Bill Gates backs cattle methane-cutting tech: Could it help fight climate change

Cattle farming is attracting attention from climate scientists and technology companies because ruminant livestock, including cows, sheep and goats, release methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, during digestion, making livestock emissions an important target for climate action. Bill Gates-backed climate investment firm Breakthrough Energy Ventures has invested in Rumin8, an Australian start-up developing technology to reduce methane emissions from livestock. The company is exploring synthetic feed additives that target methane production inside a cow's digestive system. The approach could offer a way to reduce the climate impact of cattle farming without eliminating livestock production. However, promising laboratory and animal trial results do not automatically guarantee commercial success.