Slashing CO2Cows that burp less methane.
Big Picture
Cows’ natural digestive process produces burps of methane, a greenhouse gas 84x more potent than CO2. Cumulatively, cattle raised for human consumption across the planet belch the equivalent of 5 Gt of CO2e per year. If they were a country, this would place them 3rd on the list of biggest polluters, right behind the US. So reducing the GHG-intensity of meat and dairy is one of the top priorities of climate action.
How it Works
Their first product, Mootral Ruminant, is a natural feed additive based on compounds from garlic and citrus extract. It reduces methane emissions by 30-38% while improving milk yield in dairy cows by 3-5%. Trials also point to reduced reliance on antibiotics and lower prevalence of cattle flies. The product is also “Generally Recognized as Safe,” so it is in the market now and fits into existing supply chains.
Unfair Advantage
Mootral’s is the only ruminant feed additive to be certified for carbon credits (by Verra), providing a new revenue stream and marketing benefits for farmers. Together with the improved productivity of cows and reduced need for antibiotics, there is a strong financial incentive for adoption by farmers. These advantages will compound as they introduce new and adjacent products.
30
Percent fewer
methane emissions per dairy cow
THOMAS HAFNER CEO & CO-FOUNDER
Thomas has 25 years of experience in scaling business and technologies in biotechnology, nutraceuticals, medical devices, and animal health.
Follow: @mrhafner
ISABELLE BOTTICELLI COO
Isabelle has spent 25 years with Unilever, Novartis, and GSK. Most recently, she was the European Head of Supply Chain and Quality for GSK.
The Business of Burps: Scientists Smell Profits in Cow Emissions
The New York Times
Cows Join Carbon Market in Quest to Curb Planet-Warming Burps
Bloomberg
Effect of Mootral—a garlic- and citrus-extract-based feed additive—on enteric methane emissions
Translational Animal Science (Journal)
This supplement can reduce methane in cows and make farmers money
CNN