Scientists tested a new feed additive called 3-NOP in cattle to see if it could reduce methane gas emissions—a major contributor to climate change. They gave 75 young cattle either a regular diet or the same diet with two different amounts of 3-NOP for 115 days. The results were promising: cattle receiving the higher dose of 3-NOP produced 27% less methane while still gaining weight normally and staying healthy. The additive also changed the bacteria in the cattle’s stomachs in ways that suggest better digestion. This research suggests 3-NOP could be a practical tool for reducing greenhouse gases from cattle farming while keeping the animals productive.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether adding a special supplement called 3-NOP to cattle feed could reduce the methane gas they produce while keeping them healthy and growing normally
- Who participated: 75 young Nellore cattle (a beef breed) that were about 20 months old and weighed around 800 pounds each. They were divided into three equal groups of 25 animals
- Key finding: Cattle given the higher dose of 3-NOP produced 27% less methane gas compared to cattle eating regular feed, while the lower dose reduced methane by 13%. Importantly, both groups of treated cattle gained weight just as well as the control group
- What it means for you: If you’re concerned about climate change and agriculture’s impact on the environment, this research suggests a practical way to reduce methane from cattle farming. However, this is early-stage research in cattle, and more testing is needed before widespread use. The supplement appears safe and doesn’t reduce meat production, which is important for farmers considering adoption
The Research Details
Researchers divided 75 cattle into three groups of 25 animals each. One group ate a regular high-grain diet (the control group). The other two groups ate the same diet but with 3-NOP added at two different amounts: 65 milligrams per kilogram of feed and 85 milligrams per kilogram of feed. All cattle had unlimited access to food and water and lived in individual pens. The study lasted 115 days total, with the first 3 weeks used to gradually increase the amount of grain in the diet from 50% to 88%.
To measure methane emissions, scientists used a special tracer gas technique called the SF6 method. This involves adding a small amount of sulfur hexafluoride gas to the cattle’s diet and then measuring how much methane they produce by analyzing their breath and digestive gases. This is considered one of the most accurate ways to measure methane from cattle.
Researchers also collected samples of the bacteria living in the cattle’s stomachs (called the rumen microbiome) and analyzed the chemical compounds present in their digestive system (metabolomics) to understand how 3-NOP was affecting digestion at a deeper level.
This research design is important because it tests 3-NOP in realistic farming conditions with a large number of animals. By comparing two different doses, scientists could see if the effect was dose-dependent (meaning higher doses work better). Testing in Nellore cattle specifically matters because this breed is commonly raised in Brazil and other countries for beef production. The 115-day study period is long enough to see real effects on animal growth and health, not just short-term changes
This study has several strengths: it used a large sample size (75 cattle), randomly assigned animals to groups, kept conditions controlled by housing animals individually, and measured methane using a scientifically validated method. The study was published in the Journal of Animal Science, a peer-reviewed scientific journal. However, the study was conducted in one specific setting with one breed of cattle eating one type of diet, so results may not apply to all cattle farming situations. The research is recent (2026) and represents current scientific methods
What the Results Show
The main finding was that 3-NOP successfully reduced methane emissions in a dose-dependent manner. Cattle receiving 65 mg of 3-NOP per kilogram of feed produced 13.2% less methane than the control group, while cattle receiving 85 mg produced 26.7% less methane. This is a substantial reduction, especially at the higher dose.
Importantly, this reduction in methane did not come at the cost of animal performance. Cattle in both 3-NOP groups reached the same final weight as the control group and gained weight at the same rate. This means farmers wouldn’t have to choose between reducing emissions and maintaining productivity.
Interestingly, cattle receiving 3-NOP actually ate more feed than the control group, with intake increasing in proportion to the amount of 3-NOP added. This suggests the supplement may have improved the cattle’s appetite or digestibility, allowing them to consume more while maintaining the same growth rate.
