Cattle

Million dollar global initiative to bring down livestock methane emissions

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ILRI is helping to shape a sustainable future where livestock systems are both productive and climate resilient. (Image source: ILRI)

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) recently entered a collaboration aimed at reducing methane emissions from livestock

Backed by theBezos Earth Fund and theGlobal Methane Hub, IRLI's partnership with the new US$27.4mn global initiative will identify and scale climate-efficient livestock by providing ample support to research and breeding programmes across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania.

ILRI’s leadership in the Global Methane Genetics Initiative, coupled with its contribution to the Low Methane Forage project highlights its central role in delivering integrated, climate-smart livestock solutions for the Global South. These two complementary efforts have enabled ILRI to tackle enteric methane emissions from both the genetic and nutritional fronts—two of the most promising and scalable strategies for mitigating livestock emissions without compromising productivity.

The genetics initiative enables African production systems to choose cattle breeds that naturally emit lower emissions, while the Low Methane Forage project identifies and deploys anti-methanogenic, high-yielding tropical forages suited for smallholder and pastoral systems. These projects in combination with each other demonstrate ILRI’s commitment to advancing science-based innovations that are practical, inclusive, and tailored to the realities of livestock keepers in Africa and beyond. By aligning research, capacity building, and deployment with national and regional needs, ILRI is helping to shape a sustainable future where livestock systems are both productive and climate resilient.

The initiative is also part of the Global Methane Genetics initiative that works by screening more than 100,000 animals, collecting methan emissions data and integrating findings into public and private breeding programmes. By making methane efficiency a standard part of livestock breeding, the initiative marks a turning point for climate-smart livestock development in Africa.

"By harnessing the power of genetics and data, we are equipping farmers with the tools to breed more productive, resilient, and lower-emission animals. It is a bold step towards aligning Africa’s livestock systems with global climate goals, while enhancing livelihoods and food security," said ILRI’s director general, Appolinaire Djikeng. "ILRI is proud to lead this effort in close partnership with national and international collaborators including Agriculture Research Council, South Africa, the Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), Burkina Faso and Universite d’Abomey-Calavi, Benin.”

In the long run, the approach will keep diets, infrastructure and productivity intact, while at the same time contributing to an overall 30% reduction in methane emissons in cattle over the next two decades. This also includes an annual reduction of 1-2%.

Cattle trial confirms 95.2% methane reduction with Rumin8's feed additive

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The study authors suggested that the Rumin8 oil IVP had the potential to reduce enteric methane emissions. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

An animal trial conducted on Rumin8 by the Department of Animal Science at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) found a 95.2% reduction in enteric methane emissions, marking an important milestone for the company

The trial involved 24 cattle split into three groups and fed a total mixed ration (TMR). The effects of the Rumin8 Investigational Veterinary Product (IVP) on enteric gas emissions, animal production parameters and the rumen environment were evaluated. Upon adding Rumin8’s oil IVP to the feed, a 95.2% reduction in total methane emissions was noted, with methane yield (g/kg DMI) reducing by 93%, and methane intensity (g/kg ADG) going down by 93.4%.

The study authors suggested that the Rumin8 oil IVP, containing synthetic bromoform (or tribromomethane), had the potential to reduce enteric methane emissions. They also noted that animal source foods provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients with high bioavailability, which is key to addressing global undernutrition. Consumption of meat and milk is forecast to increase by 73% and 58% respectively by 2050, and “reducing enteric methane emissions is therefore crucial to mitigate the environmental impact of livestock systems and to achieve national and international climate goals.”

By making use of a highly scalable, consistent and cost-efficient pharmaceutical process, Rumin8's patented technology stabilises the target compound, tribromomethane, known to be the most effective anti-methanogenic compound studied to date. This marks an important milestone for the company which is currently on the pursuit for regulatory approval for its feed and water delivered methane reducing additives. Additional trials are also underway in key cattle markets gloablly.

