Cattle

Cattle trials reveal positive results for investigational feed additive

Rumin8 announced interesting results from cattle trials of its investigational methane reducing feed additive involving 92 head of cattle, which recorded reductions of methane intensity of up to 86%, along with weight gains ranging 8.4-12.5% higher than control groups that were fed the same base ration

Studies mostly comprised a combination of feedlot and grazing productions systems. In the first study, 24 animals underwent three treatments for a duration of 12 weeks. Liveweights were measured weekly and animals were group housed, but fed individually. The second study comprised 20 animals that were subjected to four treatments for a duration of 77 days, while the third study comprised 48 animals that were subjected to three treatments in a grazing system for a duration of 130 days.

Analysis of these three cattle trials showed that cattle produced less methane and gained more weight each day, on average, when fed Rumin8’s development stage methane reducing feed additive. These recent results were released at the Breakthrough Energy 2024 Summit in London. In its quest to use a pharmaceutical approach to creating affordable feed and water supplements that reduce methane emissions from livestock and improve productivity, Breakthrough Energy Ventures has been a cornerstone investor in Rumin8.

“Weight gains are pivotal for the commercial adoption of methane reducing feed and water additives in the cattle industry,” said Rumin8 CEO, David Messina. “At the very least those weight gains have the potential to offset some of the cost of these additives, all while helping the planet. While our number one focus remains on reducing methane production to address the critical climate risk that this gas presents, we are particularly interested in these initial weight gain figures, because productivity improvements are of high interest to farmers.”

Actiaf Sc 47: a groundbreaking solution for dairy and beef production systems

The extensive research and data compiled in the Actisaf Sc 47 LCAs underscore its pivotal role in advancing sustainable farming practices. (Image source: Phileo by Lesaffre)

Developed by Phileo by Lesaffre, Actisaf Sc 47 offers groundbreaking solutions for both dairy and beef production systems, thereby enhancing animal health and welfare, while minimising environmental impact

Being the first yeast probiotic to showcase strong ISO-compliant evidence of environmental benefits, Actisaf Sc 47 serves as a pioneering solution for farmers seeking to improve the sustainability of their dairy farming operations and sets a new standard in yeast probiotics feed supplements.

A comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study was conducted by Phileo by Lesaffre in collaboration with Blonk consultants. Results from the study showed that incorporating Actisaf Sc 47 into dairy diets can lead to a reduction in carbon footprint by up to 5%, primarily due to enhanced feed efficiency.

A separate LCA study on fattening period in beef was conducted in 2022. Results from the study demonstrated significant reductions in CO2 impact ranging from 3.8% to 6.6%, thereby highlighting Actisaf Sc 47’s efficacy in optimising feed efficiency and minimising environmental footprint in beef production systems.

As the agricultural sector evolves to meet global environmental challenges, Actisaf Sc 47 continues to drive positive change and foster a more sustainable future for farming communities worldwide.

CH Global’s Methane Tamer: boosting feed efficiency, bringing down emissions

Cattle consume feed supplemented with CH4 Global’s Methane Tamer, Beef Feedlot version. (Image source: CH4 Global)

CH4 Global's methane-reducing feed additive, Methane Tamer has been fed to first group of cattle, the company along with CirPro Australia announced today

At a feedlot in South Australia, 70 cattle were fed Methane Tamer for 100 days, whereby an estimated 105 metric tons of CO2-equivalent emissions were avoided. This is equal to the amount of carbon sequestered by more than 1,700 tree saplings for 10 years.

Moreover, the cattle that were fed Methane Tamer showed same levels of weight gain as the control group, although they consumed less feed per day. This indicated a significant improvement in feed conversion efficiency.

Methane Tamer works by harnessing the power of Asparagopsis seaweed that feed studies have shown up to 90% reduction in enteric methane emissions. CH4 Global has fine-tuned Methane Tamer Beef Feedlot so that farmers and feedlots can seamlessly integrate it into their operations, and guarantee a minimum of 70% methane reductions.

"Together with our partners, we are significantly increasing the number of cattle consuming Methane Tamer while also establishing the ability to export this reduced-methane beef to meet growing global demand," said CH4 Global CEO, Steve Meller.

BASF introduces new standard for nematode management for soybean farmers

Nemasphere is currently pending regulatory approval and is anticipated to be available in 2028. (Image source: BASF)

BASF Agricultural Solutions introduces Nemasphere, a groundbreaking innovation in soybean cyst nematode (SCN) management

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is the number one yield-robbing pest in soybeans in the US, costing growers an estimated US$1.5bn in yield annually. Moreover, the effectiveness of native SCN traits is declining significantly.

After decades of longing for a solution to protect their fields from SCN, farmers have finally received Nemasphere, a tool to go on offense against this invisible threat.

Nemasphere, which will be stacked with the Enlist E3 technology, will produce a novel Cry14 protein that is ingested by nematodes. This protein will interfere with nutrient uptake in their intestines, thus leading to the nematodes’ death.

Nemasphere will be available in a full range of the top-performing and best-yielding soybean seed varieties, allowing farmers unmatched SCN resistance without compromising yield potential. Research trials have shown that Nemasphere on average, boosts yield potential by 8%.

With increasing SCN resistance to native traits, the yield gap tends to widen every year. In such cases, the boost Nemasphere delivers in bushels will be critical to help growers hit their full harvest potential and make it possible to achieve full genetic yield potential.

Nemasphere is currently pending regulatory approval and is anticipated to be available in 2028.

For more information, visit: www.agriculture.basf.com

ArkeaBio's methane vaccine to curb GHG emissions

Results from the company's R&D have garnered substantial attention from investors for the advancement of the inaugural methane-reducing vaccine. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Last month, leading ag-biotech start-up ArkeaBio announced the close of a US$26.5mn Series A financing round aimed at advancing their methane reducing vaccine R&D

ArkeaBio's vaccine will provide an innovative, cost-effective and scalable solution to reduce the world’s livestock methane emissions, which currently generate the equivalent of 3 bn tonnes of CO2 annually and represent 6% of annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Results from the company's R&D have garnered substantial attention from investors for the advancement of the inaugural methane-reducing vaccine.

The funds raised in this Series A financing will play a pivotal role in expanding the research, development and deployment of the vaccine, including large-scale field trials and engagement along the supply chain. The company aims to bring this transformative solution to the market through collaborative efforts with industry partners, regulatory authorities, and environmental organisations.

“We are thankful for the financial support, confidence, and trust of our investors. This funding will accelerate the development of our vaccine-based solution to meet a pressing global problem,” said ArkeaBio CEO, Colin South. “To echo the sentiments of The Grantham Foundation: ‘climate change is the greatest challenge humanity has ever faced. It is the race of our lives.’ This capital raise allows us to continue to create the tools necessary for farmers to achieve globally relevant reductions in livestock methane emissions.”

For more information, visit: www.arkeabio.com

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