might be considered over the entire lactation or fattening
period and even over the whole animal’s career. Their
complete evaluation should consider the consequences on
animal performances, safety for the ruminant and the
consumer, and economical viability. An integrated approach
that considers the rumen microbiota, the animal and the
diet seems the best approach to find a long-term solu-tion for reducing enteric CH4 production by ruminants.
Environmental impacts of strategies should also take into
consideration a global vision of production systems that
considers all greenhouse gases emissions from the animal
up to the farm scale as well as grassland use. We have to
keep in mind that farmers will adopt the solution only if
there is a positive economic impact on animal production
and farm profitability.