Adding sandalwood (or a sandalwood analog) to animal feed may reduce the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli and listeria in the rumen, according to a research team led by Professor Jamie Newbold from the United Kingdom’s Aberystwyth University, in conjunction with the Compton Group.
Trials in a rumen simulating fermenter (Rusitec) confirmed that Javanol, a sandalwood analog, reduced methane production by up to 25%. A reduction of 20% in methane emissions was achieved in field trials with sheep when 2ml of Javanol per day was added to their diet. As a consequence, energy which would otherwise be lost through the production of methane is diverted to increased milk and meat production, concurrent with the significant reduction in the emission of methane.