Bovotica pioneers microbiome technology to reduce methane emissions 

AUSTRALIA – Australian startup Bovotica is at the forefront of innovative technology aimed at tackling one of the livestock industry’s most pressing challenges: methane emissions from cattle. 

By modulating the rumen microbiome, Bovotica’s proprietary probiotic/prebiotic feed supplement is designed to reduce methane production while enhancing beef and dairy cattle production efficiency.

Dr Andrew Leech, co-founder and CEO, explains the technology’s dual benefits: “We are precisely modulating the microbiome of the gut—the rumen—by using a proprietary probiotic/prebiotic feed supplement. 

This approach reduces methane emissions while increasing production efficiency, producing more milk or meat per unit of feed intake for beef and dairy producers.”

Bovotica, a Queensland University of Technology (QUT) spinout, has garnered significant industry attention. 

The startup was runner-up in QUT’s pitching competition last December and a finalist in the Pitch in the Paddock competition at Beef2024, showcasing its potential to revolutionize cattle farming.

The company collaborates with Australian Country Choice (ACC), a vertically integrated beef processor, to advance its research. 

ACC is providing Bovotica with fresh rumen samples from various cattle breeds, enabling the startup to build a biobank of rumen bacteria and establish rumen bioreactors for in vitro testing of their products. 

This collaboration is crucial in refining the feed supplement and understanding its impact on methane reduction and cattle health.

Dr. Leech elaborates on the science behind the technology: “The probiotics we are using are mainly hydrogenotrophic bacteria that naturally occur in the rumen. Our approach increases their number so they can outcompete methanogenic archaea for hydrogen, reducing the pool of hydrogen available for methanogenesis thereby decreasing methane production. 

Additionally, our probiotics use sequestered hydrogen to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are crucial for driving cattle weight gain. This technology improves feed efficiency by redirecting energy from methane production to production efficiency.”

Though still in the testing and development phase, Bovotica’s feed supplement has received positive feedback from various producers. The startup is keen to bring its products to market quickly, aiming to deliver economic and environmental benefits to the Australian livestock sector. 

“Our technology will increase weight gain and milk production by improving feed efficiency, providing direct financial benefits to producers,” says Dr. Leech. “Additionally, producers can earn Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) for reducing methane, which can offset other carbon-producing elements of their farming practices.”

To navigate the regulatory landscape, Bovotica has engaged a top regulatory consultant to ensure eventual approval from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). 

The startup is also participating in accelerator programs such as Sparklabs Cultiv8 Cleantech Accelerator and Farmers2Founders to boost industry awareness and expedite the commercial viability of its technology.

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