Wishmore Gwala

Project Title:  The Impact of methane-reducing feed additives on rumen composition and the composition and quality of milk from a seasonal production system

Overview: Wishmore is focusing on the impact of enteric methane reducing feed additives on overall milk quality produced from a seasonal production system. Of interest will be the impact of the feed additives on the processibilty of the milk into dairy products namely butter, cheese and milk powders. Furthermore the effect of the feed additives on the rumen microbiome will be investigated.

 Enteric methane accounts for about 58% of Irish agricultural emissions with a further 10% released from manure and slurry. In total enteric methane accounts for about 19% of total Irish greenhouse gas emissions. As such, initiatives are being taken to reduce agro-emissions by 25% by 2030 relative to 2018 emissions. As the dairy sector strives to meet these targets, these feed additives will play a major role, hence the need to investigate their impact.

 Wishmore has worked in several projects which include designing and commercialisation of solar dryers for fruits and vegetables. Recently he was a research officer at Teagasc Moorepark where a drying technology is being developed which seeks to reduce energy consumption in drying of dairy powders by about 30%. The technology has potential to replace conventional spray drying and will enable valorisation of dairy waste streams.  

Programme Area: Food Chemistry and Technology

Supervisors: Dr Jonathan Megan, Dr Noel McCarthy, Dr Tom O`Callaghan

Location: Teagasc Moorepark

Funding Source: Teagasc