.: 1966, ‘The Metabolism of Oleic, Linoleic and Linolenic Acids by Sheep with Reference to Their Effects on Methane Production’, Br. J. Nutr. 20, 349–362.
Czerkawski, J. W., Christie, W. W., Breckenridge, G. and Hunter, M. L.: 1975, ‘Changes in Rumen Metabolism of Sheep Given Increasing Amounts of Linseed oil in Their Diet’, Br. J. Nutr. 34, 25–44.
Davies, A., Nwaonu, H. N., Stanier, G. and Boyle, F. T.: 1982, ‘Properties of a Novel Series of Inhibitors of Rumen Methanogenesis; in vitro and in vivo Experiments Including Growth Trials on 2,4-Bis(trichloromethyl)-benzo[1,3] dioxin-6-carboxylic Acid’, Br. J. Nutr. 47, 565–576.
Delfino, J., Mathison, G. W. and Smith, M. W.: 1988, ‘Effect of Lasalocid on Feedlot Performance and Energy Partitioning in Cattle’, J. Anim. Sci. 66, 136–150.
De Graeve, K. G., Grivet, J. P., Durand, M., Beaumatin, P., Cordelet, C., Hannequart, G. and Demeyer, D.: 1994, ‘Competition Between Reductive Acetogenesis and Methanogenesis in the Pig Large-Intestinal Flora’, J. Appl. Bacteriol. 76, 55–61.
Demeyer, D.: 1973, ‘Lipidstoffwechsel im Pansen’, in: Giesecke, D. und Henderickx, H. (eds.), Biologie und Biochemie der Mikrobiellen Verdauung, BLV Verlaggesellschaft, München, pp. 209–234.
Demeyer, D. I. and De Graeve, K.: 1991, ‘Differences in Stoichiometry Between Rumen and Hindgut Fermentation’, J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. 22, 50–61.
Demeyer, D. I. and Henderickx, H. K.: 1967a, ‘Methane Production in vitro by Mixed Rumen Bacteria’, Biochem. J. 105, 271–277.
Demeyer, D. I. and Henderickx, H. K.: 1967b, ‘The Effect of C18 Unsaturated Fatty Acids on Methane Production in vitro by Mixed Rumen Bacteria’, Biochim. Biophys. Acta 137, 484–497.
Demeyer, D. I. and Van Nevel, C. J.: 1975, ‘Methanogenesis, an Integrated Part of Carbohydrate Fermentation, and Its Control’, in: McDonald, I. W. and Warner, A. C. I. (eds.), Digestion and Metabolism in the Ruminant, The University of New England Publishing Unit, Armidale, N.S.W., pp. 366–382.
Demeyer, D. I. and Van Nevel, C. J.: 1987, ‘Chemical Manipulation of Rumen Metabolism’, in: Ooms, L. A. A., Degryse, A. D. and van Miert, A. S. J. P. A. M. (eds.), Physiological and Pharmacological Aspects of the Reticulo-Rumen, M. Nijhoff Publishers, Dordrecht, pp. 227–251.
Demeyer, D. I., Van Nevel, C. J., Henderickx, H. K. and Martin, J.: 1969, ‘The Effect of Unsaturated Fatty Acids upon Methane and Propionic Acid in the Rumen’, in: Blaxter, K. L., Kielanowski, J. and Thorbek, G. (eds.), Energy Metabolism of Farm Animals, Oriel Press, Newcastle upon Tyne, pp. 139–147.
Fonty, G., Raibaud, P. and Gouet, Ph.: 1993, ‘Manipulation of the Gut Microflora’, Proc. Nutr. Soc. 52, 345–356.
Frumholtz, P. P., Newbold, C. J. and Wallace, R. J.: 1989, ‘Influence of Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Extract on the Fermentation of a Basal Ration in the Rumen Simulation Technique (Rusitec)’, J. Agric. Sci., Camb. 113, 169–172.
Fuller, J. R. and Johnson, D. E.: 1981, ‘Monensin and Lasalocid Effects on Fermentation in vitro’, J. Anim. Sci. 53, 1574–1580.
Genthner, B. R. S., Davis, C. L. and Bryant, M. P.: 1981, ‘Features of Rumen and Sewage Sludge Strains of Eubacterium limosum, a Methanol and H2−CO2 using Species’, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 42, 12–19.
