Queensland grants A$3.8 million for cattle methane supplement
Noosaville-based Provectus Algae says its feed additive targets methane reductions of around 65% across feedlot, grazing and dairy applications.
Provectus Algae has received a A$3.8 million Queensland government grant to help bring its methane-reducing cattle feed supplement to market, following pilot trials involving more than 3,000 cattle.
The Noosaville company produces liquid and granular additives using algae and photosynthetic microbes. Its trials have included cattle at Mort and Co feedlots on Queensland's Darling Downs.
Chief executive Nusqe Spanton said the company was targeting methane emissions cuts of around 65 per cent across feedlot, pastoral and dairy applications. He said the supplement acted on microbes in the animals' guts without affecting those needed for digestion.
The development draws on CSIRO's 2011 finding that native Asparagopsis seaweed could substantially reduce livestock methane emissions. Mr Spanton said Provectus used other algae and photosynthetic microbes to recreate the relevant constituents rather than using that seaweed.
Mr Spanton put the average daily cost of the company's Surf'n'Turf product at 8 cents per animal, using one gram for each kilogram of feed.
University of Melbourne carbon farming professor Richard Eckard said additives performed better when cattle consumed them continuously in feedlots. Delivering supplements across extensive northern grazing properties posed a different challenge, he said.
Professor Eckard said producers needed substantial productivity improvements or inexpensive supplements to earn a return, with costs needing to fall below 10 cents per animal each day to obtain the carbon credit value.
