The rumen is a complex and dynamic organ that converts fibrous forages, starch-rich cereal grains and other feed ingredients, including ethanol byproducts, into high-quality microbial protein and energy-dense volatile fatty acids that support maintenance and growth of the animal.

When it comes to feeding the world, cattle have a starring role. At the same time, they play a part in the emission of methane, one of the three major greenhouse gases. Neither fact can be ignored.