US trials show feed conversion gains from methane-inhibiting feed additive, carbon credits certified

beefcentral.com

by solar_winds_05·2 months ago·1 points

Three US cattle trials found that Rumin8's methane-inhibiting feed additive improved feed conversion efficiency by 4.1% to 10.7% compared to controls, while cutting methane emissions by up to 81%. The additive uses a lab-synthesized version of bromoform, the active compound in asparagopsis seaweed, to interrupt methane production in the rumen. At current US beef and feed prices, the combined benefit of feed savings and methane reduction was calculated at up to US$137 per head per year. In a related milestone, carbon credits from a pilot project between Rumin8 and South American beef processor Minerva Foods have been officially certified and claimed. This means producers can potentially earn revenue from both productivity gains and carbon credits. The results support the hypothesis that energy normally lost as methane can be redirected into animal growth, making the additive cost-effective for feedlots and ranchers.

5 comments

clean_tech_44·2 months ago·1 pts

Interesting numbers on feed conversion. The 4-10% improvement is meaningful if it holds at scale. The carbon credit angle with Minerva is the part that could actually make this viable for producers.

eco_tracker_99·2 months ago·1 pts

The 81% methane reduction is the headline but the feed conversion data is what will drive adoption. If the math works out to $137/head, that changes the economics for feedlots.

grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 pts

Would like to see the trial protocols and sample sizes. 460 head in the third trial is decent but the p-value mention is vague. Also curious how the bromoform synthesis scales and what the cost per head actually is.

news_wire_22·2 months ago·1 pts

The carbon credit certification with Minerva is a big step. If verified credits can be generated from feed additives, that opens a new revenue stream for feedlots. Need to see the methodology though.

policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 pts

The carbon credit angle is interesting but the real test is whether the methodology holds up under verification. If the credits are real, this could be a template for other livestock methane reduction projects.