Rumin8 targets Latin America launch with methane-reducing feed additive

AUSTRALIA – Australian livestock biotechnology company Rumin8 plans to commercially launch its methane-reducing feed additive in Brazil by late 2027, following trial results showing the product can cut enteric methane emissions by around 80% while improving feed efficiency and creating new revenue opportunities through carbon credits.

The granule-based feed additive, developed using bromoform, a naturally occurring compound found in certain seaweeds, improved beef cattle feed efficiency by 4.1% to 10.7% in company trials. 

Separate studies also showed milk production in dairy cows could increase by up to 4.6%.

According to Rumin8, the combined benefits of improved productivity and methane reduction could generate up to US$137 in additional annual earnings per animal through feed savings and carbon credit sales.

“Success is always about farmers being able to make money from the innovation, and that has been the lens through which we have approached Rumin8 products,” said CEO David Messina. 

“We can’t rely on subsidies or grants to make it work.”

The commercial launch comes as livestock producers increasingly seek feed technologies that improve production efficiency while helping meet climate targets. 

Methane generated during digestion remains one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions from ruminant livestock, making feed additives a growing area of investment for the global feed industry.

Rumin8 recently strengthened the commercial case for its technology after livestock carbon platform Athian announced the sale of carbon credits generated through a pilot project involving Rumin8 and Brazilian beef processor Minerva Foods. 

The project demonstrated that methane reductions achieved through feed additives can create an additional income stream for producers participating in carbon markets.

The company said its latest granule formulation delivers more consistent results than its earlier oil-based product, which was more vulnerable to environmental factors such as heat and rainfall.

Messina explained that inconsistent performance in earlier trials was linked to the stability of the active ingredient.

“Rumin8 has seen more consistent results in its most recent trials, in which it used a granule-based product,” he said.

Before commercial rollout, the company plans to conduct another large-scale pilot involving more than 1,000 cattle to further validate performance under commercial production conditions.

Following its Brazilian launch, Rumin8 intends to expand distribution across Latin America before entering the United States and European markets, where regulatory approvals are expected to take an additional two to three years.

The launch reflects growing momentum behind methane-reducing feed technologies as livestock producers face increasing pressure to improve sustainability without compromising productivity. 

Alongside methane inhibitors, the sector continues to invest in feed enzymes, probiotics, precision nutrition and alternative ingredients that enhance feed conversion while lowering environmental impacts.

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