6 AUGUST 2024: Australian Country Choice (ACC) is assisting new Australian research aimed at reduction methods for cattle greenhouse gas emissions.
Scientists from Bovotica, a smart Australian agbio-start-up, are collecting rumen samples from ACC’s Cannon Hill factory.
The samples are driving research into changing the biology inside the animal’s gut – reducing methane emissions in cattle by up to 80%. The novel technology developed by the Brisbane-based business also delivers up to a 10% production efficiency.
The company is a spinout from Queensland’s QUT and was runner-up in the university’s pitching competition last December. More recently, it was a finalist at the Pitch in the Paddock competition at Beef2024.
Co-founder and CEO Dr Andrew Leech said: “We are precisely modulating the microbiome of the gut – the rumen – by using a proprietary probiotic/prebiotic feed supplement.
“We are delivering a reduction in methane emissions while simultaneously increasing production efficiency. For beef and dairy producers it means more milk or meat per unit of feed intake.
“Working alongside ACC, we are working towards a sustainable, climate-friendly and prosperous livestock sector for Australia.”
Paul Gibson, ACC’s R&D Manager said: “We are proud to support this world-leading research conducted by an Australian company working towards a more sustainable Australian beef supply chain.”
Collecting the samples from the ACC plant are (right) Dr James Volmer and Dr Stuart Denman.