The question posed is whether it is possible to eliminate or significantly reduce methane
production by feeding material, such as nitrate, that provides an alternative electron acceptor
whilst still maintaining the efficiency of the fermentative digestion. The latter directly relates to
nutritional value of a feed. There are a range of compounds that could provide electron acceptors
which have not been studied in detail for this role. Nitrate/nitrite and sulphate have potential to be
reduced in the rumen but researchers have been distracted by focusing on the toxic effects of
nitrite produced from nitrate in the rumen under some circumstances leading to economic loss by
lowered production and death of animals. The potential benefits from using nitrate as alternative
electron acceptor in the diets of ruminants has received little attention, particularly where it may
also supply a high proportion of the total N in a feed.