Electron flow: key to mitigating ruminant methanogenesis

Trends Microbiol. 2022 Mar;30(3):209-212. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2021.12.005. Epub 2022 Jan 10.

Authors

Sinead C Leahy¹, Peter H Janssen², Graeme T Attwood², Roderick I Mackie³, Tim A McAllister⁴, William J Kelly⁵

Affiliations

¹ New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC), Palmerston North, New Zealand. Electronic address: Sinead.leahy@nzagrc.org.nz.
² AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
³ University of Illinois, IL, USA.
⁴ Agriculture and Agri-Food, Ottawa, Canada.
⁵ New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC), Palmerston North, New Zealand.

PMID: 35027237
DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2021.12.005

Abstract

Disposal of electrons generated during the fermentation of ingested feed is a fundamental feature of anaerobic microbial gut ecosystems. Here, we focus on the well-studied rumen environment to highlight how electrons are transferred through anaerobic fermentation pathways and how manipulating this electron flow is important to reducing methane emissions from ruminants. Priorities for research that can accelerate understanding in this area are highlighted.

Keywords: anaerobic fermentation; climate change; electron flow; gut; methane; methanogenesis.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Ecosystem*
Electrons*
Fermentation
Methane / metabolism
Rumen
Ruminants

Substances

Methane