Location: Livestock Nutrient Management Research
Project Number: 3090-31630-006-061-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Feb 1, 2026
End Date: Jan 31, 2028
Objective:
The objectives of this proposed study are:
Aim 1.) Use computational methods to screen molecules similar to bromoform and down selected using carcinogenicity and native substrate methyl coenzyme reductase (MCR)competition; assessing feasibility and efficacy of these molecules.
Aim 2.) In-Vitro testing of the identified compounds for animal performance, health, methane emissions, volatile fatty acid (VFA) production, ammonia production, dose ranging, and microbial ecology associated with these characteristics.
Aim 3.) In-silico methodologies for understanding molecular moieties for optimal inhibition activity.
Approach:
Computational methods performed at Iowa State University will be used to identify potential molecules that are similar to bromoform and compete with native MCR. These identified molecules will be analyzed for market availability. Of the selected molecules, in-vitro testing will be conducted at the USDA-ARS CPRL in Bushland, TX to test their ability to inhibit enteric methane emissions, other gaseous emissions, enhance VFA production, and how the microbial communities are affected within the rumen. In-silico methods will then assess moieties for optimal activity.