Goodrich, R. D., Garrett, J. E., Gast, D. R., Kirick, M. A., Larson, D. A. and Meiske, J. C.: 1984, ‘Influence of Monensin on the Performance of Cattle’, J. Anim. Sci. 58, 1484–1498.
Greening, R. C. and Leedle, J. A. Z.: 1989, ‘Enrichment and Isolation of Acetitomaculum ruminis, gen. nov., sp. nov.-Acetogenic Bacteria From the Bovine Rumen’, Arch. Microbiol. 151, 399–406.
Henderson, C.: 1973, ‘The Effects of Fatty Acids on Pure Cultures of Rumen Bacteria’, J. Agric. Sci. Camb. 81, 107–112.
Henderson, C., Stewart, C. S. and Nekrep, F. V.: 1981, ‘The Effect of Monensin on Pure and Mixed Cultures of Rumen Bacteria’, J. Appl. Bacteriol. 51, 159–169.
Hillaire, M.-C., Jouany, J. P., Gaboyard, C. and Jeminet, G.: 1989, ‘In vitro Study of the Effect of Different Ionophore Antibiotics and of Certain Derivatives on Rumen Fermentation and on Protein Degradation’, Reprod. Nutr. Dev. 29, 247–257.
Hino, T., Takeshi, K., Kanda, M. and Kumazawa, S.: 1993, ‘Effect of Aibellin, a Novel Peptide Antibiotic, on Rumen Fermentation in vitro’, J. Dairy Sci. 76, 2213–2221.
Hino, T., Saitoh, H., Miwa, T., Kanda, M. and Kumazawa, S.: 1994, ‘Effect of Aibellin, a Peptide Antibiotic, on Propionate Production in the Rumen of Goats’, J. Dairy Sci. 77, 3426–3431.
Holter, J. B. and Young, A. J.: 1992, ‘Methane Production in Dry and Lactating Holstein Cows’, J. Dairy Sci. 75, 2165–2175.
Hungate, R. E., Fletcher, D. W. and Dyer, I. A.: 1955, ‘Effects of Chlortetracycline Feeding on Bovine Rumen Microorganisms’, J. Anim. Sci. 14, 997–1002.
Hvelplund, T., Stigsen, P., Møller, P. D. and Jensen, K.: 1978, ‘Propionic Acid Production Rate in the Bovine Rumen After Feeding Untreated and Sodium Hydroxide-Treated Straw’, Z. Tierphys. Tierernähr. Futtermittelkde 40, 183–190.
Ilian, M. A., Razzaque, M. A., Suleimann, A. R., Salman, A. J. and Salman, A. R.: 1986, ‘Sheep Diets with Various Roughage to Concentrate Ratios. 1. Effects on Performance and Rumen Characteristics’, Nutr. Rep. Int. 33, 353–361.
Immig, I., Fiedler, D., Van Nevel, C. and Demeyer, D.: 1995, ‘Inhibition of Methanogenesis in the Rumen of a Sheep with BES’, Proc. Soc. Nutr. Physiol. 4, 68.
Jensen, K. and Wolstrup, J.: 1977, ‘Effect of Feeding Frequency on Fermentation Pattern and Microbial Activity in the Bovine Rumen’, Acta Vet. Scand. 18, 108–121.
Jentsch, W. and Hoffmann, L.: 1994, ‘Influence of the Energy Metabolizability (Q) on Energy Maintenance Requirement and Utilization of the Metabolizable Energy for Deposition in Ruminants. 1. Energy and Nutrients digestibility’, Arch. Anim. Nutr. 46, 61–76.
Johnson, D. E.: 1972, ‘Effects of a Hemiacetal of Chloral and Starch on Methane Production and Energy Balance of Sheep Fed a Pelleted Diet’, J. Anim. Sci. 35, 1064–1068.
Johnson, E. D., Wood, A. S., Stone, J. B. and Moran, E. T. Jr.: 1972, ‘Some Effects of Methane Inhibition in Ruminants (Steers)’, Can. J. Anim. Sci. 52, 703–712.
Johnson, D. E., Hill, T. M., Carmean, B. R., Lodman, D. W. and Ward, G. M.: 1991, ‘New Perspectives on Ruminant Methane Emissions’, in: Wenk, C. and Boessinger, M. (eds.), Energy Metabolism of Farm Animals, ETH, Zürich, pp. 376–379.
