Wind of change for livestock’s diet

Agriculture Minister Jim Paice called the idea “exciting” yesterday.

Defra commissioned a report from Reading University and the Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences on how to reduce emissions of methane from livestock.

It says agriculture contributes about nine per cent of all UK greenhouse gas emissions and half of this comes from sheep, cows and goats. But feeding the animals maize silage, crushed rapeseed, naked oats and high-sugar grasses, instead of letting them graze naturally, could reduce the amount.

Mr Paice said: “We are committed to supporting the farming industry as it faces the challenge of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. It is very exciting that this new research has discovered that by simply changing the way we feed farm animals we have the potential to make a big difference to the environment.”

But intensive feeding goes with unpopular indoor farming and there is an argument that “grass-fed” produce is more natural and nutritious.

Mr Paice made sure the Defra Press notice included the cautionary words: “In the longer term, the benefits gained by changing animals’ diets will need to be considered against other environmental impacts, as well as how practical or costly they are for the farming industry to implement.”

Oliver White, research officer at Askham Bryan College, said the findings of the research were not surprising but “at the end of the day, the farmer will do what is most cost effective”.