Animistic and Norel: Innovating Animal Nutrition with Methane Reducing Feed Additives

A closeup shot of a circle hanged on the snout of a black calf 
By Aryeri Bardales - Technical Sales Intern and Casey L. Bradley, Ph.D. - President and Founder of Animistic - November 5th, 2024;  

Since her early collaboration with Norel’s team, Dr. Casey Bradley has been on a mission to leverage science-driven nutrition solutions that reduce environmental impacts while promoting animal health. These innovations position Animistic and Norel at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions in Malic Acid Methane Reduction, advancing feed strategies that support both animal productivity and environmental responsibility.

Malic Acid Methane Reduction in Ruminant Nutrition: From Methane Mitigation to Feed Efficiency

Ruminants like cattle are significant sources of methane emissions, which arise during rumen fermentation—a digestive process critical to breaking down fibrous plant material. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a single cow can emit up to 500 liters of methane daily, representing roughly 3.7% of global greenhouse gases. Methane, with a global warming potential 25 times greater than carbon dioxide, has led researchers to seek methane reducing feed additives as solutions…

Malic acid, as found in Norel’s Rumalato, shows promise in addressing this issue by altering the rumen microbial ecosystem. Studies demonstrate that malic acid acts as a hydrogen sink, effectively competing with methanogenesis (the process by which methanogens produce methane) and redirecting hydrogen toward propionate production instead. Propionate, a volatile fatty acid (VFA), not only provides a key energy source for ruminants but also reduces methane emissions when it is favored over acetate during fermentation. 

How Malic Acid Reduces Methane Emissions: A Mechanistic Overview

  1. Hydrogen Competition: In the rumen, malic acid promotes propionate production by acting as a substrate in the succinate–propionate pathway. This pathway competes with methanogenesis by capturing hydrogen that methanogens would otherwise use to produce methane. This diversion reduces methane output while simultaneously enhancing energy capture within the rumen, boosting efficiency. 
  2. Shift in VFA Profile: Malic acid supplementation changes the VFA profile by increasing propionate relative to acetate. Acetate is more associated with higher methane production, whereas propionate captures hydrogen and reduces methane emissions. This shift optimizes the rumen’s energy use, as propionate is gluconeogenic and can be converted to glucose for growth and milk production. 
  3. Improvement of Rumen pH Stability: Excessive lactic acid can cause acidosis, a detrimental condition in ruminants. Malic acid helps to convert lactic acid to propionate, reducing lactate levels and thus stabilizing rumen pH. This buffering effect creates a more favorable environment for beneficial microbes, improving fiber digestion and nutrient absorption. 
  4. Enhanced Microbial Growth: Research suggests that malic acid enhances populations of succinate-producing bacteria, particularly Selenomonas ruminantium, a prominent species in the rumen that aids in propionate production. By supporting these beneficial microbes, malic acid helps maintain a balanced microbial ecosystem, which is essential for optimal fermentation and animal health. 
Illustration showing Malic Acid Methane Reduction in ruminants: microbial pathway, VFA production, CO₂ mitigation, and rumen benefits.

Key Studies on Malic Acid and Methane Reduction

  • Improvement of Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs): Studies indicate that DL-malic acid supplementation can increase VFA production, particularly propionate, in ruminant diets, improving overall rumen efficiency. For example, research on beef cattle has shown that DL-malic acid improves fattening performance and rumen fermentation efficiency, with notable increases in VFA concentration. 
  • Enhanced Feed Intake and Milk Production: In lactating dairy cows, malic acid supplementation has been shown to improve nutrient digestibility, increase milk production, and enhance feed efficiency. This effect is particularly notable at doses of around 30 grams per day, as demonstrated by experiments with lactating Holsteins. 
  • Reduced Methane and Acidosis: Experimental studies using malic acid have observed significant reductions in methane emissions. One study reported up to a 7.5% reduction in methane output with dietary malic acid, along with a decrease in dry matter intake, which improves feed efficiency by redirecting energy toward growth and production. 

These findings suggest that malic acid can play a vital role in creating a sustainable ruminant feed strategy that benefits both animal productivity and environmental impact. 

Beyond Ruminants: The Impact of Butyrate and Medium-Chain Fatty Acids in Swine and Poultry

While malic acid primarily benefits ruminants, other organic acids like butyrate and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) have shown promise in improving gut health, feed efficiency, and pathogen control in swine and poultry. 