Johnson, D. E., Aboomar, J. S., Saa, C. F. and Carmean, B. R.: 1994, ‘Persistence of Methane Suppression by Propionate Enhancers in Cattle Diets’, Proc. 13th Symp. Energy Metabolism of Farm Animals, Sept. 18–24, Parador de Turismo ‘Reyes Catôlicos’, Mojácar, Spain, Working Paper 68, pp. 4.
Jouany, J. P.: 1994a, ‘Methods of Manipulating the Microbial Metabolism in the Rumen’, Ann. Zootech. 43, 49–62.
Jouany, J. P.: 1994b, ‘Manipulation of Microbial Activity in the Rumen’, Arch. Anim. Nutr. 46, 133–153.
Jouany, J. P., Demeyer, D. I. and Grain, J.: 1988, ‘Effect of Defaunating the Rumen’, Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 21, 229–265.
Joyner, A. E., Brown, L. J., Fogg, T. J. and Rossi, R. T.: 1979, ‘Effect of Monensin on Growth, Feed Efficiency and Energy Metabolism of Lambs’, J. Anim. Sci. 48, 1065–1069.
Kobayashi, Y., Wakita, M. and Hoshino, S.: 1988, ‘Persistency of Salinomycin Effect on Ruminal Fermentation’, Nutr. Rep. Int. 38, 987–999.
Kreuzer, M.: 1986, ‘Methods and Application of Defaunation in the Growing Ruminant’, J. Vet. Med. A33, 721–745.
Kreuzer, M., Kirchgessner, M. and Müller, H. L.: 1986, ‘Effect of Defaunation on the Loss of Energy in Wethers Fed Different Quantities of Cellulose and Normal or Steamflaked Maize Starch’, Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 16, 233–241.
Kung, K., Tung, R. S. and Slyter, L. L.: 1992, ‘In vitro Effects of the Ionophore Lysocellin on Ruminal Fermentation and Microbial Populations’, J. Anim. Sci. 70, 281–288.
Lanigan, G. W., Payne, A. L. and Peterson, J. E.: 1978, ‘Antimethanogenic Drugs and Heliotropum europeum Poisoning in Penned Sheep’, Austr. J. Agric. Res. 29, 1281–1292.
Latham, M. J., Storry, J. E. and Sharpe, M. E.: 1972, ‘Effect of Low-Roughage Diets on the Microflora and Lipid Metabolism in the Rumen’, Appl. Microbiol. 24, 871–877.
Leedle, J. A. Z. and Greening, R. C.: 1988, ‘Postprandial Changes in Methanogenic and Acidogenic Bacteria in the Rumens of Steers fed High-Forage or Low-Forage Diets Once Daily’, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 54, 502–506.
Lindsey, T. O., Hedde, R. D., Sokolek, J. A., Quach, R. and Morgenthien, E. A.: 1985, ‘In vitro Characterization of Aricidin Activity in the Rumen’, J. Anim. Sci. 61 (Suppl. 1), 464 (Abstract).
Ljungdahl, L. G.: 1986, ‘The Autotrophic Pathway of Acetate Synthesis in Acetogenic Bacteria’, Ann. Rev. Microbiol. 40, 415–450.
Maczulac, A. E., Dehority, B. A. and Palmquist, D. L.: 1981, ‘Effects of Long-Chain Fatty Acids on Growth of Rumen Bacteria’, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 42, 856–862.
Marounek, M., Petr, O. and Machanova, L.: 1990, ‘Effect of Monensin on in vitro Fermentation of Maize Starch by Hindgut Contents of Cattle’, J. Agric. Sci., Cam. 115, 389–392.
Martin, S. A. and Macy, J. M.: 1985, ‘Effects of Monensin, Pyromellitic Diimide and 2-Bromoethanesulfonic Acid on Rumen Fermentation in vitro’, J. Anim. Sci. 60, 544–550.
Martin, S. A. and Nisbet, D. J.: 1990, ‘Effects of Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Extract on Fermentation of Amino Acids, Bermudagrass and Starch by Mixed Ruminal Microorganisms in vitro’, J. Anim. Sci. 68, 2142–2149.
Martin, S. A and Nisbet, D. J.: 1992, ‘Effects of Direct-Fed Microbials on Rumen Microbial Fermentation’, J. Dairy Sci. 75, 1736–1744.
Martin, S. A., Nisbet, D. J. and Dean, R. G.: 1989, ‘Influence of a Commercial Yeast Supplement on the in vitro Ruminal Fermentation’, Nutr. Rep. Int. 40, 395–403.
