Inclusion of Lotus tenuis in beef cattle systems in the Argentinian flooding pampa as an enteric methane mitigation strategy

ABSTRACT

While concerns about greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and animal welfare persist, livestock farming offers unique ecosystem services. In Argentina, where livestock significantly contributes to GHG emissions, particularly enteric methane (CH₄), urgent action is required to develop effective mitigation strategies while maintaining animal performance. This study assesses the potential of the inclusion of Lotus tenuis in natural grasslands to mitigate CH₄ emissions and improve forage quality in the Salado River basin, Argentina. Twenty-four beef heifers (361 ± 19 kg LW) were assigned to two treatments with contrasting botanical composition (LOT: > 80% Lotus tenuis and NG: > 60% grasses). LOT showed better forage quality and reduced CH₄ emissions (−17% gCH₄/day, p < 0.01; Ym: - 7 to −30%, p < 0.05) compared to NG. However, the condensed tannin content in LOT was insufficient to conclusively attribute any impact on CH₄ emissions. This study underscores the potential of promoted Lotus tenuis pastures in the Salado River basin to enhance forage quality and mitigate enteric CH₄ emissions in free-ranging cattle systems, albeit additional research is necessary to fully comprehend how this practice interacts within the ecosystem and optimise its benefits.

KEYWORDS:

• Beef cattle
• free-ranging systems
• enteric methane emissions
• SF6 tracer technique
• lotus tenuis

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Eng. Matias Bailleres, Tech. José Otondo, Dr. Oscar Ruíz and Dra. Gabriela Posse Beaulieu for their valuable support. The views expressed herein are exclusively those of the authors, and do not reflect the points of view of FONTAGRO, its Executive Board, the Bank, the Sponsoring Institutions, or of the countries they represent.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The Project was funded by PID Universidad Tecnológica Nacional MSTCBA0008687 Fondo para la Investigación Científica y Tecnológica [grant no PICT-2019-1647]; INTA Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria [grant no PNNAT 1128023]; FONTAGRO - New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries - PROCISUR [grant no ATN/RF-16926-RG].