Cattle

GMH announces million dollar agricultural methane mitigation funding initiative

The Global Methane Hub (GMH) at the COP28 forum, announced a million dollar funding initiative between public, private and philanthropic partners including the Bezos Earth Fund, Quadrature Climate Fund and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, among others to help alleviate methane emissions from livestock

Along with the rapid population growth, agricultural methane is projected to increase 40% by 2050, which makes it crucial to reduce methane emissions by 50% in order to meet the accords of the Paris Agreement to keep the global temperature rise to a maximum of 1.5°C. It is estimated that 40% of the world’s methane comes from agriculture, with 70% of it being due to enteric fermentation. This is a process which takes place in cows digestive systems when sugars are broken down into methane and released through belching.

While not enough extensive research has been carried out to provide efficient and transformative solutions, the GMHs Enteric Methane R&D Accelerator, according to the director of Future of Food at the Bezos Earth Fund, Andy Jarvis possesses the ability to change all of this by unlocking the resources needed to discover and develop low-cost solutions that will dramatically reduce methane emissions from livestock by 2030.

GMH’s agriculture programme director, Hayden Montgomery considers the Accelerator as being a prime example of the role philanthropy can play in driving substantive climate action and strategically aligning the key players working to solve the most pressing issue. "With this effort to synchronise and consolidate public-good research on enteric methane, we aim to make multiple solutions to reduce enteric methane available quickly and provide proof of the efficacy of livestock mitigation technologies," said Montgomery.

Olivier Verdelet, vice-president of Agriculture Cycle at Danone also believes that believes that curbing methane emissions is the fastest and most impactful way to slow down global warming. "To do so, collaboration will be instrumental as we seek for new solutions, speed and sizable impacts. We are eager to collaborate with the Global Methane Hub and other partners to accelerate and test scalable innovations in the field. We believe this will help us build a sustainable, future-fit dairy category that is at the core of our mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible," Verdelet remarked.

For more information, visit: https://www.globalmethanehub.org

IFAF enhances partnership with FAO to support sustainable livestock production

During their 22nd annual meeting, the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) decided to further strengthen their collaboration on critical issues to ensure safe, nutritious and sustainable feed and food

Paving the way for sustainable dairy farming

The Bel group in collaboration with APBO (Bel’s Milk Producers Association in the West of France) have presented the results of a pilot study conducted with dsm-firmenich and Institut de l’Elevage (Idele) on five dairy farms in western France from January to March 2023

Addressing Kenya’s feed and fodder challenges

As Kenya grapples with a staggering 60% feed deficit, the African Union-InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) on 31 October, launched its Inception Workshop and assessments for the Resilient African Feed and Fodder Systems Project (RAFFS) in Naivasha, Kenya

Study reveals Tannin's ability to curb GHG emissions in livestock cattle

Results of a groundbreaking study unveiled by JBS and Silvateam, global leaders in plant extract production for animal feed, have demonstrated the effectiveness of tannin in curbing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the beef industry

According to a research conducted by the São Paulo Institute of Zootechny (IZ), the feed additive, SilvaFeed BX which contains a combination of tannins and saponins can be used for feedlot beef cattle to reduce enteric methane emissions by as much as 17%. Moreover, the unique measurement methodology used by the study will allow a number of industry players including JBS to track reduction of emissions on their GHG accounting in the future.

Using the tannin mixture is often preferred over other feed additives since it contributes to weight gain and helps in the development of cattle carcasses. The product also results in reduced feed costs, improved feed conversion, and enhanced protein efficiency.

"JBS has been a key supporter in developing various studies on food additives, including the use of tannins in feed for cattle in feedlots. This technology is not just of interest to our company; it is a matter of significance for the entire livestock sector,” explained Fabio Dias, director of Livestock at Friboi and leader of Regenerative Agriculture at JBS Brazil.

Results from the research which closely monitored the cattle at JBSs feedlot in Guaiçara (SP) for approximately six months, concluded that the use of the tannin and saponin mixture in their diet prevented the emission of more than 30,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) equivalent in JBS feedlot cattle.

Tannins extracted from quebracho trees, chestnut trees, and saponins form the base for Silvafeed BX. When introduced into cattle feed, the tannins effectively regulate and modify rumen fermentation. This leads to a reduction in enteric methane emissions, improved rumen metabolism, and, consequently, optimised animal performance.

For more information, visit: jbssa.com and https://www.silvateam.com/en/