April 30, 2026

 

Study involving Minerva Foods shows big cuts in cattle's methane emissions using methane inhibitors

 

Feeding trials on Nelore cattle in Brazil using methane inhibitors have produced significant emissions reduction and improved feed efficiency.

 

Minerva Foods, one of South America's largest beef exporters, partnered with Australian methanogenic feed additive producer Rumin8 in a study demonstrating significant reductions in methane emissions from cattle, as well as improved feed efficiency.

 

The results mirror feedlot and grass trials in Australia.

 

The research was conducted in partnership with the University of São Paulo through the Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, one of Brazil's leading agricultural research institutions.

 

The 120-day study evaluated the impact of Rumin8's manufactured bromoform (same active ingredient as asparagopsis) based feed additive on enteric methane emissions and productive performance in Nelore cattle under conditions simulating commercial Brazilian feedlot operations.

 

Animals receiving the additive in a total mixed ration (TMR) showed a 50.4% reduction in methane emissions and a statistically significant 5% improvement in feed conversion efficiency compared with cattle fed the same diet without the additive.

 

In a statement, Rumin8 chief executive David Messina said the collaboration represents an important step toward scaling methane-reducing technologies in one of the world's largest cattle markets.

 

"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," Messina said.

 

"The results of this study were significant and will form part of our data package as we move toward commercialisation in Brazil, home to the world's largest commercial cattle herd."

 

The study also found that methane intensity per kilogram of liveweight gain decreased from 77.2g/kg to 39.6g/kg when comparing cattle fed only a TMR with those receiving the additive.

 

In total, the trial achieved an estimated reduction of 29.8 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent in greenhouse gas emissions, while also delivering productivity gains and lower feed consumption.

 

Independent verification of the results is currently underway by companies specialising in agricultural carbon certification, including Athian and FoodChain ID.

 

"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 experiment involved two groups of Nelore bulls. The first included 80 animals housed in individual pens to allow precise measurement of feed intake and methane emissions. These were divided into a control group receiving only a total mixed ration and a group receiving the diet supplemented with the additive.

 

A second group of 200 bulls was fed the additive in collective pens to simulate commercial-scale operational conditions.

 

Throughout the study period, cattle were fed a typical Brazilian feedlot finishing diet consisting of 12% roughage and 88% concentrate, with ground corn as the primary ingredient. Feed intake was monitored daily and productive performance was assessed through liveweight measurements during the trial.

 

According to the researchers involved, the results position the tested additive among the most promising methane mitigation strategies evaluated by the institution, with potential to reduce the environmental footprint of beef production while improving production efficiency.

 

The statement said the initiative reinforced Minerva's commitment to advancing innovative solutions that support the sustainable development of the livestock value chain through partnerships with technology companies and leading research institutions.

- Beef Central