Feeding cattle for less methane Methane is a loss of energy during feed digestion which reduces feed efficiency20 March 2024 20 March 2024 4 minute read 4 minute read By: By: Kansas State Research and Extension North AmericaCattle are ruminant animals and like all ruminants the fermentation process creates methane naturally. The second is that methane is a loss of energy during feed digestion; thus, reducing feed efficiency. One of the most immediate methods to reduce methane emissions is through feed additives that change fermentation in the rumen or block methane production. Table 1 shows several feed additives that can be used to reduce methane emissions, their category, and the average percent reduction in methane emissions. Feed additives can be used to reduce methane emissions; some with inherent economic incentives.