Mootral unveils breakthrough technology for methane reduction in confined and grazing cows

UK- Mootral, a leading company in the field of methane emission reduction, has introduced a groundbreaking platform that promises to be both scalable and cost-effective. This innovative technology, called Enterix Advanced, is designed for application in both housed and grazing cattle.

Mootral’s scientists have elevated the effectiveness of their Enterix (formerly Mootral Ruminant) with a new patented technology. Enterix Advanced utilizes iodoform, a compound renowned for its methane-inhibiting properties. 

By synergizing iodoform with specific compounds derived from garlic, Mootral aims to enhance the original technology already deployed on commercial farms in the UK.

The key breakthrough lies in the powerful synergy between these compounds, which enables significant reductions in methane emissions without adversely affecting dry matter intake and milk yield—a concern associated with high doses of iodoform in the past, according to the developers.

“We have spent the last two years working on synergies between halogenated compounds and various other botanicals. And we found that iodoform still synergizes best with certain compounds from garlic,” Thomas Hafner, the founder and CEO of Mootral, explained. 

Highlighting the advantages of iodoform over bromoform, Hafner emphasized that iodoform is not ozone-depleting, or carcinogenic, and is already approved for specific topical applications in human and animal health. 

The safety data available for iodoform is expected to facilitate regulatory approvals and boost user and consumer acceptance.

Enterix Advanced introduces a controlled-release formulation crucial for bolus administration in grazing cattle, providing a unique advantage for global methane mitigation in animal agriculture. 

The shift from garlic powder to a specific garlic oil allows for a compact product on the milligram scale, fitting into a bolus for use in grazing cattle—a well-established method for sustained delivery of active compounds.

Mootral’s research and development team has completed the in vitro development and testing phase. In vivo trials are scheduled for 2024, with regulatory approvals anticipated by the end of 2026. The trials aim to assess methane reduction levels in different environments and validate safety.

The company aspires to achieve methane reductions ranging from 40% to 60%, depending on the feed used. Trials are planned in various locations, including New Zealand, central Europe, the UK, Latin American markets, and the US. 

While some countries require prior approval for iodoform trials, Mootral plans to engage in a diverse range of trial settings with different types of cows.

With ambitions to scale up the technology to benefit as many as 300 million cows within the next decade, Mootral aims to maintain a price point for the Enterix technology in line with its original product, emphasizing accessibility and widespread adoption of sustainable practices in the agricultural sector.

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