Marty, R. J. and Demeyer, D. I.: 1973, ‘The Effect of Inhibitors of Methane Production on Fermentation Pattern and Stoichiometry in vitro Using Rumen Contents From Sheep Given Molasses’, Br. J. Nutr. 30, 369–376.
Mathers, J. C. and Miller, E. L.: 1982, ‘Some Effects of Chloral Hydrate on Rumen Fermentation and Digestion in Sheep’, J. Agric. Sci., Camb. 99, 215–224.
Mbanzamihigo, L., Van Nevel, C. J. and Demeyer, D. I.: 1995, ‘Essai d'Adaptation de la Fermentation Ruminale au Monensin’, Reprod. Nutr. Dev. In press.
McAllister, T. A., Moustafa, S. M. S., Cheng, K.-J., Newbold, C. J., McKain, N. and Wallace, R. J.: 1994, ‘Effect of Salinomycin on Fermentation and Nitrogen Metabolism in the Artificial Rumen’, Can. J. Anim. Sci. 74, 575–578.
McNeill, J. J.: 1957, ‘Methane Formation and the Hydrogen Metabolism of Bovine Rumen Bacteria’, Ph. D. Thesis, University of Maryland.
Moore, J. A., Poore, M. H., Eck, T. P., Swingle, R. S., Huber, J. T. and Arana, M. J.: 1992, ‘Sorghum Grain Processing and Buffer Addition for Early Lactation Cows’, J. Dairy Sci. 75, 3465–3472.
Moss, A. R., Givens, D. I. and Garnsworthy, P. C.: 1994, ‘The Effect of Alkali Treatment of Cereal Straws on Digestibility and Methane Production by Sheep’, Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 49, 245–259.
Mutsvanga, T., Edwards, I. E., Topps, J. H. and Paterson, G. F. M.: 1992, ‘The Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Yeast Culture (Yea-Sacc) on Patterns of Rumen Fermentation, Food Intake and Growth of Intensively Fed Bulls’, Anim. Prod. 55, 35–40.
Newbold, C. J. and Wallace, R. J.: 1988, ‘Effects of the Ionophores Monensin and Tetronasin on Simulated Development of Ruminal Lactic Acidosis in vitro’, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 54, 2981–2985.
Nørgaard, P.: 1987, ‘The Influence of Level of Feeding and Physical Form of the Feed in the Reticulo-Rumen Fermentation in Dairy Cows Fed 12 Times Daily’, Acta Agric. Scand. 37, 353–365.
O'Kelly, J. C. and Spiers, W. W.: 1992, ‘Effect of Monensin on Methane and Heat Productions of Steers Fed Lucerne Hay’, Austr. J. Agric. Res. 43, 1789–1793.
Ørskov, E. R., Flatt, W. P. and Moe, P. W.: 1968, ‘Fermentation Balance Approach to Estimate Extent of Fermentation and Efficiency of Volatile fatty Acid Formation in Ruminants’, J. Dairy Sci. 51, 1429–1435.
Oscar, T. P. and Spears, J. W.: 1990, ‘Incorporation of Nickel into Ruminal factor F430 as Affected by Monensin and Formate’, J. Anim. Sci. 68, 1400–1404.
Oshio, S., Tahata, I. and Minato, H.: 1987, ‘Effects of Diets Differing in Ratios of Roughage to Concentrate on Microflora in the Rumen of Heifers’, J. Gen. Appl. Microbiol. 33, 99–111.
Parker, D. S. and Armstrong, D. G.: 1987, ‘Antibiotic Feed Additives and Animal Production’, Proc. Nutr. Soc. 46, 415–421.
Prins, R. A.: 1965, ‘Action of Chloral Hydrate on Rumen Microorganisms in vitro’, J. Dairy Sci. 48, 991–993.
Prins, R. A.: 1978, ‘Nutritional Impact of Intestinal Drug-Microbe Interactions’, in: Hathcock, J. N. and Coon, J. (eds.), Nutrition and Drug Interrelations, Academic Press, New York, pp. 189–251.
Prins, R. A., Van Nevel, C. J. and Demeyer, D. I.: 1972, ‘Pure Cultures Studies of Inhibitors for Methanogenic Bacteria’, Ant. van Leeuwen 38, 281–287.
