Reduce methane emissions with feed additives.

Cows burp methane because microbes in their stomachs break down plant material and produce methane as a byproduct. This process is common to all ruminants, which have specialized stomachs to digest fibrous plants efficiently. Most methane emissions (95%) are released through burping rather than from the other end. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with a warming effect 28 times stronger than carbon dioxide, emphasizing the need to reduce these emissions for environmental reasons.

Trials have shown that when fed at recommended levels, the additives cause no harm to the cows nor affect the quality of their milk or meat. European Commission approval, once granted, confirms the additives' safety. Preliminary data for Lome shows a significant improvement in feed conversion efficiency, allowing animals to use energy from their feed more effectively, rather than losing it as methane emissions. Currently, feed additives are only administered to barn-fed cows, as they can be easily mixed into their regular feed. However, this doesn’t mean cows will spend more time indoors. Additives for grazing cattle are in development, with implementation expected in the coming years.

The feed additives Bovaer and Lome are tasteless and unnoticeable to the cow, seamlessly blending into their regular feed. While red seaweed has a slightly stronger smell and taste, it’s carefully mixed into the feed to ensure the cows accept it without hesitation. Overall, these additives are designed to be easy for cows to consume, supporting their diet and health without disrupting their natural feeding habits.

Methane production in cows consumes about 10% of their energy, which is lost when they release methane gas through burping. While feed additives have the potential to boost animal productivity, this claim has not yet been confirmed for the current products we offer. To maintain productivity levels, it's important to slowly adapt the animals to their new diet, just as with any change in feed. 

No. Feed additives work specifically in the rumen to prevent methane emissions from being burped out by the cow. The manure is not affected and continues to function effectively for biogas production and as a fertilizer, just as it would without the additives.

No, the taste or texture of milk or meat is not affected by the additives. Rigorous tests have confirmed that feed additives do not leave any residues or add any substances that would impact the sensory qualities of beef or dairy products.

Yes. The feed additives are the result of years of research and have been proven safe for both humans and animals. They effectively reduce emissions without compromising the health or safety of livestock or people.

Currently, feed additives are only given to cows when they are indoors in the barn, as they can easily be mixed into their regular feed. This doesn’t mean that the cows will spend more time indoors just because they receive feed additives. Additives for grazing livestock are under development and are expected to be implemented in the coming years.

Methane emissions can be measured effectively using a measurement station in the barn. We continuously track emissions from individual cows as they approach the station for supplemental feed. By collecting sufficient data, we can model the overall emissions reduction for the entire herd, with the model closely matching real measurement values. We also monitor and verify these reductions over time, ensuring the supplements’ effects are accurately tracked. Transparency is crucial, so we publish climate impact reports that are accessible to everyone at www.voltagreentech.com.

Feed additives are easy to implement, requiring almost no adjustment to daily feeding routines. Additives can be incorporated into the cow’s mineral feed or protein feed before it even arrives at the farm, or mixed into the total mixed rations daily at the farm. Additives are currently fed only to stabled cows who receive daily feeding. Volta Greentech supports farmers and the whole supply chain with the Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) process on the farm, with emission reductions verified by third-party entities like RISE to ensure the credibility of the impact claimed.