NZ-Backed Hoofprint Biome Raises $8.7M to Tackle Methane From Cow Burps With Enzyme Feed Tech
Auckland | 6 May 2025
Dairy Dimension Global News Desk
In a bold push to combat agricultural methane emissions, AgriZeroNZ, New Zealand’s flagship climate investment partnership, has committed an additional $8.7 million to Hoofprint Biome, a U.S.-based biotech startup developing novel enzyme-based feed supplements for cattle.
The technology, which has shown early promise in small-scale U.S. trials, is designed to cut methane emissions from ruminants by up to 80% while simultaneously enhancing gut health and boosting milk and meat yield by 5%. The funding takes AgriZeroNZ’s total investment in Hoofprint Biome to $13 million—its largest to date.
Dual Benefit: Lower Emissions, Higher Productivity
Hoofprint Biome’s breakthrough innovation involves two key developments:
- A daily enzyme blend added to supplementary feed, designed to significantly suppress enteric methane while increasing production efficiency.
- Next-gen probiotics that could eventually be administered weekly or monthly, targeting beef and extensive grazing systems where daily supplementation isn’t feasible.
“The real win is if you can produce more milk and meat from the same feed while dramatically reducing emissions,” said Wayne McNee, CEO of AgriZeroNZ.
The first product, still under regulatory review, is expected to launch in early 2027, pending approval by New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
New Zealand Trial Planned
Hoofprint Biome is actively seeking research partners in New Zealand to conduct local animal trials. Given that livestock methane accounts for nearly 50% of New Zealand’s total greenhouse gas emissions, such trials are viewed as strategically critical.
McNee confirmed the product’s format—small daily doses administered during milking—makes it ideal for dairy systems. Future probiotic versions could be suited to beef and sheep farming, where regular feed supplementation is less viable.
A Global Race to Cut Methane
AgriZeroNZ, a public-private climate venture, is co-owned by the New Zealand Government and leading agribusinesses including:
- Fonterra
- Synlait
- Silver Fern Farms
- Ravensdown
- The a2 Milk Company
- ANZ, ASB, BNZ, and Rabobank
The fund has invested in a portfolio of methane-reduction technologies, including:
- ArkeaBio, a U.S. firm developing a methane vaccine
- Ruminant Biotech, creators of a slow-release methane-reducing bolus expected to hit the market by 2026
- Fonterra’s experimental “Kowbucha” probiotic for methane mitigation
Meanwhile, local scientists continue working on vaccine and inhibitor-based solutions, giving New Zealand farmers an expanding menu of tools for emissions compliance and climate adaptation.
“Having multiple products available will not only drive adoption but also keep prices competitive for farmers,” McNee noted.
There is potential for combinatorial effects between products, though more data is needed to determine if synergistic gains are possible.
A Model for Methane Innovation Worldwide
With methane mitigation becoming a top agenda item for global climate targets, New Zealand’s investment-led approach—powered by science, public-private capital, and farmer-centric design—is emerging as a model for other dairy-producing nations, including India, Ireland, and Kenya.
