Scientists in India created a special mixture of helpful microbes grown from fruit and vegetable waste that they added to cow feed. When they tested it on young cattle for 98 days, the cows produced about 25% less methane gas (a major contributor to climate change), ate their food more efficiently, and stayed healthier. The microbes improved how cows digest food and reduced smelly ammonia in their waste. If this approach were used across all of India’s livestock, it could prevent millions of tons of methane from entering the atmosphere each year while actually making farms more productive.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a special live microbial additive made from food waste could reduce methane gas produced by cows while improving their health and feed efficiency
  • Who participated: 15 young dairy calves in a controlled feeding trial lasting 98 days, with additional laboratory tests using cow stomach fluid
  • Key finding: Cows fed 2% of this microbial additive produced 25% less methane, ate food 31% more efficiently, and had better digestion markers. At 3% inclusion, methane reduction increased to 30%.
  • What it means for you: This suggests a practical, sustainable way to reduce climate-harming methane from livestock farming while making farms more efficient and profitable. However, results are from a small study and would need larger testing before widespread use.

The Research Details

Researchers created a live microbial product by growing beneficial bacteria and fungi on fruit and vegetable waste. They first tested it in laboratory conditions using actual cow stomach fluid to see how it affected digestion and methane production. Then they conducted a real feeding trial with 15 young calves, dividing them into groups receiving different amounts of the additive (2% or 3% of their daily feed) or no additive as a control group. The study lasted 98 days, and researchers measured how much the cows ate, how much they grew, and how much methane they produced.

The researchers used multiple methods to measure methane: direct measurements from the feeding trial and laboratory predictions based on how the microbes changed digestion. They combined these measurements using a special calculation method approved by international climate scientists. This approach helps predict how well the treatment would work across larger populations of animals.

This research approach is important because it combines real-world testing with laboratory science to understand exactly how the microbes work. By testing both in the lab and with actual animals, researchers can be more confident the results are real and not just laboratory artifacts. The study also uses internationally recognized methods for measuring methane, making the findings comparable to other climate research.

Strengths: The study used controlled conditions, measured multiple important outcomes, and applied internationally accepted climate measurement standards. Limitations: The sample size is small (only 15 calves), which means results need confirmation in larger studies. The study was relatively short-term (98 days), so long-term effects are unknown. Results were from one type of animal (young dairy calves) in one location, so effectiveness in other cattle types or regions needs testing.

What the Results Show

When calves received 2% of the microbial additive in their feed, they produced about 25% less methane gas compared to control animals. Their feed efficiency improved by 31%, meaning they gained more weight from the same amount of food. The additive also increased beneficial compounds called volatile fatty acids by 46%, which are important for cow health and energy.

At the higher 3% dose, methane reduction increased to 30%, though feed efficiency gains were slightly smaller at 26%. Both doses significantly reduced ammonia in the manure (28% reduction at 2%, 12% reduction at 3%), which is important for air quality and farm odor.

When researchers scaled these results to India’s entire livestock population, they estimated the additive could prevent about 15.4 million tons of methane annually if adopted widely. This is equivalent to removing greenhouse gases equal to 432 million tons of carbon dioxide per year.

The microbial additive improved overall digestive health markers in the cows. The increase in volatile fatty acids suggests better fermentation in the cow’s stomach, which is the foundation of improved nutrition. The reduction in ammonia indicates more efficient protein digestion and less waste of nitrogen, which is both economically beneficial (less wasted nutrients) and environmentally beneficial (less air pollution). The fact that cows ate more efficiently means farmers could potentially feed fewer cows to produce the same amount of milk or meat.

Previous research has shown that various additives can reduce methane in cattle, but most require synthetic chemicals or expensive ingredients. This study is notable because it uses waste products (fruit and vegetable scraps) that would otherwise be discarded, making it a circular-economy solution. The magnitude of methane reduction (25-30%) is comparable to or better than many previously studied interventions, while also improving animal productivity rather than just reducing emissions.

The study involved only 15 calves, which is a small number. Results might differ with larger herds or different types of cattle (adult cows, beef cattle, etc.). The trial lasted only 98 days, so we don’t know if benefits continue long-term or if animals adapt over time. The study was conducted in India with specific local conditions; results might vary in different climates or with different feed types. The methane reduction estimates for the entire country are based on mathematical models, not actual measurements from thousands of farms. The cost-effectiveness and practical implementation challenges of producing and distributing the additive at scale weren’t fully addressed.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, the 2% dietary inclusion level appears most promising, showing strong methane reduction (25%) with excellent feed efficiency gains (31%) and good ammonia reduction (28%). This level could be recommended for further testing in larger herds. The 3% level shows slightly better methane reduction but with diminishing returns on other benefits. Confidence level: Moderate—results are promising but need confirmation in larger, longer studies before widespread recommendation.

Dairy and livestock farmers interested in reducing environmental impact while improving profitability should pay attention to this research. Environmental policymakers and climate scientists should note this as a promising scalable solution. Consumers concerned about livestock’s climate impact may find this encouraging. However, individual pet owners or small hobby farmers shouldn’t make changes based on this single study. Farmers should wait for larger-scale validation before investing significantly.

Based on the 98-day study, improvements in feed efficiency and methane reduction appeared within the study period, suggesting benefits could be seen relatively quickly—likely within weeks to a few months. However, this is based on a short-term study, so long-term sustainability of benefits is unknown. Farmers considering adoption should expect to see changes within 1-3 months but should monitor animals carefully for any unexpected effects.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily feed intake (in kg) versus weight gain (in kg) to calculate feed efficiency ratio. Users can input weekly weigh-ins and feed amounts to see if their animals are converting feed to growth more efficiently, with a target improvement of 25-30%.
  • Farmers can implement a gradual introduction protocol: start with 1% additive inclusion for one week, increase to 2% for the next week, then maintain at 2-3% based on results. The app can send reminders for weekly measurements and help track costs versus productivity gains.
  • Establish a baseline of current feed efficiency and methane-related metrics (if available) before starting. Track weekly: total feed consumed, animal weight, manure characteristics, and milk production (if applicable). Compare monthly trends to the baseline. Monitor for any adverse effects like digestive upset or behavior changes. Set a 12-week evaluation point to decide whether to continue, adjust dosage, or discontinue.

This research describes promising laboratory and small-scale animal trial results that suggest potential benefits of a microbial feed additive. However, this is a single study with a small sample size (15 calves) conducted in specific conditions. Before making any changes to livestock feeding practices, consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist familiar with your specific animals and local conditions. Results may vary significantly based on animal type, age, existing diet, climate, and management practices. This additive is not yet widely available or approved in all regions. Do not make significant farm investments based solely on this research. Larger, longer-term studies are needed to confirm these findings and establish safety and efficacy across diverse livestock operations. Always follow local regulations regarding feed additives and consult with agricultural extension services in your area.