New Zealand’s beef sector could soon become the first to gain access to a new methane-reducing pill for livestock, developed by Ruminant BioTech. The product, a slow-release bolus, has shown promise in reducing methane emissions during trials on local farms.
The bolus, which is designed to be administered to cattle, contains Tribromomethane (bromoform), a compound known for its methane-reduction capabilities. Preliminary tests indicate that the bolus can lower methane emissions by up to 70% over a 100-day period, with a single administration per animal potentially lasting for its entire lifespan.
AgriZero, an industry-government collaboration focused on reducing agricultural emissions, has made significant investments in the development of this technology. Ruminant BioTech received an initial $1.8 million investment in April 2023, followed by an additional $4 million in August to accelerate the product’s commercialisation.
The bolus is awaiting approval from New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries, with registration under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act still pending. If approved, the product could be available to beef farmers later this year or early next year.
In the broader context, AgriZero’s efforts are part of a strategy to provide farmers with a range of tools to reduce agricultural emissions. As the technology matures, industry stakeholders anticipate multiple products will be introduced annually. However, adoption may hinge on whether these tools also offer productivity improvements or require financial incentives for uptake.
With the regulatory process underway, the first emissions-reducing bolus could soon be an essential tool in New Zealand’s agricultural emissions reduction strategy.