Rumin8 trial cuts cattle methane emissions by 50% in Brazilian feedlot study

BRAZIL – Rumin8, an Australian biotech company, and Minerva Foods, one of Brazil’s leading food companies, have reported a 50.4% reduction in enteric methane emissions in Nelore cattle following a 120-day feedlot study conducted in partnership with the University of São Paulo’s Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ/USP).

The trial also recorded a 5% improvement in feed conversion efficiency, highlighting the growing role of methane-reducing feed additives in improving both environmental performance and cattle productivity.

The research evaluated Rumin8’s methane-reducing feed additive under conditions designed to simulate commercial Brazilian feedlot operations.

Animals receiving the additive in a total mixed ration (TMR) showed methane emissions of 39.6g per kilogram of live weight gain, compared to 77.2g/kg in cattle fed only the standard diet.

Researchers estimated the trial reduced greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 29.8 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent over the study period.

“We were pleased to partner with Minerva and ESALQ/USP to assess Rumin8’s ability to mitigate methane emissions and its impact on animal performance in an environment that simulates a commercial Brazilian feedlot setting,” said David Messina.

“Minerva and Rumin8 are both committed to reducing methane emissions from the agriculture and food sector, and it was excellent to have this work validated by one of Brazil’s most respected academic institutions,” he added.

Messina said the findings would support the company’s commercialisation plans in Brazil, which has the world’s largest commercial cattle herd.

Feed additives gain momentum in methane reduction efforts

The study involved two groups of Nelore bulls. 

One group of 80 animals housed in individual pens allowed researchers to precisely measure methane emissions and feed intake. 

In contrast, another group of 200 cattle was managed in collective pens to simulate large-scale commercial feedlot conditions.

Throughout the trial, cattle were fed a Brazilian feedlot finishing diet consisting of 12% roughage and 88% concentrate, primarily ground corn.

According to researchers, the additive ranks among the most promising methane mitigation technologies tested by the institution.

“This study highlights the potential of innovation and collaboration between industry, science and technology to address one of the most pressing challenges on the livestock sector’s climate agenda,” a Minerva Foods spokesperson said.

“Reducing methane emissions is a strategic priority for advancing more sustainable cattle production, and initiatives like this help accelerate solutions that combine productivity and environmental responsibility,” the spokesperson added.

Independent verification of the study results is currently underway through agricultural carbon certification companies, including Athian and FoodChain ID.

The results come as livestock methane-reduction technologies continue to gain global attention amid increasing pressure on the beef sector to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Brazil, the world’s largest beef exporter, has become a key testing ground for methane-reduction technologies due to the scale of its cattle industry and growing sustainability demands from international markets.

Feed additives aimed at suppressing rumen methane production are increasingly being evaluated as producers seek solutions that improve both climate performance and production efficiency without reducing herd sizes.

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