ECO-METHANE

A PROFITABLE ENVIRONMENTAL APPROACH FOR LIVESTOCK FARMERS

Published since 2001, research and development studies carried out jointly by Valorex and INRA (the National Institute for Agricultural Research) have shown the link between animal product (milk/meat) fatty acid properties and reduced greenhouse gas emissions (enteric methane) produced by ruminant digestion.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

In the light of this finding, in 2011 with the French Government, and in 2013 with the UN, Valorex validated a patented methodology for the indirect measurement of methane emissions by livestock based on the fatty acids in milk. Called Eco-Methane, the aim of this method is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by ruminants through more balanced feed containing grass, alfalfa, linseed, etc.

Improving the zootechnical performance of livestock farmers

Methane production during the animal’s digestive process causes energy intake losses. So reducing this leads to less energy loss and better herd profitability: improved animal health, higher productivity and better fatty acids profile in milk and meat.

By making adjustments to ruminant feed, herd greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by 20% and the economic performance of farms can be improved at the same time.

600 livestock farmers committed to Eco-Methane and fewer tons of CO2 produced each year

Innovative and voluntarily undertaken by farmers, the Eco-Methane solution facilitates decision-making aimed at reducing methane emissions by ruminant herds in agriculture and in the animal feed industry. Today in France, 600 livestock farmers have signed up to the Eco-Methane approach. Using an official calculation method, Eco-Methane farmers can gain from reducing their emissions in the eyes of their network, their customers, and government authorities.
Patented by Valorex, Eco-Methane is the only official method for measuring and reducing farming greenhouse gas emissions that is approved worldwide by the UN.

It is already being used in 8 countries: Israel, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, Hungary, the United Kingdom and France. It is appropriate for dairy cattle, beef cattle and goat farms, where an average reduction in methane emissions of 15% has been observed.

Highlighting agriculture’s environmental involvement

According to the FAO (the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization), livestock farming accounts for 18% of greenhouse gas emissions on Earth, 2.7% of which are caused by dairy cattle belching. This underlines the importance of the Eco-Methane approach in terms of environmental impact.

It is a specific example of the “Socially Responsible Food” movement started by Valorex, promoting farming practices that are able to reconcile farming performance and the nutritional quality of animal products for the benefit of human health and protecting the planet.

Would you like to sign up to the ECO-METHANE approach?
Contact us for more information.