Feed additives as frontline tools in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural animals

Feed additives are among the most promising nutritional strategies for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from livestock. Numerous studies have investigated their potential to mitigate GHG emissions from ruminants and pseudo-ruminants using both in vitro and in vivo approaches. These studies have examined a wide range of additives, including phytogenic compounds, microbial additives, seaweeds and microalgae, enzymes, dietary lipids, synthetic inhibitors, agricultural by-products, and nano-encapsulated bioactive compounds. Feed additives have been investigated in various forms, including plant extracts, microbial combinations, nano-encapsulated formulations, and purified bioactive compounds, with several demonstrating promising potential for reducing methane and other GHG emissions while maintaining desirable fermentation characteristics. However, the translation of promising findings into practical livestock production requires further validation through well-designed in vivo studies, particularly to establish effective doses, consistency of responses, and potential interactions with animal species and diets. This editorial highlights recent advances in the use of feed additives for GHG mitigation and discusses key priorities for their practical application. It also recognises the receipt of the 2026 TWAS-UNESCO Award in Agriculture, Nutrition and Food Systems Sciences by Prof. A.Z.M. Salem for his contributions to improving animal production and health and mitigating GHG emissions through innovative feed additives and alternative food resources for cleaner agriculture.