The researchers also found that 3-NOP changed the composition of bacteria living in the cattle’s stomachs and altered various chemical compounds involved in digestion. These changes suggest that 3-NOP works by modifying how food is broken down in the rumen, which is the first stomach compartment in cattle where fermentation occurs
The changes in the rumen microbiome (the community of bacteria and other microorganisms in the cattle’s stomach) indicate that 3-NOP is working through biological mechanisms rather than simply being toxic to the animals. The metabolomic profile changes—meaning shifts in the chemical compounds present during digestion—suggest that 3-NOP is altering fermentation patterns in a way that produces less methane while still allowing normal nutrient absorption and growth. These findings suggest the supplement is working as intended without causing harmful side effects
This research builds on previous studies showing that 3-NOP can reduce methane in cattle. However, this study is valuable because it tests the supplement in Nellore cattle, a breed that wasn’t extensively studied before, and it examines the biological mechanisms through microbiome and metabolomic analysis. The dose-dependent response (higher doses = greater reduction) aligns with what scientists expected based on how the chemical works. The finding that animal performance wasn’t affected is consistent with other 3-NOP studies and is encouraging for practical adoption
This study was conducted with one breed of cattle (Nellore) eating one specific type of diet (high-grain finishing diet), so the results may not apply to cattle eating different diets or other cattle breeds. The study was relatively short (115 days), so we don’t know if the effects would continue over a full production cycle or if cattle would develop tolerance to the supplement over time. The research was conducted in a controlled research setting where cattle lived individually; results might differ in typical farm conditions where cattle live in groups. Additionally, the study doesn’t address the cost of 3-NOP or whether the environmental benefits would justify the expense for farmers
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, 3-NOP appears to be a promising tool for reducing methane emissions from cattle farming. The higher dose (85 mg/kg) showed the most benefit with a 27% reduction in methane. However, this is a single study, and more research is needed before making widespread recommendations. Farmers interested in reducing their environmental impact should monitor future research and consult with agricultural advisors about whether 3-NOP makes sense for their operation. The supplement appears safe and doesn’t reduce productivity, which are important considerations. Confidence level: Moderate—this is good evidence from a well-designed study, but more research across different cattle types and farming conditions would strengthen the recommendations
This research is most relevant to cattle farmers, agricultural companies, and environmental policymakers interested in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. It’s particularly relevant in countries like Brazil where Nellore cattle are commonly raised. Environmental advocates concerned about climate change should find this encouraging as a practical solution. Consumers interested in more sustainable beef production may also care about this research. However, this research is specifically about cattle in finishing operations (the final stage before slaughter), so it may not apply to dairy cattle or cattle in other production stages without additional research
Based on this study, the methane reduction effect appears to occur relatively quickly—the study measured it over a 115-day period. However, farmers should expect that it would take several weeks for the cattle’s digestive system to fully adjust to the supplement. The changes in the rumen microbiome suggest the biological effects develop over time rather than immediately. If a farmer were to implement this on their operation, they should expect to see measurable methane reductions within 4-8 weeks of consistent supplementation
Want to Apply This Research?
- Users could track daily feed intake amounts and correlate them with supplement dosage to monitor whether their cattle are eating more (as this study showed). Track weight gain weekly to confirm that methane reduction isn’t affecting growth rates. If methane measurement equipment is available, users could record methane emissions weekly to document the reduction percentage
- For farmers using an agricultural app, they could set reminders to consistently add 3-NOP to feed at the correct dose (the study tested 65-85 mg per kilogram of dry matter). They could log feed batches and supplementation dates to ensure compliance. The app could calculate the cost per animal per day and track return on investment if methane credits or environmental incentives become available
- Establish a baseline measurement of current methane emissions before starting 3-NOP supplementation. Then measure monthly or every 4 weeks to track the reduction percentage. Monitor feed costs and any changes in feed efficiency (weight gain per pound of feed consumed). Track animal health indicators like illness rates and veterinary treatments to ensure the supplement isn’t causing problems. Keep records of which cattle received which doses to identify the optimal level for your specific operation
This research describes a study in cattle and should not be interpreted as medical advice for humans. While 3-NOP shows promise in reducing methane emissions from cattle, this is a single research study. Farmers considering using 3-NOP should consult with their veterinarian and agricultural extension specialist to determine if it’s appropriate for their specific operation, cattle breed, and feeding system. The long-term effects, cost-effectiveness, and applicability to different farming conditions require further research. This summary is for educational purposes and does not constitute professional agricultural or environmental advice. Always follow product label instructions and local regulations regarding feed additives
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.