Increasing mitigation of GHG emissions and feed efficiency through feed additives

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: farmers experience increasing benefits from the adoption of safe, efficient, practical and affordable improved or novel feed additives and related practices that reduce GHG and air pollutants emissions, minimize environmental impact and have neither adverse effects on animal productivity nor on animal welfare; Farmer and agricultural advisors gain improved access to knowledge, resources and distribution channels for feed additives, that favour the integration of these solutions into common practices; evidence-based recommendations are provided for the implementation of EU policies and strategies, including the CAP, relevant to sustainable livestock farming systems, while also serving as a resource for regulatory authorities. Scope: The projects under this topic are relevant to the EU policies related to the EU Green Deal objectives for resilient and sustainable agri-food systems, the EU climate policy, the methane strategy, the Vision for Agriculture and Food, and the EU Action Plan for the Development of Organic Production [1] . Livestock production significantly contributes to GHG emissions and resource consumption, making it essential to improve feed efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Enteric fermentation in ruminants produces substantial methane emissions, while inefficient feed conversion increases feed demand, land use, and pollution. Developing and implementing effective feed additives can lower methane production, enhance nutrient utilization, and reduce nitrogen excretion, supporting sustainable livestock farming, improved profitability for farmers, and global climate goals. Reducing methane emissions from ruminants contributes to environmental sustainability by lowering the climate and environmental impact of livestock production, while also supporting economic sustainability for farmers through improved productivity and cost savings. Only a handful of additives have demonstrated significant effectiveness in reducing methane emissions or have become commercially available. The limited availability of reliable options and the challenges posed by inconsistent efficacy and applicability across diverse production systems represent a constraint. Proposals should address various terrestrial livestock systems, from conventional to extensive systems, considering regional feeding systems. Proposals should address at least farmed large ruminants. Proposals should address all the following activities: develop and test a wide range of additives …