Another biotechnology startup has joined the ranks of companies targeting livestock feed additives designed to inhibit enteric methane emissions.

Sydney-based Number 8 Bio has raised $7 million in seed capital from investors Main Sequence, Breakthrough Victoria and The March Group to advance product development, scale up a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and forge key commercial partnerships.

Number 8 Bio co-founder Dr Alex Carpenter in the lab.

The company told Beef Central it is working on prebiotics, synthetic bromoform (a compound similar to that used by Perth-based feed additive developer Rumin8, which duplicates the mode of action of asparagopsis seaweed) and a non-bromoform synthetic inhibitor.

The company told Beef Central more specifics on the ingredients would be available once trials conclude.

Number 8 Bio co-founder Dr Tom Williams said the funding marked a pivotal moment in advancing his company’s efforts to reduce methane emissions in agriculture.

“Our unique approach not only promises to reduce rumen emissions by up to 90 percent, but also rumen productivity, making a significant return on investment for farmers possible.”

“We see methane abatement as an exciting opportunity – for farmers, animals, and the planet. We’re developing a feed additive that consistently decreases these emissions from livestock, helping the beef and dairy industries decarbonise and retailers reduce Scope 3 emissions,” Dr Williams said.

The company said its deep scientific expertise and high throughput testing was the key to unlocking improved productivity alongside methane mitigation – seen as a key differentiator compared with others currently on the feed additive market.

Well-advanced trials bein g conducted in collaboration with Queensland Animal Science Precinct (QASP) and the University of New England are examining the technology’s effectiveness and consistency.

“To feed a rapidly growing population on a warming planet, there have to be multiple solutions – we all need to do our part,” Dr Williams said.

“With a farmer-first approach, Number 8 Bio recognises the complexities and uncertainties farmers face regarding emissions. The initial successful exploration of yeast has now evolved into advanced testing of synergistic ingredients and prebiotics, allowing them to optimise the product and reduce costs even further,” the company said in a statement.

“We’ve designed our product alongside farmers to best suit all conditions, ensuring it makes both financial and sustainability sense,” Dr Williams said. “Our product variants are tailored for intensive and extensive operations, allowing for seamless integration.”

The recent funding injection was welcome support as Number 8 Bio nears the end of its initial trials, bringing the company closer to market readiness and ensuring delivery of value and improved feed conversion efficiency, the company said.