Cattle Country: University of Manitoba researchers are developing innovative strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve sustainability in the Canadian beef and dairy sectors

The following was written by Larissa Scott, Zisanur Rahman, and Hooman Derakhshani for the National Center for Livestock and the Environment (NCLE), University of Manitoba. It was originally published in Cattle Country in February 2025.

Researchers from the University of Manitoba led by Dr. Hooman Derakhshani, in collaboration with universities of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Guelph, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) have launched a groundbreaking research initiative to address methane emissions from Canada’s cattle industry. Supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and private sector partners like Semex and Lactanet, the consortium aims to develop innovative technologies and practices that will reduce the environmental footprint of beef and dairy production while delivering tangible economic and environmental benefits.

Methane: A dual challenge for efficiency and emissions

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas (GHG), is produced during the breakdown of feed in the rumen. This is a natural process that enables cattle to convert plant material into energy for meat and milk production. However, it results in the production of methane and may lead to a 2–12% loss in feed energy. This loss in feed energy reduces production efficiency while contributing to Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. Methane is produced in the rumen of cattle across all production systems, but emissions are highest when cattle consume diets high in fiber. Consequently, there is an opportunity to identify strategies to improve feed efficiency, particularly in the cow-calf sector. The beef sector has set a target to reduce its GHG emission intensity by 33%, while the dairy industry is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. To help the cattle industry meet these goals, innovative and cost-effective solutions are needed. Tackling methane emissions not only supports these goals but also aligns with increasing consumer demand for sustainable food production and global climate objectives. Methane’s short atmospheric lifespan of 10–12 years makes it a key target for quick climate action.

A holistic research approach

This research initiative uses a comprehensive strategy to address methane emissions – integrating advanced science with practical applications for farmers and industry stakeholders.

1. Building Data Resources: The research team will develop a database to characterize the microbes in the rumen linked to methane emissions and feed efficiency. This database will be made available to researchers and industry stakeholders worldwide, enabling them to identify microbes and dietary factors that are associated with low methane emissions. Use of advance computation strategies including machine learning models will play a pivotal role in analyzing these datasets, to provide insights for methane reduction strategies.
2. Developing Microbial Feed Solutions: By leveraging the natural diversity and untapped metabolic potential of microbes in the rumen, researchers are exploring novel microbial feed additives—such as probiotics and phages (viruses capable of infecting and killing rumen bacteria)—to directly reduce methane emissions without compromising animal health or productivity. Using microbiome-derived additives can also help minimize regulatory challenges, facilitating faster commercialization and adoption by producers. The Interdisciplinary Livestock Microbiome Research lab at the University of Manitoba, led by Dr. Derakhshani, along with key collaborators Drs. Leluo Guan (University of British Columbia) and Tim McAllister (AAFC Lethbridge Research Centre) aim to develop new microbial solutions to reprogram the rumen microbiome and reduce methane production.
3. Enhancing Cattle Genetics: The project will also use cutting-edge genomic research to identify heritable traits in cattle linked to methane emissions and feed efficiency. The knowledge gained will be used in genetic selection and breeding programs to produce cattle that are more productive and environmentally efficient, contributing to long-term sustainability of cattle production in Canada and globally.

The outcomes of this research will inform development of Precision Management Strategies focused on the “3R” approach – Right genetics, Right feed, and Right production systems. The results will contribute to improved feeding and management practices on farms, and introduce new microbial solutions and genetic selection strategies for reducing methane emissions while optimizing productivity. These strategies will focus on practicality and broad applicability across Canada’s beef and dairy sectors.

Training the next generation of agricultural innovators

A key aspect of this project is training the next generation of agricultural scientists and innovators. Graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research technicians are actively involved, gaining hands-on experience in genomic research, microbiology, and precision agriculture. They are learning advanced techniques to improve livestock performance and drive future progress in sustainable agriculture. These skilled professionals will apply this knowledge in academia, government, and industry.

Broader benefits beyond methane reduction

While methane mitigation is a key focus, the benefits of this initiative extends far beyond reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The project also aims to improve cattle productivity, enhance feed efficiency, and support better animal health and welfare. These outcomes not only reduce production costs for farmers but also address consumer concerns about the environmental impact of meat and dairy production. Moreover, the project contributes to food security by ensuring that Canada’s beef and dairy sectors remain resilient in the face of climate extremes. Maintaining and strengthening food security is important given that the global population continues to rise, and therefore so does the demand for food and resources. The combination of environmental, economic, and social benefits strengthens the industry’s long-term sustainability and competitiveness, both domestically and globally.