Who is Ruminant Biotech?
Ruminant Biotech was initially founded in New Zealand as a research and development entity. It has evolved into an agritech leader that is focused on being the world’s leading methane mitigation solution for livestock.
Using our technology, clinical trials have indicated a sustained reduction in methane by over 75% for 100 days.
What is your mission?
Our mission is to tackle enteric methane, which makes up about 6% of all total global emissions, with our bolus solution. This is a first of its kind, scientifically backed breakthrough in long-lasting methane reduction that is a safe, long-lasting, and practical solution.
How does your solution reduce methane emissions?
Our patented solution works by treating livestock with a plant-based, methane inhibiting bolus that sits directly in the animal’s rumen.
Over time, a low dose of the active ingredient is distributed in a small, sustained release.
The active ingredient is metabolised by methane-producing bacteria (methanogens), which prevent the production of this harmful greenhouse gas without disrupting the animal’s digestive system or harming it, reducing methane by around 75% for 100 days.
The casing of the bolus slowly breaks down over 100 days, releasing the active ingredient, before it is either passed naturally or regurgitated.
How effective is the bolus?
Clinical trials of our technology have indicated a reduction in methane by over 75% for 100 days following a single application.
Through the treatment of just two cows, our bolus technology has the ability to reduce methane emissions by the same amount as taking an average family car off the road for a year.
Why is your bolus solution better for pasture-based farming?
Our bolus is uniquely suited and practical for cows at pasture, which make up 80% of the world’s cattle.
Unlike feed additive solutions that require intensive, concentrated feeding environments, our single-application bolus delivers the active ingredient reliably for grass-fed systems, providing a powerful tool for the global AgriFood sector.
Safety, Health, and Regulation
Is your product regulated?
Our product is currently undergoing a rigorous regulatory review with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) Act, which we expect to finalise in the first half of 2026. The data from our studies are assessed by independent, high integrity regulators for animal safety, food safety and efficacy.
We are committed to this process to provide a vital layer of assurance to farmers, customers, and the public that our solution is effective and completely safe.
Is your solution safe for the animal and the food supply?
Yes. Our top priority is the safety of animals and the food supply chain.
The active ingredient we use is rapidly metabolised by the methane-producing bacteria (methanogens), preventing methane production without disrupting the animal’s digestive system or causing harm and ensuring there is no detectable residue in meat.
Does your product use bromoform?
Yes, our active ingredient is bromoform (scientific name; tribromomethane). This is a naturally occurring, organic compound that is commonly found in seaweed and in chlorinated drinking water.
Bromoform has been thoroughly researched as a methane inhibitor since the 1970s and is proven to be highly effective and safe at the doses we use.
Will bromoform end up in the meat of treated animals?
No.
Studies have found no measurable bromoform uptake or accumulation in meat or fat at the minimum effective dose.
The animal’s digestive system rapidly metabolises the compound before it can be absorbed, ensuring the food supply remains safe.
Why do some people express concern about bromoform’s safety?
We understand the public may have questions, with primary concerns often stemming from:
- Outdated Studies: Studies suggesting a link to carcinogenicity often involved outdated methods or doses up to 200 times higher than the low, sustained dose released by our bolus.
- IARC Classification: Bromoform is classified as “unclassifiable” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), (the same classification that is given to coffee), meaning there is insufficient evidence to conclude it is carcinogenic.
We want to reassure you that our top priority is the safety of animals and the food supply.
It’s worth noting that bromoform is proven to be highly effective at reducing methane in ruminant animals by decades of research, and that other methane reduction products leveraging this active ingredient already exist and are in use around the world.
What is unique about our technology is the delivery system that we have pioneered. While both boluses and bromoform have long been proven to safely treat livestock and reduce methane, Ruminant Biotech has created a solution that combines these two together, in a long-lasting mechanism that is practical to deploy and has the ability to drive huge impact on-farm and for our climate.
At the minimum effective dose, studies have found no measurable bromoform uptake or accumulation in meat or fat. The ruminant’s digestive system metabolises the compound before it can be absorbed, ensuring the food supply remains safe.
When will the product be available?
We plan to launch and commercialise our solution in New Zealand and Australia in 2026.
The recent investment we received will accelerate product development and regulatory approvals in priority markets including Brazil, Europe, the UK, USA, and Canada.