DIETARY STRATEGIES FOR ENTERIC METHANE MITIGATION IN DAIRY COWS: EVALUATING THE EFFECTS OF NITRATE AND SEAWEED SUPPLEMENTATION ON GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS, MILK PRODUCTION
Abstract
Methane (CH₄) from enteric fermentation in ruminants, produced mainly by rumen methanogenic archaea using hydrogen and carbon dioxide from microbial feed fermentation, is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential about 28 times that of CO₂ over 100 years, and dairy and beef cattle are major contributors, with enteric methane from livestock accounting for a substantial proportion of global agricultural greenhouse gas emissions according to the FAO.
Introduction
Global urbanization is accelerating rapidly, with more than two-thirds of the world’s population projected to live in cities by 2050. This transformation places immense pressure on food systems, which must sustain urban populations while minimizing environmental impact.
Traditional agricultural models often rely on rural production and long-distance transportation, leading to food loss, higher carbon emissions, and reduced freshness.
Urban agriculture — the cultivation, processing, and distribution of food within and around cities — offers a promising solution. It brings food closer to consumers, supports local economies, and transforms cities into dynamic ecosystems that balance food production and sustainability.