Elanco and Medgene enter agreement to commercialise HPAI vaccine in dairy cattle

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The partnership advances the One Health platform of animal health solutions. (Image source: Elanco)

To leverage Medgene’s innovative vaccine platform technology, Elanco Animal Health Incorporated has entered into an agreement with the company to commercialise the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) vaccine for use in dairy cattle

Efforts by the poultry industry to reduce or irradiate HPAI spread have continued to be challenging as the current outbreak enters its fourth year. The cross-species and zoonotic transmission of the disease indicates the urgent need for intervention and calls for the development of a vaccine that can slow virus spread between birds and cattle.

“As egg prices soar and milk production wanes in infected dairies, the need for new solutions to curb disease spread is evident,” says Jeff Simmons, president and CEO of Elanco Animal Health, while expressing his pleasure to partner with Medgene. “This partnership further strengthens our diverse dairy portfolio and advances our One Health platform of animal health solutions, not only benefitting our dairy customers, but helping curb disease spread for our poultry customers, and working to improve egg prices for consumers.”

BioZyme introduces VitaFerm Sure Start Gel

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This single-dose product comes in a 30 mL tube and should be administered after the calf has had colostrum. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

With their mission and commitment to care, BioZyme has introduced VitaFerm Sure Start Gel aimed at creating a positive impact on the health and wellbeing on animals, while also maximising efficiencies for producers

The new VitaFerm Sure Start Gel contains AO-Biotics Amaferm, a research-proven prebiotic that supports digestibility by stimulating beneficial microbes and offers several benefits to give newborns a sure start. Furthermore, it delivers IgY antibodies derived from Salmonella, E. coli, bovine rotavirus, bovine coronavirus, and Clostridium and MOS for broad support of the immune system. It also provides nutritional support to maximise calf vigor. 

This single-dose product comes in a 30 mL tube and should be administered after the calf has had colostrum. For best results, it is recommended to be given within the first 24 hours of birth and repeated daily as needed. The bright orange colour allows for distinct recognition of administration.

“Getting calves off to the best start possible is paramount for their long-term health and, ultimately, your profitability. While a year-round VitaFerm programme can improve colostrum quality, Sure Start Gel uses our new Broad-Shield technology to give an additional boost of immunity,” said BioZyme director of Beef Technical Sales, Chris Cassady. “VitaFerm Sure Start Gel is research-proven to enhance the efficacy of the antibodies the cow naturally passes to her calf, giving your calves every chance to develop their immune system and capitalise on healthy, efficient performance.”

Solutions emerge to scale cultivated meat production and distribution

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This development enables the food industry to keep pace with growing protein demands. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Foodtech innovator Ever After Foods partners with Bühler to help food producers around the world mass produce cultivated meat with the highest efficiency

While Bühler aims to address increasingly complex food system challenges, reduce environmental impact and improve food security through the development of equipment, Ever After Foods provides the technology to deliver commercial-scale production systems specifically designed to meet the needs of the cultivated meat sector. Cultivated meat producers can now reduce production costs by more than 90% while achieving unparalleled production efficiency.

Dedicated to leading a new era of scalability and sustainability for cultivated meat, Ever After Foods is working closely with select cultivated meat companies and top leaders in the food industry to accelerate the development and global deployment of its proprietary edible packed-bed (EPB) technology platform. Ever After Foods is actively creating scalable production solutions for clients, and its collaboration with Bühler will pave the way for dedicated and continued support of production solutions in the sector.

“The cultivated meat industry must move beyond relying on pharma-based technologies and adopt solutions specifically designed for food production,” said CEO of Ever After Foods, Eyal Rosenthal. “Our strategic collaboration with Bühler, a global leader in food equipment, is a critical step toward delivering scalable and efficient technologies that empower cultivated meat producers and food companies to bring their products to market. Together, we are driving the development of tailored solutions to sustainably scale cultivated meat production.”

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