In a study from the dissertation “Investigating Feed Additives and Energy Models for Sustainable Cattle Production”, Dr. Leanna Kelly and Dr. Ermias Kebreab explored the potential of biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More, a charcoal-like substance, to reduce methane emissions from cattle, in their study published in the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation. The research emphasizes the importance of finding strategies to decrease methane emissions from ruminants, which are a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.  

 Kelly and Kebreab’s research examined how adding biochar to cattle feed affected methane output. They divided cattle into groups, feeding them different amounts of biochar. The researchers then carefully measured the methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen released by the animals. Interestingly, they found that biochar had no significant effect on methane or hydrogen emissions. While there was a small reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in one group, the overall impact of biochar on greenhouse gas release was minimal.  

Previous research on biochar’s effect on methane emissions has been inconsistent. Some studies showed a decrease in methane, while others, like this one, did not. The authors suggest that the variations in biochar’s properties might explain these differences. Biochar is not a uniform product; its characteristics change depending on the source material (e.g., wood type) and how it is produced.  

This research indicates that biochar, as used in this study, is not a reliable way to reduce methane emissions from cattle. However, the authors emphasize that more research is needed to explore different types of biochar and their potential effects. Further studies could help optimize biochar for methane mitigation or identify other beneficial uses of biochar in livestock farming.  

Source: Kelly, L. (2025). Investigating Feed Additives and Energy Models for Sustainable Cattle Production. UC Davis Electronic Theses and Dissertations.