The quest for effective solutions to mitigate methane emissions from livestock has taken a significant turn, as Sydney-based startup Number 8 Bio asserts that synthetic chemistry is the most viable route for producing cost-effective feed supplements. This revelation challenges the growing interest in alternatives such as large-scale seaweed cultivation, plant extracts, and biomanufacturing techniques, which have been explored by various startups in the agricultural technology sector.
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is produced by ruminants like cows and sheep during digestion in a specialized stomach compartment known as the rumen. Here, complex carbohydrates are broken down by microbes, resulting in the production of carbon dioxide and hydrogen, which are subsequently converted into methane by methanogens. This process has spurred a range of innovative approaches aimed at reducing methane emissions, including dietary supplements derived from plant extracts, red seaweed, and even genetic modifications of the microbes involved.
Founded in 2022 by Dr. Tom Williams and Dr. Alex Carpenter, Number 8 Bio initially concentrated on biomanufacturing, specifically genetically engineering yeast to produce methane inhibitors such as bromoform, a compound linked to red seaweed. However, the startup soon discovered that the economics of large-scale production were not favorable, even when considering a simplified approach of selling dried yeast directly as a feed supplement. Williams emphasized that a successful solution must be both low-cost and highly effective, a combination that he believes is currently unattainable with non-synthetic options.
The startup has pivoted its focus towards developing small-molecule methane inhibitors that can be manufactured at lower costs through synthetic chemistry. This strategy aligns with the experiences of other companies, such as Volta Greentech, which have also moved away from seaweed cultivation due to economic constraints. Number 8 Bio has identified several promising molecules that inhibit methane production and has secured intellectual property rights for their use in ruminants. Notably, the startup is exploring a non-bromoform synthetic inhibitor that shows promise in mitigating methane emissions while also enhancing animal productivity.
As part of its growth strategy, Number 8 Bio plans to establish a manufacturing facility in Sydney, equipped for simple mixing and management of ingredients. The company is actively testing various combinations of inhibitors and prebiotics to promote beneficial bacteria in the rumen, which can outcompete methanogens and foster the production of nutritious byproducts. With ongoing laboratory tests and live animal trials, Number 8 Bio aims to validate its findings and prepare for larger commercial trials in collaboration with industry partners.
The potential impact of Number 8 Bio’s innovations is significant. According to Williams, their novel methane inhibitors could achieve up to a 90% reduction in enteric methane emissions, surpassing the efficacy of existing products like Bovaer, which averages a 30% reduction. However, the effectiveness may vary depending on how the feed is administered, highlighting the need for tailored approaches in different farming scenarios.
The question of who will bear the costs of these methane reduction strategies remains critical. Williams anticipates that farmers, processors, and consumers will all play a role in financing these initiatives. He argues that a successful product must not only provide a clear environmental benefit but also deliver direct productivity gains for farmers, ideally yielding a three-to-one return on investment relative to the cost of the additive.
As Number 8 Bio prepares for commercial trials in Australia next year, the potential for its synthetic methane inhibitors to reshape livestock feed supplementation is becoming increasingly apparent. With plans for a broader launch by the end of 2025, the startup’s innovations could play a crucial role in addressing the pressing challenge of livestock methane emissions while also enhancing farm productivity.