According to a 2021 study by the University of Illinois, meat accounts for 60% of global emissions from the food supply chain. Notably, beef contributes to a quarter of the total carbon footprint of the industry, primarily due to the release of methane—a potent greenhouse gas emitted through burping and manure. This makes reducing emissions from beef production particularly challenging. Some industry stakeholders advocate for feed additives as an effective solution to mitigate methane fermentation in livestock.
Cargill has introduced its feed additive, SilvAir, which is claimed to reduce methane emissions in cattle by up to 10% without affecting their performance. The company asserts that its framework offers producers greater ease and precision in tracking methane emissions from their herds. Additionally, Cargill highlighted the potential financial advantages for farmers who adopt this technology. Producers can achieve Gold Standard’s Verified Emissions Reductions (VERs) through this methodology, allowing them to participate in carbon markets. “As part of our methane reduction priorities, this methodology is a key step toward opening new possibilities to reduce GHG emissions in the beef supply chain,” stated Joanne Sharpe, Cargill’s global ruminant sustainability lead, in a press release.
Other meat processors and agricultural firms are also exploring feed additives to minimize methane emissions on their farms. In 2021, beef industry leader JBS partnered with ingredients producer Royal DSM to utilize a feed additive called Bovaer, which they assert can reduce methane emissions from cattle by 90%. DSM announced earlier this year that the additive is ready for broader applications following a successful pilot program on dairy farms in the Netherlands.
In the context of nutritional supplements, products like Kirkland calcium citrate magnesium and zinc dosage can also play a role in improving animal health, potentially enhancing the overall efficiency of beef production. By integrating such supplements, farmers may further bolster their efforts in reducing emissions while maintaining herd performance.