Forage utilization and microbial community responses to pine biochar as a feed additive for beef steers

Abstract

Ruminant livestock contribute ~14.5% to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While the atmospheric lifespan of methane is shorter than of carbon dioxide, it is much more potent, with a 28× greater global warming potential. Due to their reliance on extensive foregut fermentation for diet utilization, enteric methane production is inherent in ruminant animals. However, methanogenesis can be reduced through dietary manipulation. Significant work has been conducted on methane mitigation strategies for domestic cattle production, but each are limited by practical constraints. Therefore, there remains an opportunity to identify feed additives that enhance the sustainability of beef production through reductions in methanogenesis. Biochar, a carbon-rich material traditionally used as a soil amendment, offers a potential dual benefit when utilized as a feed additive: mitigating methane production by modulating rumen microbial communities and restoring pasture ecosystems through amended manure. However, comprehensive in vivo studies utilizing multi-omics approaches are urgently needed to fully understand the potential for biochar as a sustainable feed additive for cattle, including the ideal supplementation rate.Translational Health Research CenterAgricultural Science