The University of Florida is reporting that their researchers are testing a new type of cattle feed that could help reduce the methane gas released from dairy cows by using nutrients more efficiently. By reducing these emissions, researchers believe that it could make dairy farming more environmentally friendly. The research is led by Antonio Faciola, looked at supplemental feeds made from flaxseed and pea protein and was published this month in the Journal of Dairy Science. The research focused on the energy lost in the cow’s stomach and the relationship on the energy that could be used to make milk or meat and while feeding cattle in a way to reduce methane output. Researchers hoped to help the cow produce more milk while addressing climate goals. The researchers added these supplements in a dairy cow’s rumen in a lab and measured how fermentation changed, noting that the omega-3 fatty acids reduced methane production and improved overall digestion. Lead researcher Antonio Faciola, associate professor at UF’s Department of Animal Sciences said, “t’s a win-win situation. Every time we reduce methane, we keep that energy in the cow’s body. This supplement has multiple potential benefits. Not only could it reduce methane emissions, but it might also increase energy availability for cows, potentially leading to increased milk production.”