New methane-reducing bolus set to advance emissions reduction in grazing systems

The methane feed additive sector is entering a new phase, with Australian start-up Number 8 Bio progressing a novel methane-inhibiting bolus developed specifically for grazing livestock systems.

Number 8 Bio’s solution uses a proprietary organic small molecule to reduce methane in livestock using a unique “green chemistry” approach. Dubbed BetterFeed, the product will soon be available in a slow-release bolus format and is designed for use in beef cattle as well as sheep.

Number 8 Bio co-founder and CEO Dr Tom Williams said early trials of the boluses had delivered strong results, with methane reductions of up to 50 per cent observed in beef cattle who were administered BetterFeed.

“Typically, up to 12 per cent of an animal’s feed energy is lost to methane, and so our product is using an inhibitor of methane emissions to redirect some of that loss back into production,” Dr Williams said.

“We’ve also had really promising results in our trials to date, and we’re now doing some final testing to prove that out in larger, longer, real-world settings so producers can have confidence that these boluses will give them real bang for their buck.”

One of the most exciting elements of Number 8 Bio’s technology is its applicability to grazing systems, which have traditionally been very difficult to reach. Dr Williams said Number 8 Bio would first look to bring its solution to grazing systems to deliver productivity gains where 95 per cent of the nation’s livestock were produced. 

“For a long time, the field of enteric methane mitigation has been heralded as a breakthrough technology for agricultural productivity and emissions, but its benefits have only been realised in some production systems,” Dr Williams said. 

“We’ve got a whole new tool to drive profitability in a way that’s never been possible before, so we’re really excited to bring it to graziers and see the incredible gains they can achieve.”

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) is supporting this work through a multi-year co-investment partnership with Number 8 Bio focused on accelerating product development by generating additional safety, efficacy and residue data. 

MLA Group Manager for Sustainability Dr Joe McMeniman said the project reflects MLA’s focus on supporting the development of well‑evidenced methane‑reducing technologies for the red meat industry. 

“This investment is about strengthening the evidence base needed to support product development and industry confidence,” Dr McMeniman said.

“Innovative technologies that can safely and effectively reduce methane in grazing systems are critical to achieving long‑term productivity and sustainability outcomes for the red meat industry.”

Sheep and cattle trials of the solution are continuing across Australia and New Zealand in 2026, with Number 8 Bio to release further details on BetterFeed’s launch soon.