Summarised by Centrist
A slow-release methane-reducing bolus (a type of large pill used in veterinary medicine) for livestock may soon be trialled on NZ beef farms, pending regulatory approval.
Developed by Ruminant BioTech and backed by AgriZero, a government-industry venture, the pill contains tribromomethane (bromoform), a chemical compound found in seaweed and chlorinated water.
Trials reportedly show methane reductions of up to 70 percent over 100 days.
The product, called Emitless, is designed for cattle weighing between 350 and 450 kilograms. A second product, Calm A Cattle Bolus, aims to reduce methane for up to four months.
Both are restricted from use in breeding or dairy cattle. The Environmental Protection Authority said the active ingredient fits within existing veterinary standards and does not require individual approval under hazardous substance law, though the product still awaits sign-off under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act.
AgriZero CEO Wayne McNee expects a limited rollout by early 2026. However, McNee acknowledged that unless such tools boost productivity, farmers will need financial incentives to adopt them.
Dr John Roche, chief science advisor to the Prime Minister and MPI, said two years ago, he was “reasonably confident” a methane-reducing bolus would arrive by 2030. Now, it may be available within months.
Ruminant BioTech’s investors include Rosrain Investments, NZ Green Investment Finance (a government-backed fund set to be shut down), and others.
