Ubiquitous parasites drive 33% increase in methane yield from livestock

With international commitments to tackle drivers of climate change, there is a need to lower global methane emissions from livestock production. Gastrointestinal helminths (parasitic worms) are globally ubiquitous and represent one of the most pervasive challenges to the health and productivity of grazing livestock.

These parasites influence a number of factors affecting methane emissions including feed efficiency, nutrient use, and production traits. However their effects on methane emissions are unknown. This is the first study that empirically demonstrates disease-driven increases in methane yield in livestock (grams of CH4 per kg of dry matter intake).