Alltech to screen ‘World Without Cows’ documentary at VIV Asia 2025

THAILAND – Alltech, a global leader in animal nutrition and producer of specialty ingredients, premixes, and supplements, is set to host a screening of the thought-provoking documentary World Without Cows during VIV Asia 2025. 

The event, scheduled for March 12–14 at the Impact Exhibition Center in Bangkok, Thailand, will bring together industry experts and stakeholders to explore the critical role of cattle in global food systems and environmental sustainability.

According to Alltech, Filmmakers Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth spent three years investigating a compelling question: Are we better off in a world without cows? 

Their documentary examines cattle’s cultural, societal, and environmental significance, challenging assumptions about their impact on climate change while highlighting their contribution to global nutrition.

The film intends to spark conversations around sustainable agriculture and food production, which will inform issues like nutrition formulation for livestock as well. 

The methane debate

Beef cattle production is one of the largest sources of methane emissions, accounting for approximately 40% of all methane generated globally. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, significantly more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide. 

The primary source of methane in cattle comes from enteric fermentation, a digestive process in which microbes in the rumen break down food, releasing methane primarily through burping.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a single cow produces between 154 to 264 pounds of methane annually. 

With approximately 1.5 billion cattle raised globally for meat production, this translates to at least 231 billion pounds of methane entering the atmosphere each year, contributing to global warming.

Ongoing research is exploring ways to mitigate methane emissions from cattle. DSM-Firmenich, for example, has developed Bovaer, a feed additive designed to reduce enteric methane emissions. 

When mixed into cattle feed, Bovaer temporarily inactivates the enzyme responsible for methane production, significantly lowering emissions. The additive has already been adopted in regions like the EU, Australia, Canada, and the U.S.

Additionally, researchers are investigating aquaculture-based solutions, with red seaweed (Asparagopsis taxiformis) showing significant promise. According to the EPA, incorporating just 0.2% of this seaweed into a cow’s daily feed could reduce methane emissions by up to 98%. 

Another species, Asparagopsis armata, has demonstrated a 67% reduction in methane emissions in dairy cows with a 1% inclusion in feed.

Revisiting the debate: Before the Flood

Now, this is not the first time methane emissions from cattle have been addressed in film. The 2016 Leonardo DiCaprio-produced documentary Before the Flood also explored the livestock industry’s impact on climate change. 

The film underscored the environmental toll of beef production, noting the large-scale deforestation in the Amazon for cattle grazing and the significant resource consumption associated with beef compared to alternative proteins.

One of the key takeaways from Before the Flood was the suggestion of reducing beef consumption as a way to curb methane emissions. 

The film purported that individuals and industries can reduce their carbon footprint and mitigate environmental impact by shifting dietary habits—such as incorporating more plant-based or alternative protein sources.

A platform for critical discussion

The screening of World Without Cows at VIV Asia 2025 is expected to continue igniting discussions on the future of beef production, sustainability, and the evolving role of cattle in a climate-conscious world. 

With over 47,000 attendees and 200 expert speakers gathering at the event, Alltech aims to foster meaningful dialogue on the intersection of livestock production and environmental responsibility.

“This documentary is about challenging assumptions, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and shaping the future of meat, milk, and eggs in our world,” said Alltech.

As climate concerns and sustainability remain key industry topics, films like World Without Cows and Before the Flood catalyse conversations, encouraging industry leaders, policymakers, and consumers to rethink livestock production and its environmental footprint.

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