Companies aim to lessen burped methane from cows

DSM has developed a compound for feed additive formulation that can lessen methane emitted by cows by 30%.  Trials reportedly demonstrate a 30%-plus reduction in methane emissions without any adverse effects on animal welfare, feed consumption or performance. The new feed supplement can be easily added to the cow’s regular daily diet, and DSM said its process development experts are now planning commercial production.

Cows have complex stomachs that host billions of microorganisms which help break down food. These microorganisms also make methane, which is then emitted by the cow.  This process is reportedly responsible for 4% of all total global greenhouse gas emissions, making it a major contributor to climate change. A single dairy cow generates about 3 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent every year in the form of enteric (burped) methane.

DSM has filed for EU authorization for the new feed additive, which is expected to launch in Europe in late 2020/early 2021 as soon as authorization is granted. Registration in other regions will follow.

Just a quarter of a teaspoon daily suppresses the enzyme in a cow’s stomach that triggers methane production.

Cargill also reported on its recent sustainability report that its premix and nutrition division has products that can lower methane from cows by up to 10% and ammonia from chickens and pigs by up to 50%. Moving forward, the business has made a commitment that all future animal nutrition products and services will have a sustainability advantage. Cargill recently launched its BeefUp Sustainability, an opt-in initiative designed to engage producers, customers, and innovators to achieve a 30% greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity reduction across our North American beef supply chain by 2030.

The initiative will focus on four key areas: grazing management, feed production, innovation, and food waste reduction, and will build on the strong environmental stewardship work already led by farmers and ranchers.