B.FLT.5019 - Optimising Australian feedlot cattle performance and reducing emissions with a low dose 3-NOP
Research has shown that a low-dose 3-NOP feed additive can reduce methane emissions from feedlot cattle while maintaining animal performance and carcase value, offering a practical pathway for more sustainable beef production.
| Project start date: | 30 November 2024 |
| Project end date: | 18 December 2026 |
| Publication date: | 03 August 2026 |
| Project status: | In progress |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle |
| Relevant regions: | National |
Summary
Global commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions have placed increasing pressure on the Australian beef feedlot industry to demonstrate measurable reductions in enteric methane. Methane inhibitors, particularly 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP), have shown consistent efficacy in reducing enteric methane emissions from cattle; however, animal performance responses to-date have been neutral or negative, largely attributable to the high doses used in prior research and the associated accumulation of metabolic hydrogen in the rumen. A lower dose of 3-NOP was hypothesised to achieve meaningful methane suppression while preserving the enzymatic conditions necessary for normal rumen fermentation energetics, potentially allowing the energy spared from reduced methanogenesis to be redirected into productive animal performance. This research was designed to address this hypothesis under Australian feedlot conditions using a novel liquid form of 3-NOP, which offered practical advantages for commercial feedlot application.
Objectives
The project aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a low-dose liquid 3-NOP formulation in reducing enteric methane emissions from Australian feedlot cattle and to determine whether this dose and delivery system could maintain or improve animal performance relative to control and standard powdered formulations (Bovaer 10®). A secondary objective was to evaluate effects on carcase quality and yield, including grading outcomes relevant to Australian market specifications.
Key findings
• Low-dose liquid 3-NOP reduced enteric methane emissions equivalent to the powdered form (Bovaer®), at the same dose.
• Both the liquid and powder forms produced equivalent methane suppression and an equivalent increase in gaseous hydrogen emissions relative to control.
• No adverse effects on animal performance, intake, carcase quality or meat quality were observed
• An improvement in intramuscular fat content was recorded with a low dose of liquid 3-NOP, compared to the control.
Benefits to industry
The demonstration that a low-dose liquid 3-NOP formulation achieves commercially meaningful methane suppression without compromising animal performance or carcase value provides the Australian feedlot industry with a practical, evidence-based pathway to reduce Scope 1 emissions without production penalty, a finding directly relevant to supply chain sustainability commitments, retailer-driven reduced-methane beef programs, and future carbon market mechanisms. The equivalence of the liquid and powder formulations in methane suppression efficacy, combined with the logistical advantages of liquid micro-ingredient delivery systems in commercial feedlots, supports industry confidence in adopting the oil-suspension delivery approach. The null carcase yield effect and the positive marbling signal represent commercially reassuring outcomes, reducing a key commercial risk barrier to adoption.
MLA action
MLA will evaluate the findings to determine if further research is required.
Future research
Understanding the metabolic fate of H₂ spared at low inhibitory doses could be a research priority, as this would clarify whether co-supplementation with complementary additives could unlock growth or carcase quality benefits under feedlot finishing conditions.
More information
| Project manager: | Liz Pearson |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