Richardson, L. F., Raun, A. P., Potter, E. L., Cooley, C. O. and Rathmacher, R. P.: 1976, ‘Effect of Monensin on Rumen Fermentation in vitro and in vivo’, J. Anim. Sci. 43, 657–664.
Rogers, M., Jouany, J. P., Thivend, P. and Fontenot, J. P.: 1995, ‘The Effects of Long-Term Monensin Supplementation and its Subsequent Withdrawal on Digestion in Sheep’, Reprod. Nutr. Dev. Submitted.
Roth, F. X. and Kirchgessner, M.: 1976, ‘Nahrstoffverdaulichkeit und N-Umsatz beim Schaf bei Unterscheidlicher Futterungsfrequenz mit Kraftfutter’, Z. Tierphysiol. Tierernährung Futtermittelkde 37, 322–329.
Rumpler, W. V., Johnson, D. E. and Bates, D. B.: 1986, ‘The Effect of High Dietary Cation Concentration on Methanogenesis by Steers Fed Diets With and Without Ionophores’, J. Anim. Sci. 62, 1737–1741.
Russell, J. B. and Martin, S. A.: 1984, ‘Effect of Various Methane Inhibitors on the Fermentation of Amino Acids by Mixed Rumen Microorganisms in vitro’, J. Anim. Sci. 59, 1329–1338.
Russell, J. B. and Strobel, H. J.: 1988, ‘Effects of Additives on in vitro Ruminal Fermentation: a Comparison of Monensin and Bacitracin, Another Gram-Positive Antibiotic’, J. Anim. Sci. 66, 552–558.
Russell, J. B. and Strobel, H. J.: 1989, ‘The Effect of Ionophores on Ruminal Fermentation’, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 55, 1–6.
Russell, J. B. and Wallace, R. J.: 1988, ‘Energy Yielding and Consuming Reactions’, in: Hobson, P. N. (ed.), The Rumen Microbial Ecosystem, Elsevier Applied Science, London, pp. 185–215.
Salvas, P. L. and Taylor, B. F.: 1980, ‘Blockage of Methanogenesis in Marine Sediments by the Nitrification Inhibitor 2-chloro-6(trichloromethyl)pyridine (Nitrapyrin or N-serve)’, Curr. Microbiol. 4, 305–308.
Sauer, F. D. and Teather, R. M.: 1987, ‘Changes in Oxidation-Reduction Potentials and Volatile Fatty Acid Production by Rumen Bacteria when Methane Synthesis is Inhibited’, J. Dairy Sci. 70, 1835–1840.
Sawyer, M. S., Hoover, W. H. and Sniffen, C. J.: 1974, ‘Effects of a Ruminal Methane Inhibitor on Growth and Energy Metabolism in the Ovine’, J. Anim. Sci. 38, 908–914.
Schelling, G. T.: 1984, ‘Monensin Mode of Action in the Rumen’, J. Anim. Sci. 58, 1518–1527.
Slyter, L. L.: 1979, ‘Monensin and Dichloracetamide Influences on Methane and Volatile Fatty Acid Production by Rumen Bacteria in vitro Continuous Rumen Fermentations’, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 37, 283–288.
Sparling, R. and Daniels, L.: 1987, ‘The Specificity of Growth Inhibition of Methanogenic Bacteria by Bromoethanesulfonate’, Can. J. Microbiol. 33, 1132–1136.
Speth, J., Greenstein, M. and Maise, W.: 1981, ‘The Mechanism of Action of Avoparcin, a Glycopeptide Antibiotic’, Abstracts, 81 ste ASM Meeting, A15.
Spires, H. R. and Algeo, J. W.: 1983, ‘Laidlomycin Butyrate, an Ionophore with Enhanced Intra-Ruminal Activity’, J. Anim. Sci. 57, 1553–1560.
Stanier, G. and Davies, A.: 1981, ‘Effects of the Antibiotic Monensin and an Inhibitor of Methanogenesis on in vitro Continuous Rumen Fermentations’, Br. J. Nut. 45, 567–578.
Stewart, C. S.: 1991, ‘The Rumen Bacteria’, in: Jouany, J. P. (ed.), Rumen Microbial Metabolism and Ruminant Digestion, INRA, Paris, pp. 16–26.
Sutton, J. D.: 1986, ‘Rumen Fermentation and Gastro-Intestinal Absorption of Protein’, in: Neimann-Sørensen, A. (ed.), New Developments and Future Perspectives in Research on Rumen Function, C.E.C., Brussels, pp. 21–38.
