Ruminant BioTech—a New Zealand-based startup with “slow-release” livestock methane reduction tech for pasture-based cattle—has launched a CAD$7.6 million ($5.6 million) research program to validate its solution in Canada, which it hopes to serve as a launchpad for its global expansion.
The three-year, on-farm program is intended to help the company secure registration and commercialize its tech in Canada for beef cattle. It is underpinned by a CAD$2.8 million ($2.1 million) grant from the government of Alberta and supported by co-funding commitments from two industry partners totaling CAD $3.4 million ($2.5 million), plus CAD$1.4 million ($1 million) from Ruminant Bio’s own funds.
It will also generate the data needed for future expansion into the US, Brazil, and the EU.
Ruminant Biotech will establish its North American base in Calgary to oversee the project, which will start in August alongside Albertan colleges, universities, and federal research facilities.
Solution optimized for pasture-raised cattle
While several firms have developed feed additives to reduce methane emissions in ruminants, these products are often impractical for pasture-raised cattle, where controlled daily feeding is difficult. Ruminant BioTech instead uses a slow-release bolus that sits in the animal’s stomach and steadily delivers a methane-inhibiting compound (bromoform), enabling sustained emissions reductions in grazing systems.
Animal trials suggest its first-generation product can deliver a 75% reduction in methane for over three months (100 days) with a single dose, a number the team is confident it can extend to six months over time.
Initial regulatory approval is expected in New Zealand in early 2026, says the firm, which has commissioned a pilot plant with the capacity to produce up to one million doses annually for the Australian and New Zealand markets.
By 2035, Ruminant Biotech aims to have 100 million cows treated with its tech globally, says the firm, which closed a $17 million NZD ($9.5 million) Series A round last year.
Why it matters
A potent greenhouse gas, methane is generated both from manure and burping ruminants, contributing a significant percentage of global emissions.
Multiple strategies are being explored to tackle the problem from feed additives such as red seaweed and 3-NOP (Bovaer) and vaccines to cattle breeding programs and even editing the genes of the microbes in the rumen.
But there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, says Ruminant BioTech CEO Tom Breen, who notes that feed additive based approaches are well-suited for intensive farming systems, while a longer-lasting solution is needed for pasture-raised cattle.
“We think the cost structure is superior to a number of other feed additive models today and costs will only come down as we scale, not just the volumes, but also the technology innovation that we’re looking at bringing through over the next couple of years we think drives down the cost pretty significantly as well.”
Who will foot the bill?
As to who will ultimately foot the bill for livestock methane reduction solutions if there is not a clear payback for farmers in the form of increased productivity, Breen said he remained confident that carbon insetting and offsetting would provide sufficient incentives.
Asked whether it is risky to build a business that relies on carbon markets or commitments from companies to reduce emissions at a time when many are pulling back from sustainability pledges, he said: “Climate change remains a global issue and every industry has a role to play to reduce its impact. The global agrifood sector has rec
“Brazilian meat giant Marfrig is a prime example, having bolstered its methane emission targets at COP30 late last year. With these companies currently lacking the means to achieve their climate goals, our technology is a potential solution. ”
He added: “Our confidence in carbon insetting and offsetting is supported by the scale of carbon markets. In the last 20 years, carbon markets have grown into an industry worth over $1 trillion, with 25% of global emissions now covered. With the implementation of new carbon markets and other market mechanisms accelerating, the demand and price for emissions reduction is increasing.”
Slow-release tech
A bolus is a solid, pill-like capsule that delivers its payload (anything from minerals to probiotics) directly into the cow’s rumen. It is usually administered orally using a long-handled bolus gun, which allows a handler to place the capsule at the back of the cow’s throat so it can be safely swallowed.
According to Breen: “Our founders (three veterinarians) could see the promise of Asparagopsis (red seaweed) for methane reduction but saw straight away that it wasn’t going to be a solution that would work well in the New Zealand dairy system, where animals are pasture-raised.
“So their idea was to take the active ingredient from Asparagopsis (bromoform), combine it with their knowledge of bolus technology, and come up with a solution offering long duration and high methane mitigation potential and a great cost structure.”
While bromoform is readily available (Ruminant BioTech sources a synthetic version from a third party) its IP is around how to deliver a precise daily dose for a long period using a biodegradable bolus, said Breen. “That’s the real challenge and our secret sauce.”
He added: “From a chemistry and materials science perspective, we’re incredibly bullish on what we can achieve, and we believe that [a six-month bolus] is very possible.”
Further reading:
ArkeaBio raises $7m, hires Vence cofounder to accelerate vaccine for livestock methane reduction
CH4 Global begins production at first commercial-scale Asparagopsis growing facility
Sea Forest and Orffa strike distribution deal for methane-busting feed supplements
