The best way to reduce methane emissions in ruminants

... and increase performance at the same time.

Image by senivpetro on Freepik

Are cows evil?

Methane (CH4) is a 25 times more powerful than CO2 GHG when it comes to raising the temperature of the planet. Among other sources, ruminants are responsible for ca. 15% of global methane emissions. Up to 12 percent of a ruminant’s energy intake is usually lost as methane through the enteric fermentation process. The amount of enteric methane expelled by the animal depends on the quantity and quality of feeds, the health state and reproductive status of the animal, and environmental factors (FAO). This is a problem, as prairies are not at their main nutritional peak throughout the year, and providing animals with a high-quality purchased ration can be expensive.

But what if we can improve digestion...

... despite feeds quality?

... and not only that, but also feed the proper microorganisms? See, Archaea, methanogenic microorganisms domain, is the direct responsible for turning carbohidrates into methane. So, if we feed their natural enemies, the fight for substrate will have another result, right?

RIGHT!

Rumen's bioma is a complex conglomerate of different species, and some of them thrive on the same substrate. And by strengthening specific microorganisms other than Archaea, the reduction of methanogenic microorganisms activity occurs. At the same time, the proper prebiotic helps to make fatty acids and fiber more digestible, and this, added to its palatability, contributes to increased ration consumption and reduced FCR (Feed Conversion Ratio).

But what happens to the carbon that was emitted as methane?

Enters NUTROGEN.

NUTROGEN is a prebiotic* that helps ruminants improve their digestion and reduce enteric emissions. It's the product of anaerobic fermentation of different vegetal species, all of them with high content of phenolic acids. The resulting potion is highly yummy for ruminants, and its yeasty/alcoholic aroma and flavor leave them tipsy and happy!

It is also the preferred food for sulphuric bacteria and other microbial species, which, with this high quality fuel, can overgrow their competence and gain territory, avoiding the conversion of carbohidrates into methane as a consequence.

In this way, the carbon that in the past turned into methane is now part of either muscles or milk. So your cattle can graze less and still prosper.

*Prebiotics are compounds that induce the growth or activity of beneficial microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. Prebiotics can alter the composition of organisms in the gut microbiome in the gastrointestinal tract.

50g of NUTROGEN per day is enough for a 250kg cow to:

reduce enteric emissions in 30%
increase daily weigth gains in 25% above the standard diet
increment food-to-weight conversion in 10%

NUTROGEN is a concentrate of phenolic acids produce of fermentation of selected plants: a mix of fibers, ethilic alcohol (as a result of the anaerobic fermentation with a specific strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and molasses), and a mineral premix.

The recommended dose is 200 mg of NUTROGEN per kg of body weight.

Advantages

Replicable
This process can be installed anywhere in the world.

Profitable
Costs reduce, income increases: win/win

Traceable
All steps, from the beginning up to the feed mix.

Accesible
Adding to daily feed costs less and gives more.

Carbon Credits

World: we have a situation

Enteric methane is a by-product of the natural digestive process occurring in wild and domesticated ruminant animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, and buffalos (...) This digestive process known as enteric fermentation is one of the important sources of methane from livestock. (FAO). In other words, raising cattle impacts heavily on world climate. However, changing the aforementioned conditions gives us a chance to show the world that this industry can continue providing with the best (and more delicious!) protein in the world, with less impact and achieving high levels of sustainability.

That's why, world...

Taken from FAO's Livestock and enteric methane

... we also have a proposal

Our aim is to gather a group of like-minded ranchers, that after NUTROGEN effects have been documented, provides the prebiotic to their animals and measure the emissions. The result will be a mathematical model based on VCS Methodology* that can be translated to Carbon Credits, which means a very interesting off-farm income.

*VM0041 METHODOLOGY FOR THE REDUCTION OF ENTERIC METHANE EMISSIONS FROM RUMINANTS THROUGH THE USE OF FEED INGREDIENTS .