Sutton, J. D., Hart, I. C., Broster, W. H., Elliott, R. J. and Schuller, E.: 1986, ‘Feeding Frequency for Lactating Dairy Cows: Effects on Rumen Fermentation and Blood Metabolites and Hormones’, Br. J. Nutr. 56, 181–192.
Thomas, P. C. and Clapperton, J. L.: 1972, ‘Significance to the Host of Changes in Fermentation Activity’, Proc. Nutr. Soc. 31, 165–170.
Thomas, P. C. and Rook, J. A. F.: 1977, ‘Manipulation of Rumen Fermentation’, in: Haresign, W. and Cole, D. J. A. (eds.), Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition, Butterworths, London, pp. 157–183.
Thomson, D. J.: 1972, ‘Physical Form of the Diet in Relation to Rumen Fermentation’, Proc. Nutr. Soc. 31, 127–139.
Thornton, J. H. and Owens, F. N.: 1981, ‘Monensin Supplementation and in vivo Methane Production by Steers’, J. Anim. Sci. 52, 628–634.
Trei, J. E., Parish, R. C., Singh, I. K. and Scott, G. C.: 1971, ‘Effect of Methane Inhibitors on Rumen Metabolism and Feedlot Performance of Sheep’, J. Dairy Sci. 54, 536–540.
Trei, J. E., Scott, G. C., and Parish, R. C.: 1972, ‘Influence of Methane Inhibition on Energetic Efficiency of Lambs’, J. Anim. Sci. 34, 510–515.
Tyler, S. C.: 1991, ‘The Global Methane Budget’, in: Rogers, J. E. and Whiteman, W. B. (eds.), Microbial Production and Consumption of Greenhouse Gases: Methane, Nitrogen Oxides, and Halomethanes, Am. Soc. Microbiol., Washington D.C., pp. 7–38.
Ushida, K., Jouany, J. P. and Demeyer, D.: 1991, ‘Effects of Presence or Absence of Rumen Protozoa on the Efficiency of Utilization of Concentrate and Fibrous Feeds’, in: Tsuda, T., Sasaki, I. and Kawashima, R. (eds.), Physiological Aspects of Digestion and Metabolism in Ruminants, Academic Press, San Diego, pp. 625–654.
van der Honing, Y., Wieman, B. J., Steg, A. and van Donselaar, B.: 1981, ‘The Effect of Fat Supplementation of Concentrates on Digestion and Utilization of Energy by Productive Dairy Cows’, Neth. J. Agric. Sci. 29, 79–92.
van der Honing, Y., Tamminga, S., Wieman, B. J., Steg, A., van Donselaar, D. and van Gils, L. G. M.: 1983, ‘Further Studies on the Effects of Fat Supplementation of Concentrates Fed to Lactating Dairy Cows. 2. Total Digestion and Energy Utilization’, Neth. J. Agric. Sci. 31, 27–36.
Van Nevel, C. and Demeyer, D.: 1976, ‘Remming van de Methaanproductie in de Pens: Een Literatuuroverzicht’, Landbouwtijdschrift 29, 431–451.
Van Nevel, C. J. and Demeyer, D. I.: 1977, ‘Effect of Monensin on Rumen Metabolism in vitro’, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 34, 251–257.
Van Nevel, C. J. and Demeyer, D. I.: 1988, ‘Manipulation of Rumen Fermentation’, in: Hobson, P. N. (ed.), The Rumen Microbial Ecosystem, Elsevier Applied Science, London, pp. 387–443.
Van Nevel, C. J. and Demeyer, D. I.: 1992, ‘Influence of Antibiotics and a Deaminase Inhibitor on Volatile Fatty Acid Production from Detergent Washed Hay and Soluble Starch by Rumen Microbes in vitro’, Anim. Feed Sci Technol. 37, 21–31.
Van Nevel, C. and Demeyer, D.: 1995, ‘Feeds Additives and Other Interventions for Decreasing Methane Emissions’, in: Chesson, A. and Wallace, R. J. (eds.), Biotechnology in Animal Feeds and Animal Feeding, VCH, Weinheim, pp. 329–349.
Van Nevel, C. J., Henderickx, H. K., Demeyer, D. I. and Martin, J.: 1969, ‘Effect of Chloral Hydrate on Methane and Propionic Acid in the Rumen’, Appl. Microbiol. 17, 695–700.
