The ability of Australian agritech company Rumin8 to enhance feed conversion efficiency and gain valuable carbon credits in beef cattle with its novel feed additive, has been confirmed by three new trials in the United States. Preliminary results from these trials found the average feed conversion efficiency for beef cattle to be 4.1%, 8.3% and 10.7% better than controls, when they were administered Rumin8’s feed additive in their ration.
“The feed conversion efficiency figures alone underscore our product value and its attractiveness to cattle ranchers, farmers and feedlots,” said Rumin8 CEO David Messina.
“When you look at the productivity figures and calculate how many extra kilograms of meat can be produced or kilograms of feed can be saved, and then put a dollar value on those savings, it makes a compelling case for including Rumin8 feed additives in a feedlot ration.”
In the first trial, Angus crossbred steers supplemented with Rumin8’s feed additive achieved an 8.3% increase in feed conversion efficiency compared to controls as well as an 81% reduction in methane production.
In a similarly designed second trial, the feed conversion efficiency of the Rumin8 treatment group was 10.7% higher than the control group over a 3-month period, with a statistically significant p-value of <0.01.
And in the third trial of 460 head, the average daily gain for the treatment group was 2.8-3.6% higher than the control group, and feed conversion efficiency was 4.1% higher. At today’s beef and feed price, the benefit of that feed conversion efficiency and methane reduction was calculated up to approximately US$137 per head per year.
“The significant reduction in methane emissions gives ranchers and feedyards the option to monetise the associated carbon credits, supply low carbon meat, benefit from the productivity benefits, or a combination of all three,” Mr Messina said. “Those are some pretty good choices”.
“The recent results we are seeing in the USA are an accumulation of five years’ work that is now coming together in the form of a convenient, highly effective and profitable supplement for beef and eventually dairy farmers.”
The results from the recent US trials mirror other studies previously conducted in the US, Brazil and Australia. Trial work in beef cattle showed a trend toward increased average daily gain (ADG) of up to 12.5%, and increased milk yield of up to 4.6% in dairy cattle. In addition, trials in Brazil yielded up to an 8.4% improvement in ADG in beef cattle on pasture, and up to a 5% feed conversion efficiency improvement under feedlot conditions.
“Our hypothesis has always been that by using Rumin8 feed additives, energy normally expelled by the animal in the form of methane could be converted into usable energy for its growth and production. These results support that hypothesis,” Mr Messina said.
“Our objective has been to develop a methane abating feed additive where the productivity gain, more than covers the cost of the product. The feed conversion efficiency benefits recorded in these two trials indicate we are on track to achieve that very objective.”
In an associated development, carbon credits generated through a pilot project undertaken between Rumin8 and major South American food processor and exporter, Minerva Foods, have been officially certified and claimed.
“The Minerva pilot has proven that Rumin8’s feed additive can generate verified carbon credits, and therefore a new revenue stream for producers can be unlocked, in addition to generating the productivity benefits,” Mr Messina said.
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Australia:
Cameron Morse
+61 433 886 871
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About Rumin8
Rumin8 is an agriculture-focused climate tech company, using pharmaceutical technology to create affordable feed and water supplements that reduce methane emissions from livestock. Our patented process delivers a nature inspired pharmaceutical ingredient to interrupt methane production, as well as boost animal performance. We’re perfecting various formulations for diverse livestock feeding systems, including grass-fed cattle, aiming to decarbonize 100 million cattle by 2030.
To learn more please visit: http://www.rumin8.com