Rumen microbiome modification for methane reduction

Reprogramming the rumen through genetic modification or bioengineered gut microbes to reduce or prevent enteric methane emissions in livestock.

colorful dna double helix illustration representing genetics molecular biology gene sequencing and biotechnology research

Readiness Level

Priorities for scaling

high-risk pilotingcatalysing researchcatalysing development

The emission of methane and nitrous oxide from ruminants is controlled by diet, the animal’s genetic makeup, the rumen microbiome, and the complex interactions among these three factors. Each is being targeted by different research and development initiatives for reducing emissions (see Innovations Methane inhibiting feed additives and Low-emitting livestock). Recent studies have shown that the rumen microbiome is not drastically affected if methane is not produced, and it can adapt while producing different end products. By genetically modifying genes responsible for methanogenesis and what is downregulated during methane inhibition, the rumen can be re-programmed. The long-term goal is to deliver oral treatments, reintroducing bioengineered gut microbes, to calves to intervene in their microbial systems at an early stage and reduce methane emissions for the rest of their lifetimes.

Food System Area

agricultural inputs & primary production practices

The overarching problem addressed by this innovation is the pressing need to reduce the environmental footprint of animal agriculture, with a specific focus on greenhouse gas emission reduction. Globally, ruminant animals, like cattle and sheep, are significant methane producers, ranking as the second most important contributor to climate change after carbon dioxide. They have specialized stomachs that ferment their food, leading to the release of methane during digestion. This ruminant enteric methane accounts for as much as 30% of global anthropogenic methane emissions, making it a key contributor to the sector’s environmental footprint. Addressing these emissions is crucial for mitigating the livestock industry’s impact on climate change.

Problem area

reducing agricultural footprint

What impact could it have?

Human health impact

low

There are few, if any, direct human health benefits associated with this innovation, other than eliminating methane emissions, thus mitigating climate change.

Environmental impact

medium - high

This innovation holds the potential for medium to large environmental benefits by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ruminant enteric methane production. The extent of these benefits will depend on herd size reductions, as the possibility of 'environmentally-friendly' animal products, resulting from successful elimination of ruminant enteric methane emissions, may increase demand for animal products yet again.

Livelihood impact

low - medium

The impact on livelihoods is currently small, especially in the absence of carbon market incentives. However, there is potential for increased income if this innovation also optimizes rumen function for production alongside methane mitigation.

Socio-cultural impact

low

This innovation may face social acceptability constraints in some contexts, and there is a possibility of power concentration among a small number of innovation suppliers, contingent on production impacts.

Equity impact

low

In some small-scale ruminant production systems, there may be a small to medium equity impact, where innovation accessibility and cost could pose challenges for rural and disadvantaged producers.

Potential for transformative impact

high

This innovation holds the potential to be a game changer in addressing methane and nitrous oxide emissions from ruminant livestock. While uncertainties persist, its success could render other feed additives obsolete.

What factors influence scaling?

To date, technological developments to increase the sustainability of livestock production have depended largely on public investment and philanthropy. This is likely to continue in the short-to-medium term, as animal welfare and environmental issues come increasingly to the fore. Future private investment will be heavily dependent on the economic viability of specific sustainable livestock technologies.

Until this technology proves successful, other feed additives may continue to be used for short-term emissions reduction. In the long term, if this technology succeeds, it may eliminate the need for other methane-mitigating measures.

The geographic scope of this innovation is potentially global, applicable to all types of ruminant livestock production systems.

The adoption of this innovation is expected to be rapid and widespread, primarily driven by the potential for improved feed efficiency as a byproduct. Large, intensive producers are likely to be the initial adopters due to the associated costs and accessibility factors, although some uncertainty remains.

The expected disruption to food systems is low for most actors involved. This innovation requires minimal changes to existing farm systems and involves a one-time treatment per animal. However, it necessitates the establishment of a new supply chain.

Key stakeholders involved in this research space include UC Davis, Berkeley, San Francisco, and the Innovative Genomics Institute, among many others.

The widespread uptake of this innovation could lead to unintended consequences, such as increased production and consumption of animal-source food, potentially undermining the livestock sector's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The long-term sustainability and potential productivity tradeoffs remain uncertain.

No quantitative studies have been identified for this innovation at this early stage of development.

brown cows eating fresh green forage in farm pen representing cattle farming

Where is acceleration most needed?

Accelerator scores reflect the degree of action needed across eight key accelerators of change that can enable an innovation to scale. A higher score signals that greater effort and support are needed in that area to unlock uptake at scale. Click on each accelerator to see what’s been achieved and what still needs attention.

Building Trust

High

Building Trust

There is a need to address widespread public distrust of gene editing techniques in societies where this is not part of the envisioned future of food.

Transforming Mindsets

High

Transforming Mindsets

Transforming mindsets and gaining acceptance will be crucial, especially in the face of public distrust of gene editing techniques.

Enabling Social License

High

Enabling Social License

Gaining social license is crucial to drive research and development efforts forward, especially as much development is required before achieving commercial viability.

Ensuring Stable Finance

High

Ensuring Stable Finance

Stable finance will be essential for innovation development, roll-out, and creating viable value propositions for producers, especially if production impacts are significant.

Designing Market Incentives

Medium

Designing Market Incentives

Incentivizing the uptake of this innovation will be vital, in conjunction with incorporating greenhouse gas externalities into market pricing to enhance its competitiveness

Changing Policies and Regulations

High

Changing Policies and Regulations

Policies and regulations are likely to require substantial adjustments, particularly concerning health and safety standards and animal welfare considerations.

Safeguarding Against Undesirable Effects

High

Safeguarding Against Undesirable Effects

Monitoring the impact of this innovation will be crucial, potentially necessitating enhanced environmental indicator disclosure and sustainable development goal reporting.

Developing Transition Pathways

High

Developing Transition Pathways

Implementation plans will be essential, catering to various types of producers in different geographies, while safeguarding those who may be disadvantaged by the innovation's adoption.

Reference

Kumar P et al., 2022. New insights in improving sustainability in meat production: opportunities and challenges. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, DOI:10.1080/10408398.2022.2096562

Matthews C et al., 2019. The rumen microbiome: a crucial consideration when optimising milk and meat production and nitrogen utilisation efficiency. Gut microbes 10(2), 115-132.

Subedi U et al. 2022., The Potential of Novel Gene Editing-Based Approaches in Forages and Rumen Archaea for Reducing Livestock Methane Emissions. Agriculture, 12(11), p.1780.