MABICOW

Developing a methane-reducing additive for cattle feed from bioactive components in macroalgae

Goal:

The aim of the project is to develop a methane-reducing additive for cattle feed from bioactive components in macroalgae.
Methane emissions from ruminants currently account for 35% of the greenhouse gas emissions from Danish farms. Bioactive components in Nordic macroalgae can limit methane production in the forestomach by at least 45%.

Plan:

The project is expected to run for three years.
Macroalgae species with known ‘anti-methanogenic’ properties will be harvested and cultivated. Potential anti-methanogenic elements will then be identified and purified in a laboratory.
The project will use in vitro simulation to identify three to four chemical compounds with the best potential. These will then be used in a controlled feeding trial with dairy cows, measuring the effect on milk production, health and so on. The aim of the trial is to document a >45% reduction in methane.

Expected results:

The project will develop a cattle feed additive that reduces cow methane emissions by >45% with no negative impact on productivity, animal health or food safety. The additive will be patented and ready for market launch three to five years after project completion.
As there is currently no additive for effective methane reduction on the market, demand for such a product is expected to be high.

Project information

Partners:

AU, DTI, Ocean Rainforest, Lactobio, Chr Hansen, Vilofoss, DLG

Project manager:

Prof. Mette Olaf Nielsen, AU

Start date:

01-08-2022

End date:

01-08-2025

Technology Readiness Level:

Start:

2

End:

6
Aarhus universitet logo
Ocean Rainforest logo
Chr Hansen Holding AS logo
DLG logo
Lactobio logo
Vilofoss logo

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