Van Nevel, C. J., Demeyer, D. I., Cottyn, B. G. and Henderickx, H. K.: 1970a, ‘Effect of Sodium Sulphite on Methane and Propionate in the Rumen’, Z. Tierphysiol. Tierernähr. Futtermittelkde. 26, 91–100.
Van Nevel, C., Demeyer, D. and Henderickx, H. K.: 1970b, ‘Effect of Chlorinated Methane Analogues on Methane and Propionic Acid Production in the Rumen in vitro’, Med. Fac. Lanbouww. Univ. Gent 25, 145–152.
Van Nevel, C. J., Demeyer, D. I., Henderickx, H. K., and Martin, J.: 1970c, ‘A Simple Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Gas Production and Volatile Fatty Acid Concentration in the Rumen’, Z. Tierphysiol. Tierernähr. Futtermittelkde. 26, 100–105.
Van Nevel, C. J., Prins, R. A. and Demeyer, D. I.: 1974, ‘Observations on the Inverse Relationship Between Methane and Propionate in the Rumen’, Z. Tierphysiol. Tierernähr. Futtermittelkde. 33, 121–125.
Wakita, M., Masuda, T. and Hoshino, S.: 1986, ‘Effects of Salinomycin on the Gas Production by Sheep Rumen Contents in vitro’, J. Anim. Phys. Anim. Nutr. 56, 243–251.
Wallace, R. J.: 1994, ‘Ruminal Microbiology, Biotechnology, and Ruminant Nutrition: Progress and Problems’, J. Anim. Sci. 72, 2292–3003.
Wallace, R. J. and Newbold, C. J.: 1992, ‘Probiotics for Ruminants’, in: Fuller, R. (ed.), Probiotics: The Scientific Base, Chapman and Hall, London, pp. 317–353.
Wallace, R. J., Czerkawski, J. W. and Breckenridge, G.: 1981, ‘Effect of Monensin on the Fermentation of Basal Rations in the Rumen Simulation Technique (Rusitec)’, Br. J. Nutr. 46, 131–148.
Wedegaertner, T. C. and Johnson, D. E.: 1983, ‘Monensin Effect on Digestibility, Methanogenesis and Heat Increament of a Cracked Corn Silage Diet Fed to Steers’, J. Anim. Sci. 57, 168–177.
Williams, A. G. and Coleman, G. S.: 1992, The Rumen Protozoa, Springer-Verlag, New York.
Williams, P. E. V.: 1988, ‘Understanding the Biochemical Mode of Action of Yeast Culture’, in: Lyons, T. P. (ed.), Biotechnology in the Feed Industry, Alltech Technical Publication, Nicholasville, Kentucky, pp. 79–99.
Williams, P. E. V. and Newbold, C. J.: 1990, ‘Rumen Probiosis: The Effects of Novel Microorganisms on Rumen Fermentation and Ruminant Productivity’, in: Haresign, W. and Cole, D. J. A. (eds.), Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition, Butterworths, London, pp. 211–227.
Wolin, E. A., Wolfe, R. S. and Wolin, M. J.: 1964, ‘Microbial Formation of Methane’, J. Bacteriol 87, 993–998.
Wolin, M. J. and Miller, T. L.: 1988, ‘Microbe-Microbe Interactions’, in: Hobson, P. M. (ed.), The Rumen Microbial System, Elsevier Applied Science, London, pp. 343–359.
Wood, J. M., Kennedy, F. S. and Wolfe, R. S.: 1968, ‘The Reaction of Multihalogenated Hydrocarbons with Free and Bound Reduced Vitamin B12’, Biochemistry 7, 1707–1719.
Zinn, R. A.: 1987, ‘Influence of Lasalocid and Monensin plus Tylosin on Comparative Feeding Value of Steam-Flaked versus Dry-Rolled Corn in Diets for Feedlot Cattle’, J. Anim. Sci. 65, 256–266.
Zinn, R. A.: 1989, ‘Influence of Level and Source of Dietary Fat on its Comparative Feeding Value in Finishing Diets for Feedlot Steers’, J. Anim. Sci. 67, 1038–1049.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Van Nevel, C.J., Demeyer, D.I. Control of rumen methanogenesis. Environ Monit Assess 42, 73–97 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00394043
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00394043