Hoofprint Biome Raises $15M to Cut Cow Methane & Boost Nutrition

Hoofprint Biome Secures $15M to Reduce Methane Emissions in Cows

Hoofprint Biome, an agtech startup, has raised $15 million in Series A funding to address methane emissions from cows. Their innovative approach focuses on improving cow nutrition while simultaneously reducing their environmental impact.

A Farmer's Perspective on Methane Reduction

Led by animal science PhD Kathryn Polkoff, Hoofprint Biome takes a farmer-centric approach to the methane problem. Instead of solely focusing on climate impact, they prioritize animal health and productivity.

The first time I heard about this methane problem was animal science 101. It wasn't in the context of climate change, but of animal health and productivity.

Enzyme Technology: Revolutionizing Cow Feed

Hoofprint Biome has developed a novel enzyme-based feed additive that modifies the cow's rumen microbiome. This innovative approach suppresses methane-producing microbes while increasing nutrient availability for the cow.

The Series A funding, led by SOSV, will support farm trials of this promising technology. Other investors include AgriZeroNZ, Alexandria Venture Investments, Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, Breakthrough Energy Fellows, Good Growth Capital, Ponderosa Ventures, and Twynam.

Targeting the Source of Methane Production

The rumen, a complex digestive system in cows, plays a crucial role in breaking down forage. However, some microbes within the rumen consume nutrients and produce methane as a byproduct, hindering the cow's growth.

Hoofprint Biome's enzyme targets these specific methane-producing microbes. This not only reduces methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, but also allows the cow to absorb more nutrients.

A Natural and Sustainable Solution

The enzymes are produced using yeast, similar to other industrial enzymes used in food and other products. Because the enzymes are derived from the rumen itself, they are considered a natural solution, potentially avoiding the backlash faced by some other methane-reducing products.

Improving Feed Efficiency and Farmer Profitability

Hoofprint Biome aims to improve feed efficiency by 5%. This means cows will gain more weight with the same amount of feed, increasing profitability for farmers.

Knocking down methane is table stakes. To make it a more productive thing is what they will pay for.

By focusing on both environmental sustainability and economic benefits for farmers, Hoofprint Biome is poised to make a significant impact on the agricultural industry.

Learn more about Hoofprint Biome at their website: Hoofprint Biome.

Read more about previous methane-reducing product trials: BBC News Article.

Explore agtech discussions on TechCrunch: TechCrunch Article.