China Dairy ›› 2026, Vol. 0 ›› Issue (7): 48-54.doi: 10.12377/1671-4393.26.07.07

• PLANT EXTRACTS AND HEALTHY FARMING • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Effects of Plant Essential Oils on Rumen Fermentation Regulation and Methane Mitigation in Ruminants

HUANG Congcong, LI Aihong*   

  1. Jimo District Animal Husbandry Development Service Center,Qingdao Shandong 266200
  • Published:2026-08-19

Abstract: Among ruminants,methane is the primary source of greenhouse gases,naturally produced through rumen fermentation,leading to significant loss of nutrients and energy. Essential oils are complex mixtures composed of volatile lipid-soluble compounds such as terpenes and phenylpropanoids,exhibiting antibacterial,antioxidant,and anti-inflammatory properties. While enhancing rumen fermentation,they demonstrate substantial potential in addressing the pressing challenge of methane emission reduction,making them promising natural feed additives for regulating rumen fermentation and lowering methane emissions. This review systematically summarized recent research advancements on plant essential oils in modulating ruminant rumen fermentation and reducing methane emissions,analyzed multiple mechanisms by which essential oils suppress methane production,elucidated intestinal methane generation pathways,compared application efficacy of different essential oil types in practical livestock farming,and outlined future research directions,aiming to provide theoretical foundations for the industrial application of plant essential oils as low-carbon feed additives in ruminant husbandry.

Key words: plant essential oils, ruminants, rumen fermentation, methane reduction

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