"CJ Feed & Care Launches Eco-Friendly Feed to Reduce Methane in Dairy Cow Burps and Farts"

Launch of Eco-Friendly Dairy Feed 'Methan Solution' with Patented Technology
First Commercialization of Methane-Reducing Feed in the Dairy Feed Industry

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] CJ CheilJedang's feed and livestock independent subsidiary CJ Feed&Care has developed and launched an eco-friendly feed that reduces methane emissions from cows.

On the 21st, CJ Feed&Care announced the launch of the eco-friendly methane reduction dairy (milk cow) feed 'Methane Solution' and the beef cattle feed 'Beef Methane Solution 600.'

The newly launched 'Methane Solution' is an eco-friendly feed that significantly reduces methane in cow burps and flatulence, which are major causes of air pollution, and is the first methane reduction feed in the domestic dairy industry. According to a survey commissioned by CJ Feed&Care to Konkuk University, dairy cows fed Methane Solution for two weeks showed a 36.6% reduction in methane emissions compared to those fed regular feed. Notably, there was no change in milk production, indicating that it is eco-friendly while maintaining productivity.

Cows ruminate in the first of their four stomach compartments after eating feed, during which methane produced by microbial activity is emitted. CJ Feed&Care secured patented technology for feed additives that suppress methane-producing bacteria in the cow's stomach and applied this to the methane reduction feed.

CJ Feed&Care plans to first expand demand for Methane Solution in the domestic livestock market and actively pursue entry into overseas markets. This is based on the judgment that the growth potential of eco-friendly feeds, including methane reduction feeds, is high as carbon emissions trading systems are expanding globally to the livestock industry. For example, New Zealand, where about 10 million cattle are raised, plans to impose taxes on greenhouse gases emitted from livestock farms within this year, strengthening related regulations.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a single cow emits more than 50 kg of methane annually for beef cattle and more than 120 kg for dairy cows. Although methane concentration in the air is low, it is known to cause about 20 times more greenhouse effect than carbon dioxide. For this reason, research and development on technologies to reduce methane emissions from cows have been ongoing, centered on global feed and livestock companies.

A CJ Feed&Care official stated, “With the launch of methane reduction feed, we will lead the eco-friendly transition paradigm in the feed and livestock sector,” and added, “We will continue various advanced feed research and development from an ESG (environmental, social, and governance) perspective.”