The small molecule inhibitor targets methanogenic archaea in the rumen, offering a novel and sustainable solution to significantly reduce methane emissions from ruminants.

Background

Atmospheric methane levels have doubled over the past century, driven largely by emissions from ruminants. Administration of methane inhibitors to ruminant feedstocks offers a scalable strategy to reduce agriculture-related carbon emissions. However, existing formulations lack the efficacy needed to sufficiently mitigate the impact of this greenhouse gas, underscoring the need for innovative and complementary solutions for control of ruminant methane emissions.

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Technology Overview

Ohio State University researchers, together with collaborators at National Cancer Institute and Virginia Tech, have developed an enzymatic inhibitor that could reduce enteric methane production in ruminants. By targeting methanogenic archaea in the rumen, this technology could provide an effective solution to mitigate livestock contributions to greenhouse gas emissions. The inhibitors can be administered through feedstock, as well as oral boluses designed for controlled release, ensuring prolonged and consistent activity within the rumen. This innovation offers a sustainable and practical approach to mitigating methane emissions without compromising animal health or productivity.

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Benefits

• Targeted microbial intervention
• Long-term emission control
• Environmental sustainability in agriculture

Applications

• Sustainable livestock management
• Climate change mitigation

Patents: Provisional application submitted

Seeking: Licensing