Impact of tannin-based additives on animal performance and enteric methane emissions in dairy and beef cattle: A meta-analysis
Abstract
This meta-analysis evaluated the effects of tannin-based feed additives on enteric methane (CH4) emissions, nutrient digestibility, and animal performance in beef and dairy cattle. A total of 23 peer-reviewed studies comprising 75 treatment means were included in the analysis. Random effects and mixed effects models were used to estimate relative mean differences and identify moderators of response. Robust variance estimation accounted for within-study dependence. Overall, tannin supplementation significantly reduced enteric CH4 emissions (-10.2%) and CH4 yield (-9.3%) across studies in beef and dairy cattle. Although no significant differences were detected between cattle types for CH4 emissions or yield, the database was unbalanced (14 beef vs. 9 dairy studies), and statistical support for a reduction in lactating dairy cows (7 studies) was weaker when analyzed separately (df = 1.7). These results warrant cautious interpretation for dairy systems. Likewise, no interactions between cattle type and tannin dose were detected for CH4 emissions or yield. The incomplete factorial representation of tannin types across cattle types further limited the evaluation of potential tannin type × cattle type interactions. No interaction between tannin type and dose was observed for enteric CH4 emissions or yield. Methane intensity in dairy (g/kg ECM) and beef cattle (g/kg average daily gain) was not affected by tannin supplementation, mainly due to differences in performance responses…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in animal, not in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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