Butyrate: Enhancing Gut Integrity and Immune Resilience

Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, is crucial for maintaining gut health in monogastric animals such as swine and poultry. It strengthens the intestinal epithelial barrier, reduces inflammation, and serves as a direct energy source for intestinal cells: 

  • Gut Integrity: By reinforcing the gut lining, butyrate minimizes pathogen entry, enhancing the animal’s natural defenses. 
  • Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Butyrate acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, promoting immune resilience, especially in antibiotic-free systems. 
  • Improved Nutrient Absorption: As a primary energy source for enterocytes, butyrate supports intestinal development, critical during early growth phases, which ultimately improves feed efficiency and productivity. 

Medium-Chain Fatty Acids: Potent Antimicrobial Agents

MCFAs, including caprylic and capric acids, are valuable in swine and poultry nutrition due to their antimicrobial effects, energy density, and immune-boosting properties: 

  • Antibacterial Action: MCFAs disrupt the cell membranes of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, reducing infection rates in livestock. 
  • Energy Provision: These fatty acids provide a highly digestible energy source that supports growth without requiring complex metabolic pathways. 
  • Immune Support: In addition to their antimicrobial effects, MCFAs enhance immune function, crucial for animals raised with reduced antibiotic use. 

Norel’s Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation in Animal Nutrition

With a production facility in Pasadena, Texas, Norel is equipped to manufacture products that meet the needs of the North American livestock industry, from malic acid solutions like Rumalato for methane reduction in ruminants to butyrate and MCFAs for gut health in monogastrics. This localized production ensures product quality and accessibility for U.S. livestock producers, allowing for timely support and innovation in feed additives. 

The 2024 Norel Workshop in Spain: Hands-On Insights into Innovative Feed Solutions 

This past summer, Dr. Bradley attended a workshop hosted by Norel in Spain, which featured in-depth discussions on product applications, particularly for Rumalato. Highlights included a tour of a local ox farm where Rumalato is actively used, providing a firsthand look at the product’s impact on ruminant performance and methane reduction. 

Moving Forward: A Shared Vision for Sustainable Animal Nutrition 

Animistic’s partnership with Norel is built on a commitment to developing effective, science-backed solutions for the livestock industry. Together, the two companies aim to lead in malic acid methane reduction by delivering science-backed feed additives that support environmental sustainability. Through products like Rumalato, butyrate, and MCFAs, Animistic and Norel are dedicated to addressing key industry challenges and supporting adopting practices that benefit animal health and the environment. 

This partnership signifies more than just business—it is a shared vision for a sustainable future in animal nutrition, one that aligns with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve animal welfare. 

References:

  • Abbott D.W., Aasen I.M., Beauchemin K.A., Grondahl A., Gruninger R. Seaweed and Seaweed Bioactives for Mitigation of Enteric Methane: Challenges and Opportunities. Animals. 2020;10:2432. doi: 10.3390/ani10122432.
  • Bharathidhasan, A. Effect of supplemental malic acid on methane mitigation in paddy straw based complete diet for sustainable animal production in Indigenous dairy cattle. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 92 (11): 1314–1319, November 2022/Article
  • Bharathidhasan A, Balamurugan R, Karuakaran R, Balakrishnan V, Pugazhenthi T R and Ezhilvalavan S. 2016. Influence of malic acid and fumaric acid on methane reduction in paddy straw based diet for ruminants. Proceedings of XVI Biennial Animal Nutrition Conference on Innovative Approaches for Animal Feeding and Nutritional Research held at NDRI, Karnal, India on 06-08 February 2016. P :86.
  • Diaz Fernando, 2016. Effect of malic acid in dairy cow diets. Dairy Consulting, LLC. All about feed volume 24, No.10.Article
  • Europa Horizon Magazine. Can We Make Cow Burps Climate-Friendly? | Research and Innovation. [(accessed on 23 July 2022)]. Available online: Article
  • Foley, P. A., Kenny, D. A., Callan, J. J., Boland, T. M., & O’Mara, F. P. (2009). Effect of DL-malic acid supplementation on beef cattle feed intake, methane emission, and rumen fermentation. Journal of Animal Science, 87(3), 1048–1057. doi:10.2527/jas.2008-1026. 
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