Cargill Research Targets Cow Farming GHG Emissions

By Kitty Wheeler
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Major food companies invest in meat alternatives as and methane emission research as world population, global warming and consumer demand grow
Cargill funds research into methane-friendly cow feed, as Tyson Foods and JBS and other food companies target sustainable sources of protein

It is well known that methane emissions from cattle are amongst some of the world’s most pressing challenges to global climate mitigation efforts, particularly as the world's appetite for beef and dairy grows alongside its population. 

In response, Cargill, a global food and agriculture leader, has invested US$1m in Colorado State University's AgNext research programme. 

This initiative targets the reduction of enteric (of or relating to the small intestine) methane emissions—a natural byproduct of bovine digestion—through a multifaceted approach encompassing dietary modifications, genetic selection and improved manure management. 

The AgNext research aims to strike a balance between sustainable animal agriculture practices and the environmental impact of beef production, hoping to provide evidence for developing more effective and scientifically grounded methane mitigation strategies in the beef industry.

How is cultivated food reducing methane reduction?

Cargill has also developed a nutritional solution to lower enteric methane production by up to 10%. This substance that is added to cow feed is called SilvAir and contains a technology that reduces methane emissions without impact on animal performance.

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Yet whilst cattle is the most talked about issue that affects the environment, chocolate, coffee, exotic fruits, milk and fish are proving challenging too.

Amongst worldwide efforts on methane reduction, an innovation is coming to the forefront: lab-grown food.

A decade since the debut of the world's first lab-grown burger, priced at US$278,000, cultivated meat has captured significant attention. 

McKinsey, the global management and consulting firm, now projects the cultivated meat industry to reach a global valuation of $25bn by 2030, signalling a potential revolution in sustainable protein production.

Dogs and cats in the UK will be the first in Europe to be given cultivated meat grown in a laboratory from chicken cells, in a bid to resolve the ethical and environmental issues of farmed meat.

Meanwhile, the EU has launched Feasts, a US$7.7m research project aimed at developing cell lines for cultivated seafood production.

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates overfishing has created a 28-million-tonne gap between seafood demand and supply, a situation compounded by plastic and heavy metal contamination concerns. 

These innovations are leading change across the world, causing companies like Benson Hill, the AI-driven seed innovation firm, to make advancements in its soy innovation pipeline, targeting animal feed, oil and biofuel markets.

Combining proprietary soybean germplasm – seeds, plants or plant parts useful in crop breeding, research, and conservation – with extensive data analysis to develop new varieties offering benefits across the agribusiness value chain. 

Eliza Clark, Cargill Protein & Salt Sustainability Leader

Eliza Clark, Cargill Protein & Salt Sustainability Leader, emphasises the importance of collaboration when it comes to reducing methane emissions, saying: “Cargill is committed to working with researchers, farmers and ranchers to advance creative sustainability ideas and accelerate best-in-class conservation practices within the industry

She adds: “The knowledge generated from this innovative research will pave the way for testing new technologies in cattle feeding and continue to improve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the beef supply chain.”

Other companies investing in meat alternatives

Meat and food conglomerates investing in alternatives

Cultivated (lab-grown) proteins

  • Shiok Meats (cultivated meat company): Develops cultivated seafood products
  • Avant (cultivated meat company): Focuses on cultivated meat products
  • Memphis Meats (Upside Foods), (cultivated meat company): produces lab-grown meat
  • Future Meat Technologies (biotechnology company): advances cultured meat production

Seafood alternatives

  • Growthwell Foods (plant-based seafood company): creates plant-based seafood products like fish fillets and shrimp

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