Ivy for Ruminants (IfR)

Protozoal organisms in the rumen of animals such as cattle and sheep reduce their ability to utilise protein efficiently and increase their production of methane, an important greenhouse gas which may lead to increased global warming. Saponins from ivy have been shown by the team to reduce protozoal growth but the effect wears off as the protozoa remove sugars from the saponins and inactivate them. Glycosidase inhibitors from some food waste materials can slow this inactivation. The team will find the best combinations of saponins and glycosidase inhibitors for commercial production. Other uses are also also being considered by the project partners.